THE BISHOP HOUSE: A MODERN VERSION OF A TIMELESS CLASSIC
By Lisa Rolen
If you're out on a country drive, just outside of Chilhowie, Va., you might be lucky enough to come across the home of Kyra and Tom Bishop nestled at the base of the Appalachian Mountain range. It isn't what you expect to find at the bottom of Mount Rogers and the distant White Top Mountain. The area is sparsely populated, and just when you think you know what the area is about, there it is--a beautiful, stately Greek Revival plantation house situated high on a bluff. Upon closer inspection, though, it looks to be in excellent shape--no dilapidation around the edges telling the story of centuries. Then it hits you: this is a new house that has been made in the spirit of our young and proud country.
In building the house, the Bishops culled the best of the South's architectural heritage as a reference, then adapted the best technology and techniques available to bring their dream house to life. Full of the enthusiasm that comes from following a true passion, Tom and Kyra reveal their devotion to craftsmanship as they guide visitors through the house, recounting stories and pointing out special details.
Elements like the waist-high leaded copper flashing surrounding the outside and weep holes that allow the exterior brick to breathe are rarely seen in today's countless Mc Mansions. The exterior brick was laid in an ancient pattern used to stabilize buildings when the walls used to be built to a thickness of three courses of brick. Lending even more authenticity are the foundation stones rescued from an 1880s house that was being torn down. The chisel marks of the original stonemasonry tell their own story.
The pegged cedar shutters are attached with wrought iron hardware, and they actually shut. A metal and wood shop was set up on site to ensure that craftspeople could really practice their artistry--many of whom expressed how happy they were for the chance to be part of a project that followed the traditions associated with fine building.
It is this love of tradition that makes the Bishop home truly "crafted" rather than merely "built." Everywhere there is evidence of luxury--but not the obvious, flashy kind. It is the luxury of fine materials and attention to details that impresses the senses. True divided light windows that are also insulated along with solid handcrafted cherry doors look and feel different than their popular modern-day (and more economical) aluminum-clad and hollow-core counterparts.
Biscuit-joined trim; wide-planked floor boards that are tongue and grooved on the ends as well as the sides to prevent cupping; plumbing that has each fixture on its own individual homerun to the basement; heated garage floors; cutting-edge fireboxes made of lava stone to reduce foundation load; insulated interior walls and floors for sound proofing; thresholds that are dropped in the bedrooms for that extra measure of privacy; plastered wall, geothermal heating; and on demand hot water systems--all of this is heady stuff to a construction junkie. But usually if you see great construction, the disappointment comes in the decor. This is not the case with the Bishop house.
The Bishops, long practitioners of doing things right the first time, gave equal devotion to the decorative elements of the house by employing artisans in the region to create an architectural gem designed for family living. The foyer is welcoming with its curved, tear-shaped staircase. The vaulted arch is unique but not overpowering. It is here that we are introduced to the quality of the woodwork throughout the house. The walls are faux painted to give the patina of age. The dining room leads to the kitchen, an intimate and beautifully appointed room that makes it easy to imagine the great dinners that have taken place at the table.
This new-generation kitchen is fit for a professional chef (and as a matter of fact, the Bishops employ one of the best chefs in the region), with several cooking and prep stations as well as state-of-the-art appliances that are more than a mere nod to the benefits of modern technology. Far from clashing with the more organic countertops, they are an unexpected complement to the honed Vermont soapstone.
The center island has a custom-built long, narrow sink that has been used for cleaning fish, displaying iced shrimp and cooling wine for a casual party. The gas cook top is vented through a beautifully aged copper hood, the motor of which was mounted outside to dampen the sound when turned on. The copper lends a soft glow, amplifying the warmth of the hand-rubbed cherry cabinets. No polyurethane here or on any other cabinetry or trim in the house.
The kitchen is also, however, a very layperson-friendly one, designed to be used by the Bishops' friends and grown children. The two dishwashers make quick work of the many dishes that come with the Bishops' commitment to good food and good company.
The living room has a library feel to it with its rich, warm wood-paneled walls (a humidifier was installed in the heating system to keep the wood stabilized). The comfortable seating area in front of the fireplace resonates the peaceful quality of the house. During the day the ornamental details of the column-clad windows frame the magnificent view, while in the evenings the room is the ideal spot for a late night brandy by the fire.
Each bathroom is unique. The vanities are made from antique chests of drawers, and the cast iron vessel sinks are imported from England. All the fixtures are brushed nickel, lending a vintage quality that suggests the house has been there for years.
The master suite is a quiet haven complete with a seating area nestled close to the fireplace and more of those compelling views of the mountains. The true luxury here is the silence: the soundproofing changes the quality of the air. It feels wonderfully private. Off to one side is the dressing room. The floor along the perimeter of the room is lined with cedar for a clean scent that is subtle rather than overwhelming. A serene place indeed to start and end the day.
In contrast, the second floor celebrates a truly modern lifestyle with a well-equipped gym and a theatre room full of amazingly comfortable leather recliners for watching big-screen movies.
The house is the culmination of the artistry and skill of many, and the Bishops readily credit all who contributed. The couple's modesty belies their vision, though--and such rare dedication to crafting a meticulous, high-quality home with a real soul is a testament to their integrity and ideals. The Bishops are heralding a renewed interest in the craftsmanship of past master builders.
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Lisa Rolen is a freelance writer and designer living in Johnson City.
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Reprinted with permission of Marquee Magazine
