This country home was once a crumbling 1840s Gothic Revival cottage. The original proportions of the dormers and chimneys were preserved.

Before

The outbuilding-style structure offers shade and boasts a brick fireplace.

The story of this house starts with a generous gesture. Once upon a time, architect Julie Dixon's parents decided to build a family retreat outside of Farmville, Virginia. Before they could get started, Julie's father-in-law, Gene Dixon, surprised her parents by saying, "I own a house you can have, if you'll just move it." Julie's mom and dad, Jane and Lowry Kline, accepted the offer. They dismantled the nearly dilapidated frame house and trucked it, gable by gable, to a handsome site on their farm some 30 miles away.

Staying in Character
Julie and architect Keith Scott spearheaded the challenge of rebuilding, restoring, and expanding the old farmhouse. They reconstructed or restored each of its unique features, including the elegant staircase, the early mantelpieces, and the oldest section: a log cabin room. Salvaged materials, down to the handmade bricks, were reused for authenticity.

The architects designed a two-story addition that provides the bedrooms, baths, kitchen, and other living spaces the Klines needed. A new porch that wraps around the rear of the house creates exterior dining and seating areas. Anchored by a pavilion that resembles a simple farm outbuilding, the clean-cut pool presents beautiful reflections of the setting.

Keep It Original • During restoration, retain as many existing details as possible. Julie says, "We went through the rubble in the foyer and found pieces of all the millwork needed to rebuild the staircase, including the rail, balusters, and the Gothic trim." • Use old materials in creative ways. Several rooms were reconstructed to their prior dimensions so that aged floorboards and trim pieces could be used intact. Wood for facing several walls was obtained by re-milling centuries-old planks.

"2007 Southern Home Awards: Best Before & After" is from the October 2007 issue of Southern Living.