Designers Donning Hammers
While the design process has always been important in the home building industry, Carol Patterson and Peter Epstein have taken it to a whole new level. They have created the first designer-built home. From the position on the land to the hand-staining of the wood beams, the fashion designer and shipbuilder have collaborated to create a home like no other.
By Auburn Cecil

  The home, White Oak Knoll in Goodview, was designed in its entirety to be a showcase. It’s a showcase of the design ability of Peter and Carol as well as the many amazing home choices you can make while designing or remodeling. From Moen faucets to Pella windows and doors, the house is packed with the latest styles and choices. And of course, as a designer house it features new ideas and creative solutions.
  “We have some unique talents that many people just don’t have,” said Peter, who previously designed ships. “We both offer design experience in very different industries. Building this house gave us the opportunity to use those skills to create a home someone would love. People want fun homes that they can really enjoy.”
  While the home building industry has progressed tremendously and customization has become easier than ever, there are still aspects of the design process that many people don’t comprehend. If you’re wondering how much difference it could make to have a designer oversee every step, you just have to walk through White Oak Knoll.
  The theme of the house comes from a 150-year-old oak tree shading the entrance to the property. Using that and the gorgeous views of farmland that surround the home as an inspiration, Peter and Carol chose hand-carved oak leaf and acorn trim and designed everything to create a peaceful and serene setting. All of the solid-oak doors and trim work were created from aged Russian Oak, so everything matches in color and grain. Many of the lighting fixtures and other strictly functional items were hidden to provide the desired ambiance without affecting the design. And each tile, paint color and stain was custom-matched by Carol and Peter.
  In most building situations, jobs like hand-staining the woodwork are done by someone who was hired by the team who was hired by the contractor. Not at White Oak Knoll. If you stopped by during one of their typical construction days, you may find Peter himself with a paintbrush in hand, staining a beam for the third time to ensure the coating is perfect. From painting the window sills to installing fixtures, they did much of the work themselves just to ensure it was correct. Even on the jobs that they left to the experts, Peter and Carol were always right there.
  “Everything has something artistic about it,” said Peter. “There is a difference between someone who considers painting a job and someone who considers it a craft. We look at the whole house as a work of art.”
  For Peter and Carol the artistic side of the project began immediately. “We designed the home to work with the property and we specifically looked for property that was not on the lake,” said Carol. “I have always loved the pastoral setting with views of farmland. We’re going to do a lake home next, but this is where we wanted to start.”
  Along with the artistic details, Peter and Carol put a lot of thought into the way people live. The basement features a soundproofed screening room for watching movies or the big game. The large kitchen is open to the great room and a beautiful view. The master bath features a Jacuzzi tub surrounded by windows open to a private garden. And, the home is designed with a three-car garage with  mud room. The third bay has been set up to double as a workshop and thus features both 110 and 220 volt electrical outlets.
  “We really thought about everything,” explained Carol. “We loved the idea of a soundproofed screening room and a great room for the family. The house is designed to be completely functional and showcase unique ideas.”
  Whit Oak Knoll has been designated by Moen as a 2005 Virginia Showcase Home. For a tour or more information, call Peter Epstein or Carol Patterson at 540-721-3590.