Strand Millas

Archer & Buchanan was retained to complete renovations to Strand Millas, a circa 1700 home constructed by the Gregg family near Montchanin, Delaware. Modifications were made to the historic home in the early part of the 20th century, and later a wing was added off the rear of the home that included an unusually large kitchen with garage below.

To meet the current homeowner’s needs in the renovations to Strand Millas, the rear wing was adapted to reflect more contemporary motifs and introduced steel windows and doors along with an east facing porch complete with custom sliding dog gate. The porch accommodates relaxed family living and dining and provides a direct link to the pool area, all strengthening the connection between indoors and out.

Within the older part of the home, the entire second floor was adapted to become a primary suite with his and her baths, and dressing areas. Among the interesting challenges associated with this adaptation was determining how to support a gorgeous freestanding soaking tub in the middle of one of the former early bedrooms. Collaborating closely with our builder, a method for inserting steel amongst the existing timber frame elements of the 1701 structure was devised. All throughout the home our client, an interior designer, blended a lush aesthetic of care worn antiques and rustic materials to create an inviting family environment to serve several generations comfortably.

As part of the renovations to Strand Millas, a kennel wing of an existing stable was adapted into a pub incorporating materials salvaged from the project and employed to create a rustic pub aesthetic. The design intention for this structure was to imply the building had always been inhabited with the clients’ collections of art and furniture when in fact the underlying structure was completed upgraded for this particular re-use. Walls were insulated to provide thermal and environmental efficiency then plastered in the period-appropriate style. Additionally, a new roof was installed on top of existing so that, when looking up from within, the original is what is visible.