Wells Ranch

Greater Philadelphia Area
Residential

For over a decade, this 100-year-old stone colonial was home to a nature-loving family. But as their family expanded, so too did their vision for the space. They came to us with a challenge: could their cherished historic home evolve into something both timeless and entirely new? 

That vision came to life through a bold yet seamless transformation: a significant addition that respects history while embracing modern details. Rather than treating the old and new as separate identities, we wove them together through a singular architectural gesture: a striking steel and glass staircase that serves as both a sculptural statement and a unifying element.

The design philosophy extends beyond structure. The facade of the addition is composed of three distinct fieldstones, chosen to complement—not replicate—the original home. Inside, the materials tell a story of patina and permanence: reclaimed wood, unlacquered brass, honed stone, and handcrafted details. The new spaces felt lived-in from the moment they were completed.

Throughout the home, nature is not just an influence but an anchor. The earthy, muted tones found in forest greens, deep navy, rift white oak, and natural limestone are drawn directly from the family’s mountain retreats. A state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen juxtaposes Bluestar appliances with hand-selected Church Hill Soap Stone (delete  Imperial Danby marble), while a retractable wall blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

In the primary suite, the balance of old and new reaches its most dramatic expression: a blackened wood wall, created using the shou sugi ban technique (burned by the client's own family) contrasts against pristine Vermont Schist stone and Calacatta marble. The resulting master bath now feels both organic and indulgent, deeply rooted in craft.

Elsewhere, layered details infuse the home with character and soul:

• A wallpapered ceiling in the dining room, paired with a floating stone shelf and modern brass gallery rail above the bar.

• Original fireplaces and exposed beams juxtaposed with sleek steel accents.

• A custom-built banquette, designed for long, lingering meals.

The result is a home that feels both grounded and forward-looking, where every detail reflects a deep respect for the past while embracing the way this family lives today.