Over the years, an imaginative variety of projects have characterized the company’s portfolio. From the elegant lines of a expansive formal residence to the welcoming view of a country cottage—and just about everything in between—Matt’s goal is to express the owners’ vision for their new home and build it to last.

Robb Construction is also well known for its long history and expertise in constructing energy-efficient homes, particularly with the use of insulating concrete forms, as well as in the employment of geothermal systems. With their office just a quarter mile from Bundoran Farm, and their established practice of building just one home at a time, they are posed to make sure can a new homes built by Robb Construction at Bundoran Farm will receive the best of care in every detail.

For more information and to see photos of some of their projects, feel free to visit thief website at www.robbconstruction.com.

Last week we held the on-site, pre-construction meeting with Sandy and Betsy Stuart on their homesite at Bundoran Farm.  Architect Andy Andrews skillfully designed a classical Virginia Farmhouse to sit in around the site of a former farm cottage.  Sandy and Betsy Stuart will be working with DeTuncq Builders, a new member of the Bundoran Farm Guild, to bring their design vision to reality.

Brad DeTuncq, Betsy Stuart, Andy Andrews and Sandy Stuart at the Stuart's Homesite

As a hopeless romantic–it was no surprise to me that after we hung the
giant almost half ton doors on the grand entry gable that Dean asked me
on my way out last night if he could have my keys so that he could lock
up….in the old days once the doors were hung the citadel was safe and
they keys were passed to the keeper of the castle….a perfect metaphor
for the unbearably bittersweet transition from us winding down to Pippin
Hill ramping up–only two weekends this weekend.

What I will miss most–until coming back in a few weeks for the grand
opening–is the sweetness of a team of entirely disparate people all
pulling together to create and exquisite work of art venue in about half
a year of construction.  Not a miracle per se–but indeed  testimony to
what can happen when people love each other and work together to
accomplish something that matters to all of us.  I am blessed to have
been a part–and ache with the loss of departure-while leaving a huge
piece of my heart wit the people, the project, and the panoply of the
creation’s beauty here at Pippin Hill.

As a perfect symbol–yesterday the excavator pulled up in his bulldozer
to drop of a tub of his wife’s home made molasses cookies–what more
could anyone ask for?

I am going home now–until the next–but likely lesser odyssey.

george abetti – geobarns

This luncheon will be held at City Space, 100 5th St. NE, on the Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, VA. Doors open at 11:50 and the Seminar begins at approximately 12:10 pm.

For more information about this luncheon and other programs sponsored by the James River Green Building Council, visit JRGBC.

Their mission is to design and build high quality, lasting structures.  For them, the foundation of these homes is developing strong relationships, based on trust, with their clients.  For Alexander Nicholson, the client’s experience throughout the construction process is every bit as important as the final product.

Throughout the company’s history they have shied away from building in planned communities.  However, the preservation development model that Bundoran Farm utilizes has convinced them of the value of this concept.  They are excited to work with a development team that is creating a community based on respect for the environment, the agrarian nature of Albemarle County, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.

Jack and Mike along with their friend and construction colleague, Howard Pape, founded Building Goodness Foundation in 1999.  Building Goodness Foundation is a volunteer organization based in Charlottesville, VA that organizes skilled craftspeople, construction professionals, and other passionate volunteers in a positive, collaborative effort to design and build structures for communities in need.  Contributing their time, talent, and resources to local and international communities is a core value of our organization.

Matthew got a lot more diagonal framing done–including some of the
internal sheer walls and further function to stabilize it–as big open
shell with no floor system in the 40×90 main venue–the ends have to be
rock solid.  Also quite exciting was the beginning of the backfilling of
the rest of the foundation–which means we will be able to tackle the
rest of the building by mid next week.

I took some pictures with the floodlights on–starting to look very
architectural….and large…

george abetti – geobarns

There is no mistaking the feel of driving across one of the country roads in and around Bundoran Farm. One cannot fully describe the feeling of serenity and appreciation for the natural environment and sheer beauty that one appreciates when visiting Bundoran Farm.

Ilex believes that journey through Bundoran Farm should continue as you walk through the door of your new home.  A well built and beautiful home is a retreat and in many ways, a canvas, upon which we all paint our life’s story. The family memories built in your Bundoran Farm home will last a lifetime.

Finding a builder that appreciates timeless beauty and fine construction is a natural extension of what brings us all to Bundoran Farm in the first place. Ilex has an award winning architectural millwork shop with the ability to create custom cabinetry, millwork, and specialized rooms like gun rooms, wine rooms and other areas that make your house your home. In addition to fine craftsmanship, Ilex is committed to green building practices.  With several LEED Certified Professionals on staff they work their clients to ensure that their homes are efficient, healthy, and working in harmony with the environment.

At Ilex Construction and Woodworking, quality is achieved through our talented people, great teamwork and vision. A client’s architects’ vision, their precious resources and knowledge, and Ilex’s passion for timeless quality; all come together to create distinctive living environments. Ilex’s experience is their strength and their build quality for a lifetime.

To find out more about Ilex Construction and Woodworking a different kind of company please visit their website,  www.ilexconstruction.com

Bundoran Farm Guild

The Bundoran Farm Guild is comprised of builders, architects, designers, craftspeople, and artisans who share a common belief that quality of design and craftsmanship are integral components of creating superior built environments.  The Guild will focus its efforts on establishing the highest standards of quality for design, craftsmanship and customer service at Bundoran Farm, and on improving the tradition of design and craftsmanship of the region.

We got terribly cold as the sun started to set and called it a day and
ran from the wind into whatever shelters we are fortunate to have–even
if one of them is a Winnebago that rocks in the wind with no insulation
other than multiple quilts on my bed….when it gets too cold I just
start the engine and warm up a bit….the space heater just does not
keep up on a night like tonight.

george abetti – geobarns

We were also very fortunate that that large tasting room basement
foundation was poured last Wednesday since it requires a ten day hiatus
to cure before backfilling–which means we can move northwest to do the
rest of the posts and girders and mirror image kitchen section (opposite
end of the entry/bridal areas)….which will then allow us to start the
roof system….the big goal for before Christmas.

I drove 2000 miles this past Thanksgiving weekend….feeling every bit
of it trying to get my bearings…:-\

george abetti – geobarns