Last updated on October 26th, 2024 at 07:58 am
This article is a list of the best vacation home builders in the U.S. Whether you are dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway, or a contemporary vacation home, these contractors are capable of building the most awe-inspiring luxury retreats for you. Some of these companies have a complete team of builders, architects, and designers who can help you carry out your vision from custom design to construction, while some are building experts with decades of construction experience. No matter your requirements, these builders are ready to make your dream vacation homes a reality.
If you are in the market for a vacation home builder, this article is a great starting point. These 35 builders were chosen because of their capabilities, their impressive portfolio of work, the value of the homes they have built, and their superior workmanship. They were evaluated based on the awards they have received, their memberships to prestigious industry organizations, and features in national and local media publications.
B.L. Rieke Custom Homes
14352 W 96th Terrace, Lenexa, KS 66215
Kansas City home builder BL Rieke Custom Homes has over three decades of experience in the construction industry. It operates with clients’ needs in mind, building homes that are high quality and well-suited to the needs of their would-be owners. Its services are also very client-centric, customized to match the client’s vision for their home. The company is also well-regarded in the area as one of the best, having received multiple American Dream Awards from the Home Builders Association of Kansas City, and awards from its annual Parade of Homes.
In 2018, B.L. Rieke Custom Homes finished the construction of the featured rustic retreat-style custom home. It features natural finishes like stone and aged wood, and has a color palette that is dominated by browns and white. The living area stands out because of its vaulted ceilings and the homeowner’s choice of vintage chandeliers.
Beck Building Company
780 Nottingham Rd., Avon, CO 81620
Beck Building Company is an award-winning home builder. It was founded in 1972 in Colorado, where it has an extensive and diverse portfolio of home building projects. The company is an active member of industry organizations, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), USGBC, and the National Custom Builders Council (NCBC). It has also received several awards, including a 2018 Luxe RED Award from Luxe Interiors + Design, and the 2015 National CotY Regional Award.
Among its award-winning projects is the contemporary vacation home in Vail Golf Course. It features high-end finishes like floor to ceiling walnut lift, Oklahoma sandstone veneer, and copper wall panels. It also has a copper and stone water feature, outdoor grill areas, and a balcony with views of the Gore Range. The project won the prestigious American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Crystal Award and was featured in the Glass Class issue of Vail Valley Home.
Bensonwood
6 Blackjack Crossing, Walpole NH 03608
Founded in 1974, Bensonwood is one of the country’s leading contractors for sustainable home construction. It is led by founder Tedd Benson, who is an authority on green building. Benson is a respected professional, often invited to speak at national and global conferences, including the annual Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Through his leadership, the company is recognized as a leader in passive home construction, custom fabrication, and timber framing. Its work has been featured in national publications, including Architect Magazine, Builder Magazine, and Forbes.
Working with I-Kanda Architects, Bensonwood built the featured cabin on a rock, which serves as a weekend residence for a family of four. The 900-square-foot cabin is perched atop a granite ledge, which overlooks the valleys of Thornton. Keeping in line with Bensonwood’s emphasis on green construction, the builders worked around the uneven bedrock and preserved the natural landscape of the area.
Birdseye
3104 Huntington Rd., Richmond, VT 05477
Birdseye is a Vermont-based architecture and building company. Founded in 1984, it has built homes that exhibit its intimate understanding of its home state’s geography and culture. Combined with its passion for master craftsmanship, Birdseye has steadily risen to become one of the area’s top builders. Because of its meticulous and innovative approach to construction, the company has won several awards from AIA. It has also figured prominently in publications such as The New York Times, Architizer, and Metropolis Magazine.
Among Birdseye’s best projects is the Cantilever House, which was featured in STRUCTURE + Design. Located on the waterfront, the home is a modern interpretation of traditional camp retreats. It is divided into two buildings, with one level built adjacent to the lake. The home’s communal spaces open to the shoreline through a glass facade. Birdseye used a minimalist range of materials, which helped lessen the home’s impact on its environment.
Brian Geer Development & Construction
144 W. Brigham Rd., Bldg. E., St. George, Utah 84790
Brian Geer founded his own company in Utah after perfecting his craft as a general contractor and framer in Southern California for 16 years. Now, with three decades of building experience, he is known as a master builder of custom luxury homes. Brian Geer Development & Construction is also a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Green Professional, and is a member of the Southern Utah Home Builders Association.
The company recently finished the construction of the featured modern home in the distinctive Entrada Country Club at
The Cliffs of Snow Canyon. Homeowners have unending views of the canyon’s rock range, thanks to the house’s floor to ceiling windows. Brian Geer Development & Construction also furnished the home with luxurious hot tubs, a fountain, pool, and fireplace. The home also has a private guest retreat, complete with an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes
8910 E. Raintree Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes’ genesis dates back to 1986, when long-time carpenter Tony Calvis and architectural designer Gary Wyant met. Today, they continue to lead the company in building custom luxury homes throughout Arizona. Their team is composed of expert architects, designers, and builders who work together in streamlining the design-build process. Through collaborations with clients, the company has won major awards like the 2018 Best in American Living Award (BALA). It has also received numerous accolades from magazines Professional Builder, Pacesetter, and Home Book.
With nearly four decades of work in Arizona, its portfolio is filled with diversely designed homes—from Bali-inspired homes to sprawling European-style manors. Among its best work is the featured Mediterranean villa, which makes use of an excellent mix of finishes to stand out in its neighborhood. Calvis Wyant Luxury Homes used bricks for the barrel ceilings, aged wood for the flooring, and distinct industrial chandeliers. The home features a pool, outdoor lounge areas, and a fully equipped kitchen for the homeowners.
Canyon Creek Custom Homes
8908 Azure Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89149
For over 20 years, Canyon Creek Custom Homes founder John McDonough has been successful in building custom homes in Las Vegas. The company’s mission is to build exceptional living environments that complement its client’s lifestyles while also following environmentally sound construction practices. It offers custom home building, remodeling, commercial tenant improvements, and even land development.
Canyon Creek Custom Homes is the builder of the featured Tuscan estate. The home stands out because of the beautiful stucco and brick exterior. The upscale home exudes Old World charm through the use of dark wood, warm-colored bricks, and earth-toned flooring. The firm also installed tray ceilings, sliding barn doors, and marble-clad kitchen countertops.
Colby Construction
709 Milwaukee St. Suite A, Delafield, WI 53018
Colby Construction is a Wisconsin-based custom home builder that was founded in 1981. It was opened by Pete Feichtmeier, who has been actively leading the company since his ownership in 1989. Under his leadership, the company became one of the area’s premier builders. It has a portfolio of exquisite homes with meticulous exteriors and interiors, and is also a member of the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA).
One of Colby Construction’s best projects is the Modern Belle. This project stands out because of the clean contemporary finishes used to complete the home. Throughout, the dominating colors are black, white, and light wood, with some touches of gray. This palette is executed particularly well in the kitchen, where a black kitchen island contrasts with the white cabinetry and light wood flooring.
D.L. Miner Construction
11 Clermont Drive, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
D.L. Miner Construction is one of New Jersey’s most reputable builders of luxury homes. Since its founding date in 1984, it has built and renovated more than 350 custom luxury homes in the area. It was founded by owners Brian Stuart and Don Miner, who share the values of talent and integrity in leading their company. Together, Stuart and Miner set a sterling standard for their company. It is recognized as one of the area’s premier builders, having been featured in Design New Jersey, House and Home, and Philadelphia Magazine.
In Southern New Jersey, D.L. Miner Construction has built luxury homes in a variety of styles. From traditional to contemporary, the company has helped clients build their dream homes by New Jersey’s beaches or bays. Its projects are forward-thinking, balanced by the high-end amenities and functionalities that homeowners appreciate.
ECOterra Design-Build
8100 Wyoming NE, M4-347, Albuquerque, NM 87113
ECOterra Design-Build is an award-winning home builder in New Mexico. The company is known for its specialty in building green, which involves the use of energy-efficient materials, water conservation, and eco-friendly materials. It also specializes in the design-build approach, with an emphasis on environmental consciousness and modern home building technologies. The firm is a member of HBA Central New Mexico, the Green Build Council of New Mexico, and is also an NAHB Certified Green Builder and Certified Energy Manager.
ECOterra Design-Build built the featured Spanish style vacation home in Placitas. The home blends with its desert landscape thanks to the firm’s chosen materials. Its exterior walls are finished with stucco, complemented by the red clay roofing tiles. It also has ornate doors and windows, with subtle nods to Santa Fe’s colorful contrast of terracotta and blue.
Foreman Builders
3202 Valley Pike Suite 1, Winchester, Virginia 22602
Foreman Builders combines excellent construction with elegant architectural designs to deliver outstanding homes. Its services are very client-centric, with the goal of forging strong working relationships with them. Because of this, it has become one of Virginia’s most reputable and successful home builders. In the past, it has won prestigious awards like Realtor’s Choice and Builder of the Year from the Top of Virginia Building Association. It is also a member of NAHB and Energy Star Certified.
The featured project is one of Foreman Builders’ best work. Located in the woods, the mountain retreat is a peaceful and relaxing space for the owners. Its exterior blends with the natural landscape of the area through its wood and stone cladding. Inside, it was decorated with exposed beams, a vaulted ceiling, and finished with a complete gourmet kitchen.
Gabriel Builders
641 Garden Market Dr. Suite A, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Gabriel Builders was founded in 1984 by husband-and-wife duo Gus and Belinda Rubio. Nearly four decades later, it is recognized as one of the best custom home builders in South Carolina. It is known for its attention to detail and handcrafted approach to homebuilding. The company is also among the most reputable in the area, having been named as National Custom Home Builder of the Year by NAHB. It has also received numerous state-level awards, including Pinnacle Awards from the HBA of South Carolina, and Bridge Awards from Southern Home and Garden.
In Keowee Springs, Gabriel Builders built the featured family retreat. Constructed for a family of seven, the home has ample gathering spaces that take advantage of the stunning views. It also has natural finishes like traditional stucco, stone, copper, shiplap walls, and terracotta tiles. The 8,400-square-foot home features seven bedrooms, eight full baths, and two laundry rooms. In 2018, the project won a Pinnacle Award for New Home Construction in the $3 million to $3.5 million range.
Garrison Homes
19413 Jingle Shell Way, Lewes, Delaware 19958
Garrison Homes is a third-generation homebuilder that specializes in building waterfront homes and beach cottages. Its portfolio is diverse, showcasing both traditional and modern homes for clients in Delaware’s beachside neighborhoods. Throughout its two-decade history, it has built more than 450 homes in the area. Some of its projects are also award-winning recipients of Regal Awards from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Delaware.
In King’s Creek Golf Course, Garrison Homes built the beach and golf retreat vacation home. The home’s curb appeal is quite commanding, standing out from the lush green landscape of the golf course. The 3,400-square-foot home features a renewable bamboo flooring, piano black stair treads, and exposed rafter tails on the front porch.
Highland Builders
9 Warren Ave., Tiverton, RI 02878
Headquartered in Rhode Island, Highland Builders has been in the home building industry since 1993. Throughout its history, it successfully built great relationships with local artisans and architects in the area. The company has built luxury homes around Bristol, Jamestown, Little Compton, and Block Island—some of Rhode Island’s prime neighborhoods. Some of its projects have received awards from prestigious industry organizations and publications, including Gold Awards from Rhode Island Monthly, and the Grand Award for Best Custom Home from Builder Magazine.
In Newport, Highland Builders built the featured 5,000-square-foot summer cottage. The luxury vacation home makes use of elements from contemporary and Shingle-style architecture. It maintains a low profile in its seaside location, with hipped roofs, red-cedar clapboards, and fieldstone. The firm built the project with ample communal and private spaces, with an expansive living room and a master suite. The final output is a casual summer space that features a stone fireplace, an open layout dining, kitchen, and living room, and exposed beam ceilings. It has stunning views from the east looking at Beavertail, Jamestown, south the Atlantic and west overlooking Narragansett beach and the Dunes Club.
Hobbs Inc.
27 Grove St., New Canaan, CT 06840
Hobbs Inc. has been building quality homes for over 65 years. It has clients throughout Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. With three generations of leadership, it has also successfully maintained professional relationships with equally reputable architects, craftsmen, and suppliers. The company is a member of NAHB, Association of General Contractors (AGC), and the NCBC. It is also an active member of Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, from which it has won awards for Best Vacation Home, Best Green Energy-Efficient Custom Home, and Outstanding Tiny Building.
In Bridgehampton, New York, Hobbs Inc. built a vacation home for sisters who wanted a relaxing space that they can share with family and friends. For this purpose, the firm prioritized community spaces that can accommodate large groups. The company also built three master suites, a suite of bedrooms for, and a nautically-themed bunk room for eleven kids. It also features an expansive pool, a pergola, and a breakfast room that doubles as a screened porch.
Hufham Farris
7020 Fain Park Dr. Suite 1, Montgomery, AL 36117
Hufham Farris is an Alabama-based custom home builder with offices in Florida and Georgia. It was founded in 2003 by Auburn University alumni Bob Farris and Coleman Hufham. Through their joint leadership, the company has become one of the state’s most reputable builders. It has constructed in numerous high-end areas, including Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mountain Brook. The building company’s work has been featured in several magazines, including Southern Accent, Birmingham Home & Garden, and Veranda.
Hufham Farris’s portfolio showcases its diverse capabilities. It has built numerous residential projects, including luxury homes and vacation homes. It also works with clients who need work on their plantations, stables, kennels, and commercial projects.
Kean Development
5 Main St. Suite 3, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
Kean Development is recognized as one of the country’s most prominent builders. It has offices in Cold Spring Harbor, The Hamptons, New York, and Palm Beach. The company was founded in 1980, and has since built numerous award-winning homes in its service areas. It builds anything between upscale homes, estates, and custom vacation homes. The firm is also an active member of NAHB and Long Island Builders. Its work has been featured in national publications The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times.
Among the company’s best projects is the featured Summer House. The home is Dutch Colonial-inspired, taking on the distinctive architectural style’s unique gambrel roof. At night, the home stands out in its neighborhood because of the beautiful contrast between its blue exterior and warm indoor lighting. It also features multiple fireplaces, an elegant glass staircase, a rooftop putting green, an expansive pool, and an indoor basketball court.
Kochmann Brothers Homes
3209 Fiechtner Dr., Fargo, ND 58103
Kochmann Brothers Homes has been in the construction industry for over 35 years. It approaches home building with the clients’ tastes and needs. It is headed by President Bob Kockmann, who is an NAHB Certified Green Professional, and a two-time Fargo-Moorhead Builder of the Year. Kochmann also served as president of the HBA of Fargo-Moorhead and North Dakota Association of Builders. His exemplary leadership has let the company grow into one of the area’s most respected builders. Its work has appeared in Area Woman Magazine, Design & Living, and Inspired Home Magazine.
The company’s portfolio showcases its wide range of capabilities. It has experience building and remodeling luxury homes and lakeside homes in Minnesota and North Dakota. Among the best homes is the rustic lakeside retreat featured in this article. The home, filled with natural finishes, was specially designed for the outdoor-loving homeowners. It features a stone masonry fireplace, aged wood flooring, and a sunroom with views of the greenery and wildlife.
Mainbuilt
9351 Swanson Blvd., Clive, IA 50325
William R. Main established his home building business in 1957 to offer his construction services to friends and family. It did not take too long for the business to take off, thanks to word of mouth and referrals from previous clients. Today, the firm continues to serve clients in the Greater Des Moines area, where it has amassed a portfolio of award-winning and well-publicized residential properties. The boutique custom homebuilder’s work has been featured in Dwell and Iowa Architect Magazine.
Among Mainbuilt’s best work is this home that is tucked away in rural Iowa’s forests. The modern home’s exterior is layered with glass, wood, and black metal to blend into its natural environment. Designed by architecture firm BNIM, the home features refined details with a focus on light and shadows. The roof works well in welcoming sunlight during day time. One portion of the home that really stands out is its master suite, which offers unobstructed views of nature while ensuring complete privacy for the homeowners.
Majestic Homes
14609 Prairie Corners Rd., Omaha, NE
Majestic Homes is one of Omaha’s leading custom home builders. It is headed by partners Juston Brazda and Benjamin Muilenburg, who both have significant experience in construction and development. They lead their team of design-build professionals, who are committed to realizing every client’s vision for their dream homes. The company is capable of building a wide range of homes—big or small; traditional or contemporary.
In the pristine community of Bluewater, Majestic Homes built the featured vacation home. It features vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, and a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. It also has a loft with a wet bar that overlooks the first floor, and a master suite with a high-end bath. Majestic Homes also installed complete kitchen amenities: an island, contemporary cabinetry, and luxury appliances.
Malmquist Construction
100 Baker Ave., Whitefish, Montana 59937
Malmquist Construction has been in the home building industry for over three decades. Specializing in luxury custom homes, the company has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and high customer satisfaction. The company, headed by its owner Tyler Frank, is also known for its attention to detail and meticulous approach to home construction. Its work has appeared in several publications and television shows, including Time Magazine, HGTV Magazine, Big Sky Journal, and Western Home Journal.
Aside from its specialty in luxury homes, Malmquist Construction is also quite adept at building stunning retreats. An example is the featured vacation home, which was built along the freshwaters of Whitefish Lake. The property stands out in the area with its concrete, wood, and glass exterior that hints at the contemporary finishes indoors. It features a vaulted ceiling that allows more daylight into the common space, a stone accent wall, and modern lighting. The home also has a kitchen with a marble top island and polished wood cabinets.
Marmol Radziner Architecture
12210 Nebraska Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025
Marmol Radnizer is an architect-led firm that offers design-build, architecture, construction, landscaping, and interior design services. It was founded in 1989 by Leo Marmol, FAIA and Ron Radnizer, FAIA who are recognized experts in the industry. The partners regularly attend conferences to give lectures that cover innovative architecture, sustainability, and restoration. Together, they lead the company’s 200 in-house designers and master craftsmen in building structures of high-quality standards.
Because of its commitment to delivering excellent homes to clients, it has secured projects from high profile clients like Demi Moore, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tom Ford. The firm is also award-winning, having received several awards from AIA Los Angeles, AIA California, and from the American Society of Landscape Architects. Its work has also appeared in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Elle Decor, Dwell, and other prestigious industry publications.
McNally Construction Group
7345 W Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32819
McNally Construction Group is a leading luxury home building company in Central Florida. It is known for being one of the founding members of the Master Custom Builder Council, an organization that helps firms maintain the highest standards for home building. Thanks to this reputation it was able to expand its construction services to include building luxury vacation homes, rental homes, and second homes. The company is also the very first company to build Reunion Resort’s first-ever super home, which set the trend for multifamily vacation mansions in Orlando.
In 2018, McNally Construction completed the featured project. Built in Reunion Resort, the home stands out for its castle-like curb appeal. It features elegant finishes like beamed ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, vintage lighting, and brick accent walls. It also has a pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, and spacious common spaces for the homeowners.
Nor-Son Custom Builders
7900 Hastings Road, Baxter MN 56425
Nor-Son Custom Builders is a boutique residential builder with more than four decades of building experience. It was established with the principles of craftsmanship and collaboration—values that continue to guide the company in working with its clients. Since 1978, it has maintained a collaborative approach to home building, and a high standard of customer service. Because of this, the company has received stellar reviews from previous clients, and multiple industry awards for excellence in construction. It most notably received the 2017 Builder of the Year Award from ABC, and a Silver and Gold Contractor of the Year Award from NARI in 2019.
Nor-Son Custom Builders’ portfolio showcases its capability to build any home, regardless of its style and size. Among its outstanding projects is the featured Tame Fish Lodge, which was built for the homeowners’ relaxation. The home fits perfectly in the Northwoods neighborhood. Its exterior is decked out with fieldstone, and dark-stained cedar shake sidings. Inside, the firm built a full masonry fireplace with mosaic stone and glass details. It is complete with five bedrooms and a fully equipped game room.
Northern Construction
1250 E. Iron Eagle Dr. Suite #300, Eagle Idaho, ID 83616
Northern Construction is a home builder with over three decades of building experience. Throughout its history, it has received numerous accolades and praise for its work in Idaho. The company’s portfolio includes sprawling estates, French-inspired homes, lake homes, colonial mansions, and Tudor homes. With an in-house design resource center, Unique Design, it is able to offer stylish lighting, furnishings, and accessories that fit the client’s new home. Other than home building services, it also offers real estate lots for potential clients who are looking for the best neighborhoods for their new home.
In Lake Pointe, one of Idaho’s premier communities, Northern Construction built the featured sprawling lake home. The home’s exterior has an understated elegance with its natural stone siding and wood trims, which contrast with its blue roof.
Orren Pickell Building Group
444 Skokie Blvd., Suite 200, Wilmette, IL 60091
Orren Pickell Building Group is an Illinois based family-owned building company. Originally founded as a home-painting business, it steadily expanded into a luxury home building and remodeling firm with operations throughout Chicago and the North Shore. It is headed by President Lisa Pickell, who was named to Constructech Magazine Leading Women in Construction. Her leadership has helped the company grow into a recognized leader in custom home building. It is a recipient of numerous awards from the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Chicago, and Best in American Living Awards from NAHB. Its work has also appeared in magazines, including Lakeshore Living, Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago, Luxe, and Modern Home Builder.
Orren Pickell Building Group also expanded its services to cover the construction of vacation homes and retreats. Its portfolio includes classic and contemporary homes that are built in upscale neighborhoods. An example is the featured contemporary European Farmhouse, which stands out for its sleek white and blue exterior.
Ramsey Building
201 N. Main St., Nixa, MO 65714
Ramsey Building prioritizes quality workmanship and customer service in building homes for its clients. It is headed by Rick Ramsey, who has 20 years of experience, as well as certifications from NAHB. He is a Certified Green Professional, Certified Graduate Builder, and a member of the HBA of Greater Springfield. His leadership and approach to the business have resulted in great relationships with clients and outstanding projects. In 2016, the firm won two Home of the Year Awards from HomeMag for its $500K or More and $1M and More categories.
Among Ramsey Building’s best work is the Lakeside Luxury retreat. The home takes advantage of its lakeside location by having spacious decks and a screened-in porch. It also has a wood-burning fireplace, which enhances the calming vibe of the vacation home.
Schultz Miller
1015 NE 113th St., Seattle, WA 98125
Founded in 1981, Schultz Miller is one of Seattle’s premier builders of luxury homes. It offers remodeling, condominium improvements, and new construction. The company approaches every project with a commitment to honesty and accountability, and a dedication to superior craftsmanship and customer service. Because of this, clients have trusted Schultz Miller to build their homes— from small homes to expansive estates. The firm’s best work has also appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Luxe, and Inhabitat, among others.
In Puget Sound, Schultz Miller updated and rebuilt a cottage home that was destroyed by a fire. Featured in Seattle Times, the home stood out for its history. It was home to four generations of family that used it as a getaway. The update, designed by Hoedmaker Pfieffer, is both reminiscent of the old home and forward-looking. As the home’s builder, Schultz Miller ensured that it would need less maintenance and have a much lower risk of catching fire. While being functional, the home is also well designed with classic lines, a deck, and an indoor-outdoor sleeping porch. The new getaway also has cozy communal spaces and wonderful views of the Sound.
Sea-Dar Construction
580 Harrison Ave, 4W, Boston, MA 02118
Jean Abouhamad founded Sea-Dar Construction in 1991 after leaving his job at one of Boston’s best structural engineering firms. With his experience as a structural engineer and real estate developer, Abouhamad brings valuable insights for any project’s design and construction. His leadership has driven the company in establishing itself as one of the best builders of fine suburban custom homes and luxury homes in Massachusetts. Its work has appeared in several industry publications, including Boston Home, Architectural Record, New England Home, and Dezeen.
Sea-Dar Construction has also had its share of award-winning projects. Along the Cape Cod National Seashore, the company built the House of Shifting Sands. The 2,800-square-foot home was designed by renowned Ruhl Walker Architects to have a minimal impact on its location’s ecosystem. It was designed with the appropriate materials, curves, and even landscaping that is native to the area. Sea-Dar Construction finished the home’s exterior with cedar shingles and tongue-and-groove cedar boards. It also built outdoor showers, fire pits, and a shaded dining area where the guests can take in the beautiful seascape of Cape Cod.
Shepard Homes
1101 Robinson St., Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Shepard Homes is the culmination of Joey Shepard’s career as a home builder. He opened the company in the Mississippi Gulf Coast right after finishing his degree in Architectural Engineering. Shepard’s personal approach to the home building process has earned the company the trust of clients in the area. It is known for its impeccable attention to detail, efficient construction process, and superior customer service. The firm has also received some awards from the HBA of Mississippi.
In Gulfport, Shepard Homes built the featured beach style home. Outside, the home looks like a classically designed coastal house with white wood siding and a shingle roof. Its interior is consistent with the theme, with white walls, an open concept flooring, and a simple fireplace. The home also features contemporary finishes, including subway tiles, gray shaker cabinets, and a marble kitchen countertop.
Terry Elston Builder
6800 Querbes, Shreveport, LA 71106
Founded in Louisiana, Terry Elston Builder has been building and remodeling homes since 1976. Its 44-year history is marked by Elston’s expertise in incorporating antique building materials into the company’s projects. The company also works with seasoned subcontractors and vendors who supply the highest quality materials to make the clients’ dreams a reality. By providing consistently excellent services, it has become one of the area’s most respected builders.
In 2016, it completed the construction of the featured cottage home. The Lake Bistineau Retreat has beautiful views of the surrounding natural landscape. Communal spaces like the screened-in porch are oriented towards the lake to complete the vacation experience. Terry Elston Builder also did a wonderful job in the dining area. The space is light and airy, thanks to the reclaimed vaulted ceiling and the floor to ceiling windows that envelop the room.
VPC Builders
2059 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604
VPC Builders is a full-service construction firm offering custom home building, development, home remodeling, and green building to clients in the residential sector. It also offers its construction services to clients in the commercial industry. While it was only founded in 2004, it is fast growing as an innovative construction company that can deliver according to the clients’ expectations. Its residential services are mainly offered in the High Country of Western North Carolina. It has steadily established its reputation, having ranked in Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550, Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500, and winning the Blowing Rock Business of the Year Award in 2019.
Among the firm’s best work is the gorgeous home built in West Jefferson’s Lindal Cedar Highway. In true VPC Builder style, the home has Energy Star rated features to make sure that it is environmentally friendly. Its features include Hickory hardwood floors, custom tiles, energy-efficient appliances, and a stone fireplace. The firm also built the home with a provision for a future bar that will work well with the game room in the basement.
Wright-Ryan Homes
10 Danforth St, Portland, Maine 04101
Wright-Ryan Homes is a 36-year old custom home builder based in Portland, Maine. The company’s goal is to capture its client’s sophisticated tastes, and blend it with the area’s architectural past and innovative design. Because of this approach, it has played a big role in helping homeowners build their dream homes across the state. Its millwork shop also adds a lot of value for clients, ensuring that their cabinetry, gazebos, or furniture will work with their new residences.
Notably, Wright-Ryan Homes is also a founding member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). By sticking to the values of sustainability and green building, the company became the very first construction firm to build a LEED Platinum certified home. It is also the builder of the featured one of a kind home, which is a Maine retreat for the New Yorker clients. The oceanfront property is spacious despite being a single level house. It features an exposed wood ceiling, natural slate floors, and high-end interior finishes.
Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes
2220 Lakeway Blvd Suite #100, Austin, TX 78734
Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes is a sought after residential builder in Texas. The firm is led by industry veterans, Steve Zbranek and Tony Holt. They are recognized experts, with Zbranek being a former president of the San Antonio and Austin Home Builders Associations, and Holt being a former president of the Highland Lakes Builders Association. Under their leadership, the firm has established itself as one of the best luxury home builders in the state, having received prestigious accolades including three time Austin Business Journal Custom Home Builder of the Year, Texas Custom Builder of the Year and Two Time National Master Builder of the Year. Zbranek is also and inductee to the Austin Homebuilders Hall of Fame.
The company has won numerous product design awards for their work including a National Best in American Living Awards from NAHB for the featured lakefront estate. This uniquely shaped property is surrounded by water on three sides, located on the tip of a peninsula of Lake Lyndon B Johnson. The home is a Mediterranean-style retreat that encourages its owners to embrace the outdoor lifestyle. It features a centralized courtyard, a resort-style pool, a fire pit, and a floating yoga pavilion. Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes is a full service Design/Build Firm and can cover “plans to plants” for custom home clients. 70% of their new home families live in another city or state during construction. The company utilizes an online project management system to keep everyone on the same page. As a fixed price ( not cost plus ) builder Zbranek & Holt builds to a budget and finishes on time.
