It’s all about the land.
In 2016, Sarah and Glen began a journey on 66 acres of family farmland in South Charleston, Ohio. Located on the western edge of the 1700 Virginia Military District, the site had a rich history, from grazing land to an 1850s gravel pit for the Columbus/Xenia Railway to a site for multiple dump areas. In the 1960s, the land was abandoned and left to lie fallow.
Glen and Sarah set out to reclaim the land in 2016, and now, fifty acres of farmland produce 25 acres of hay, with the rest a managed wood lot. Until recently, the addition of a family home on the property was just a dream.
The family approached the architect in the spring of 2018. After learning the history of the land and understanding the requirements and desires of the clients, the architects’ first sketch produced the guiding image that led them through the entire project.
A meandering drive approaches the home with views of the woods, planted fields, and Civil War cemetery. The drive passes a clearing for visitors that leads to the front door and continues on to the attached garage. The house sits on a knoll to look over the reclaimed land. It is long and low to encourage the feeling of being grounded on the land, yet soaring with the plains.
Locally sourced stone, black stained acacia wood siding, and highly energy-efficient materials are found throughout the home. The soaring wood ceiling, defined by an overall butterfly roof, is a strong element that connects the interior of the home with the outdoor space. The layout of the home is perfect for this empty nest couple who like to entertain indoors and out. The primary bedroom suite is secluded by a glass bridge that marks a transition from public to private space, and the view from this suite at sunrise would make anyone happy to wake up early. The second glass bridge houses utility rooms and leads to two guest rooms on the opposite side of the house.
This is an important story of reclaiming fallow land and designing a home that belongs, sitting on the land with dignity and respect. The estate will serve the owners for the rest of their years and generations to come.
Architect/Designer | Springhouse Architects
Builder | Glen Courtright
Landscape Architect/Designer | Yellow Springs Design
Interior Designer | Springhouse Architects
Photographer | Kelly Ann Photography
