Red Barn

built in 1764, this home is now a private residence on a cidery

The Red Barn, located in Keswick, Virginia, sits on the property of Castle Hill Cider — a popular Charlottesville wedding destination and hard cider brewery.

Project Type:
interior and exterior restoration

Distinguishing Fact:
old foundation was demolished, barn was lifted and foundation was rebuilt

Materials & Finishes:
limed knotty cedar panels, stone mined from the property for fireplace surrounds

The property’s main structure was built in 1764 and was the original home of Colonel Thomas Walker, mentor and guardian to Thomas Jefferson. The Red Barn was built in the early 1800s and served as a hog barn. The barn’s humble origins were elevated to new heights thanks to a full restoration that qualified for a historic rehabilitation tax credit.

Working with the owner, ILEX started from the ground up, demolishing the existing foundation, lifting the barn, rebuilding the foundation, and tenting the entire barn for termite treatment. Inside, a luxurious interior renovation featuring the impeccable craftsmanship of ILEX Woodworking took place throughout. The renovated structure features high vaulted ceilings and exposed beams punctuated by a dramatic chandelier and crisp pendant lights. Richly-textured masonry fireplaces were built from stone mined on the property.

The kitchen and bath boast sleek modernist custom cabinetry which melds seamlessly with the one-of-a-kind wall panels that are found throughout the house. Created by ILEX Woodworking, the wall panels are made from limed knotty cedar and run horizontally along the walls. The sophisticated interior design keeps the structure light, open and inviting. Today, the barn is used as a residence for the owner as well as a wedding suite for visitors of Castle Hill Cider.

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