Custom Industrial Cabin and Matching Playhouse

The Concept

The Barries came to Harmon Builders in February of 2021 with the intent to build a vacation home on a 4+ wooded acre lot they had purchased in Knoxville, MD just across the C&O Canal from Harpers Ferry, WV. Originally, the couple considered building an A-frame home kit.  After several discussions and meetings, however, they decided to go with a fully custom industrial cabin home. They wanted a home that they could tailor more to their lifestyle needs with their two young sons. (Watch the home being built.)

Custom Industrial Cabin

This “industrial cabin” in the woods features a dark, low maintenance/ pest resistant vinyl board and batten siding with a warmly stained wooden front porch for relaxing and viewing the eastern sunrises. The owners dubbed the house “The C&O Abode” during construction for its proximity to the canal and river.

The home’s uncluttered look of vast white walls and trim, allows the eye to follow the rise to an aerial vaulted ceiling. The carefully specified white trim and charcoal accent doors and accessories speak to the owner’s personal aesthetic. The contemporary approach to form and function is a nod to their family’s playful charisma and love of the outdoors. A partial basement houses the utility space for personal storage, as well as servicing all electrical, plumbing and HVAC equipment.

Family Space with Views

The home features two master suites – one on each floor – with two ensuite bathrooms that feature a set of handmade vanities and a custom tiled shower. The first floor also offers a powder room that reflects the owners’ sense of fun.  The 2nd floor master bedroom with ensuite bath sits underneath an uncluttered vaulted ceiling.  A nearby roomy loft provides space for playing board games and cards and overlooks the cathedral ceiling. With the knee wall, the loft looks into the living room that faces southwest for viewing amazing sunsets through colossal trapezoidal windows.

Custom Cabinetry

The home’s baths and kitchen boast stunning handmade custom cabinetry built with a hickory species as a nod to the abundant hickory trees on the property.  The custom kitchen, with organic black, leathered granite tops, great room and powder room all sit on a heated concrete floor to keep toes toasty in the winter months.

Airbnb and Matching Playhouse

The Barrie family is fully enjoying their weekend getaway spot and even able to use the “C&O Abode” as a rental on Airbnb.  We love that the matching playhouse we were asked to build for the children is the Jr. C&O Abode!

Thanks!

Harmon Builders would like to thank the Barrie Family for their glowing 5-Star review for their custom industrial cabin!

Thank you to our design assistant on this project, Lisa Tumbarello of Potomac River Interiors.  Lisa collaborated on the conceptual, early design of the Barrie’s vacation home.  The Barries visited Lisa’s own home, even before theirs was constructed, and were inspired to go custom after seeing her open kitchen/living room concept and second story loft.

Photo Gallery

Take a look at the finished project photos below. 

Matching Playhouse – “Jr. C&O Abode”

After we finished the main cabin, the clients were so thrilled with the home, their parents decided to have us build a matching playhouse for their grandchildren to enjoy.

We at Harmon Builders, believe in:

• using local mills with indigenous woods (Oak, Maple, Hickory, Cherry, Walnut)
• using recycled materials whenever possible
• supporting local schools and community
• educating clients in ‘green’ resources available
• supplying local materials cultivated in our area and around the Mid-Atlantic.