“The land really drew us in,” Lauren shares. Set on an acre with agricultural zoning, a well, and irrigation, the property offered a rare opportunity to build something deeply personal. While dreams of gardens, animals, and outdoor living lingered in the background, the home itself quickly became their focus.
What followed was a five-year transformation rooted in patience, creativity, and an evolving vision. Lauren’s love of historic character met Chris’s appreciation for modern architecture, resulting in a home that feels both grounded and unexpected. “When we added something new, I made sure to add something old,” Lauren explains, layering modern finishes with vintage details to create balance and depth.
The renovation went far beyond surface updates. The home was fully rewired, the basement rebuilt and reimagined, and the layout thoughtfully reworked to improve flow and function. A new front porch and expansive six-car garage added both presence and practicality, while inside, each space was carefully considered and crafted.
Lauren’s design process was deeply personal and ever-evolving. Each room began with a piece of art, guiding the color palette and tone. From there, she sourced materials through countless hours of searching, scouring eBay and Facebook Marketplace for just the right lighting, rugs, and furnishings. “It became a bit of an obsession,” she admits.
The result is a home rich in detail and intention. Custom elements are woven throughout, from hand-built kitchen cabinetry and one-of-a-kind stair risers to carefully curated lighting and layered paint palettes. “Every wall was painted at least twice,” Lauren says, reflecting a commitment to getting it just right.
Beyond the walls, the property became a place for memory-making, apricots harvested from mature trees, evenings spent in the garage working on projects, and space for kids to ride, play, and grow.
Still, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Years of ongoing DIY work tested their endurance, but reaching the finish line brought a deep sense of pride. “It felt cathartic,” Lauren shares.
Now, as they prepare to pass the home on, their hope is simple: that the next owners can step in and enjoy it fully. “I hope they’re able to relax and continue building on what we started.”
A home once unlivable is now layered with story, craftsmanship, and care, a true reflection of the life lived within it.
