During the pandemic, designer Eny Lee Parker acquired an 1870s farmhouse in Connecticut that was in foreclosure, marking the beginning of an extensive renovation project aimed at revitalizing the historic property. Spanning 1,716 square feet, the house—named Brandy Hill Farm—became a collaborative effort between Ms. Parker and Soren Ferguson, her studio’s manager, who relocated from New York to assist with the restoration.

The partnership emerged after Ms. Parker finalized her divorce in 2022 and purchased full ownership of the home from her ex-husband. Mr. Ferguson proposed contributing financially toward materials in exchange for equity in the house, a plan that allowed him to maintain creative input and investment while residing on-site during the renovation before relocating to Seattle.

Their work focused on honoring the farmhouse’s historical character while integrating modern amenities, a balance documented on social media throughout the process. A key design principle was preserving original elements such as exposed pine rafters featuring a deep amber patina, which were left visible to reflect the home's 19th-century roots.

In the kitchen, the designers replaced melamine cabinets that did not align with their vision. Mr. Ferguson customized cabinet units sourced from Lowe’s, crafting new drawer fronts by hand and repainting the face frames to match the home’s existing trim. The cabinetry was completed with Shaker-style ceramic knobs handmade by Ms. Parker, enhancing the space’s handcrafted aesthetic.

Countertop selection underscored their commitment to resourcefulness and cost-efficiency. After dismissing stone options due to a high estimated expense, Mr. Ferguson acquired large oak slabs at an auction and undertook the labor-intensive task of resizing and finishing them. The resulting solid wood countertops brought warmth and authenticity to the kitchen. Remaining portions of the wood were fashioned into a kitchen island featuring spiral legs, a design motif echoed in the home’s stair railing and interior columns.

The project extended beyond structural renovation to include furniture crafted from reclaimed materials. Early in the process, the pair agreed to demolish a deteriorated barn on the property. Mr. Ferguson salvaged the barn’s wood, some of which was repurposed into a sideboard that Ms. Parker uses for pantry storage. The sideboard’s distinctive wood bear marks from its equestrian past, as horses had rubbed against the surfaces over time, preserving a tangible link to the land’s history.

Through their efforts, Ms. Parker and Mr. Ferguson emphasized sustainability and preservation, reviving Brandy Hill Farm with a focus on handcrafted details, original materials, and a deep respect for the farmhouse’s heritage.