These clients fell in love with ten acres in Tryon perfect for their wholesale plant business, but they knew the 1.5-story brick bungalow that came with it needed serious work. The size and structure were good, but the systems were outdated and the interior felt dark and cramped. They wanted a bright, modern farmhouse that could accommodate their active outdoor lifestyle and welcome extended family when they visited from out of state.

The existing floor plan presented several challenges. With the front door facing the road but the driveway approaching from the side, guests were never quite sure where to enter. The downstairs had three small bedrooms squeezed around a tiny single bathroom, while upstairs offered two rooms and a doorless bathroom with barely enough headroom to meet code. The kitchen was barely functional, and there was no laundry room.

I worked with them to reimagine how the house could function for their lives. We moved the main entrance to face the driveway and shifted the interior stairs to create a foyer. By shifting a few doors I was able to give the main level bathroom eighteen precious inches, and improved the flow between the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The kitchen became a spacious and functional gathering space, and the back porch was enclosed to become a combined laundry room and pantry.

The second floor required a bigger intervention. We removed the existing roof and added a couple feet of knee walls with attic trusses, giving the upstairs the headroom it desperately needed. This renovation transformed the cramped second floor into a generous primary suite with a bathroom, walk-in closet, and a sitting area overlooking their beautiful property.

On the exterior, we replaced the brick with lap siding and added a wraparound porch that we partially screened to double their living space much of the year. New energy-efficient windows and improved insulation created a tighter building envelope. We also added a carport with an electric vehicle charging station.

The result is a home that is functional, efficient, and welcoming. Most importantly, it gives them plenty of reasons to enjoy both the indoors and the outdoors of their Tryon farmhouse.