David & Kathie M

“This cottage represents one of six projects which Bill Ware and High Caliber Construction have completed for our family over the last twelve years. Bill was willing to move to the Northern Neck to be on location to oversee the project to completion. In typical Bill Ware style, he was easy to work with, detail oriented, unflappable when the unexpected arose and as usual, completed the project on budget and on time. For us, it was an exciting and enjoyable six months.

We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the contributions of our architect, Mark Kestner (to whom Bill steered us) and Bill’s wife, Lisa Ware, whose eye for design and color was invaluable.”— David & Kathie

The River House

This is a getaway-home project we built on the Potomac River for long time Charlottesville clients. Designed in conjunction with architect Mark Kestner, the home takes full advantage of its riverfront location, while reflecting the vernacular style of Virginia’s Northern Neck.

Encompassing over 3,000 sq. ft. and featuring a 1,000 sq ft. wrap around screened porch on the riverside, this 6 Bedroom/4 Bath home is built to accommodate family and friends. It features heart pine floors as well as extensive custom poplar tongue-in-groove walls; poplar and heart pine beams, recovered from historic Virginia homes, are in full display in the Family room, Kitchen and Dining area.

With woodworking a long-time hobby, David was intimately involved with all aspects of the wood design elements, including personally crafting the focal point riverside window seat on the 2nd Floor and building the striking Kitchen peninsula countertop from new heartpine flooring. The ladies of the family added touches that bring home the feel and flow of the old small cottage which was for years, dating back to the children’s early childhood, a comfortable and comforting getaway.

The Northern Neck tradition of the family now lives on in The River House.