No Ordinary Home : Another Historic Renovation with Reclaimed Wood

Federal Home Company has done it again. Well, they are almost finished. I just visited the McLean, Virgina The Ordinary, a farm home built in 1842 on two acres which happens to be a stone’s throw away from the CIA, while at the same time, giving the sense that you are miles away from civilization.  Doug Deluca and Matt Bronczek, the partners of the companies that take “ordinary” homes and turn them into extraordinary pieces of livable art and science have been working on this property and hope to fully complete soon.  But, they are very very very detail oriented perfectionists and let no inch behind for question.

As I take my tour last Friday, I am in awe of the space indoors and outdoors.  Using reclaimed wood from barns around the country as well as the antiques that had been discovered in the former Civil War hospital, they have transformed the home into a modern architectural wonder world.  “Everything operates from that iPad,” Doug tells me as he points to the wall in the welcoming foyer. As we descend down the narrow stair case to the basement which used to be at a whole other level because of the sub floor, he shows me the rack with bright blinking lights.  I shake my head.  The most modern technology in this stunning historic home actually makes sense.  Whether up in the attic or in the updated bathrooms with wall, window, floor detailing which could be missed by the naked eye, or in the library with its multiple-white washed book shelves, or the shadow on the ceiling with the light fixture, the wide doors, the back Dutch door, or in the state of the art kitchen or viewing the stained glass features…it is all museum-like.

Then we wander outside to where the barn would be built, the guest house would be finished and the massive organic garden where not only heirloom tomatoes with basil are found fresh, and overflowing, but also where peanuts (we ARE in the Commonwealth, after all) are underground changing from root to nut.  ‘This area here is going to be where the tee-pee will be put up,” Doug gestures behind the guest house.  The tee-pee will be equipped with all modern day needs like a flat screen, you know for those party guests who need to crash…in private.

I ask about the tree.  The tree. The tree at which I can’t stop staring. He tells me the arborist said its older than the house.  Hundreds of years old. The tree is so fat and tall, I think it should never be cut down.  “Oh, it’s not coming down!” Among his many are nature and health.  By profession, he’s a designer and for a hobby, an artist (he has hundreds of paintings which he has done, an extensive collection, much of which has nautical and Americana themes).  Because of his chosen vocation, he is actually able to control some environment and nature, like not having the tree chopped down, or making an organic garden, or developing a reusable water system with rain water, or perusing the country for old barns and buildings so they can be utilized in current or future projects.  “Reclaimed America isn’t just about Americans buying American,” he explains.  We live in a global economy.  People from all over the world look at our furniture and accents made from wood and material that is centuries old.  We have something special to offer the world right here from our own history.

Doug and Matt’s team have many projects now, commercial and residential, but do continue to make reclaimed tables, chairs, other furniture which would be fitting for any home or even business.  As our society continues to embrace and endorse the reclaiming of America, expect to see more of these types of opportunities.

Enjoy the photos below and MORE HERE.

original signatures from Civil War soldiers

some of Doug's artistic works