Driven by a desire for a character-filled country retreat, Steven Barbery envisioned a future on a peaceful farm in Bucks County. The antithesis of his relentless, globetrotting career in the luxury goods industry, Steven Barbery invested in that dream back in 1995, acquiring a Richboro farmhouse dating back to the 1700s. Homes of this age require a certain constitution; not the least of which includes patience and commitment to restoration.  But the home held a unique charm, and over the years as Steven would visit his home between business trips, the vision began to emerge for what could be. When the events of 2020 compelled Steven to spend more time in his Bucks County home, the vision began to crystallize; it was time to renovate.

Milex Residential became the key partner in Steven's renovation journey. Barbery recounted how their paths crossed during his morning walks, where the persistent presence of contractors working on a neighboring house led to a fortuitous connection. As the newly minted team began to plan the renovation, the balance between modernization and historical preservation was a goal; it was of utmost importance to maintain the farmhouse's historical charm while incorporating modern amenities. The task required meticulous planning, ensuring the new additions seamlessly blended with the existing structure, embodying the Bucks County aesthetic.

Initially envisioned solely as a home addition, the project evolved into a complete renovation. Barbery's priorities, such as a spacious kitchen, a bathroom with ample closet space, and the addition of a garage, expanded the scope. The entire house, including the old section, underwent a metamorphosis, emerging as a harmonious blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort.  The kitchen, a focal point of Barbery's vision, features custom inset cabinetry crafted locally in Bucks County. The second floor encompasses a luxurious primary bathroom and closet, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail. A highlight is the transformation of the third floor into an inviting living space, where historical elements like mortise and tenant joint beams are preserved and refinished.

Barbery, often away due to work-related travels, entrusted the project to the Milex Residential team, perhaps even more than the average renovation client. Because the team fostered a relationship built on trust and effective communication,  challenges that arose were met with attention and innovative solutions. One example of the team's problem-solving prowess arose when it came time to renovate the existing walk-in fireplace.  When the idea of maintaining the original structure became cost prohibitive, the Milex and Barbery worked together to arrive at  solution that made functional sense but kept the spirit of the project in tact.  Through research and collaboration, they decided to integrate a gas fireplace into the space,  but to incorporate hand-made tiles from The Tileworks in Doylestown, a national historic landmark originally owner by Henry Mercer that is now also a museum.

Steven Barbery's farmhouse, now restored to its former splendor, stands as a living testament to the seamless union of history and modernity. The dreams that once flickered in Steven's mind have been translated into a home that not only honors the spirit of the past but warmly welcomes the comforts of the future. A symphony of time and vision, this restoration ensures the farmhouse's vibrancy for the next century, encapsulating the essence of Steven's enduring dream. •