In a stunning display of vision and craftsmanship, a family recently unveiled their dream “century” home, a labor of love that blends historic charm with modern living. Shared on Reddit’s r/centuryhomes community, the post titled “My family built our dream ‘century’ home” has captivated viewers, amassing significant attention with its breathtaking photos and heartfelt story.
In the heart of Bethesda’s Glen Echo neighborhood, a unique story of preservation and reinvention unfolds with a $3.2 million custom-built home that defies its modern origins. Completed in 2003, this six-bedroom, five-bathroom residence was the vision of a couple who sought to capture the elegance of Washington’s Gilded Age.
Crafting a Timeless Treasure
The process began with a hand-drawn floor plan. They envision a home that combines the formal grandeur of their past lives with the practical needs of suburban family living. They scoured the country for materials, incorporating cedar columns from New Orleans, chandeliers from Atlanta, and front doors salvaged from a Pittsburgh rowhouse.
This eclectic collection, blended with Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Queen Anne Victorian styles, creates an authentic yet functional early 1900s ambiance. The house, now on the market for $3.19 million, features antique fireplace mantels, stained-glass door panels, skylights, transoms, and plaster crown molding.
The family hopes to sell to someone who will cherish the design, even suggesting a classic oven or appliances as a cool addition, showing their openness to the home’s next chapter.
A Community’s Mixed Reactions
The online response has been a mix of praise and playful speculation. Commenters called it “lottery dream house territory” and a “true labor of love,” with one suggesting it could become a stunning Airbnb due to its ample restrooms and proximity to the Potomac, near Washington, D.C.
However, concerns linger about its future, with some fearing new owners might alter its soul, joking about painting cabinets black or floors grey—a trend some dubbed a “funeral home” vibe. The family’s close neighborly setting raised eyebrows, but the consensus leans toward celebration, with remarks like “Whoever buys that is one of the lucky people alive” and “Hats off to your parents for building something so wonderfully inspired.”
The post’s success, with thousands of votes, underscores its universal appeal, though some worry about the rising costs of craftsmanship today, noting similar homes struggle with insurance due to wood and labor expenses.
Passing the Torch with Hope
As the family prepares to move on, their focus shifts to finding a buyer who will honor the home’s unique character. They’ve expressed a bittersweet sentiment, with one commenter acknowledging, “I’m sorry you guys are leaving. It must be heartbreaking.” Yet, the house’s legacy lives on, offering a “special opportunity” for another family to inhabit a modern home with century-old charm.
The community’s engagement, with suggestions ranging from a group buy among Redditors to inquiries about building resources, reflects a shared desire to preserve such treasures. For century home enthusiasts, this family’s creation serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and tradition, proving that with care, a dream can transcend generations.
