Rose Hill Farm in Centreville

While the setting is idyllic, the site presented notable design and engineering challenges. Carved into the hillside overlooking a nearby nature preserve, the sloping terrain required a terraced approach to achieve a usable backyard and to subtly minimize the home’s visual height when viewed from below. A detached, bank-style carriage house was strategically positioned along a prominent retaining wall, taking advantage of the grade change while maintaining the cohesive aesthetic of the main residence. The result is a property that feels grounded in its landscape—balanced, timeless, and tailored to its natural contours.

Inspired by summers spent in Chatham, Massachusetts, the homeowners envisioned a home that blended the formality and symmetry of the Federal style with the relaxed charm of a Cape Cod house. The result is an enveloping U-shaped plan that embraces a welcoming arrival court and creates a sense of intimacy across the five-acre estate. The exterior façade features white-painted clapboard siding, red brick chimneys, and a cedar shake roof that will weather gracefully over time.

The homeowners’ appreciation for fine art, proportion, and craftsmanship guided every design decision, creating a composition defined by symmetry and balance yet grounded in warmth and approachability. Inside, tall ceilings and refined millwork establish a traditional rhythm, while generous windows invite natural light and frame views of the rolling countryside. Stepping through the front door, a continuous sightline extends through the gracious stair hall. A series of arched openings with panel jambs and fluted pilasters recall classic Federal motifs.

The beating heart of the home, the kitchen is a light-filled, welcoming setting oriented at the rear of the residence to take full advantage of the sweeping views beyond. A large central island anchors the room as a vibrant hub for entertaining, while the adjacent butler’s pantry functions as a hidden prep station. Just beyond, the eat-in dining area is delineated by a reclaimed wood beam that lends texture and warmth, its surrounding windows drawing the landscape into the family’s daily life.

Every detail at Rose Hill Farm speaks to the homeowners’ vision of an enduring family estate—one that honors the area’s architectural past while embracing the rhythms of modern life. With its graceful proportions, natural materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship, the home stands as both a gathering place and a legacy—rooted in tradition, yet designed for generations to come.