Old Bones, New Life: Three Historic Homes Transformed by PDR Homes
- PDR Homes
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 26
Before PDR Homes broke ground on its first new construction project, our team spent years deep in the world of historic renovation — painstakingly restoring older homes with original materials and an uncompromising eye for detail. We no longer offer renovation services, but that chapter shaped everything about the way we build today. Here's what those projects taught us about quality, craftsmanship, and why we refuse to cut corners.
Some of the most rewarding renovation work starts with a home that's already earned its place in the world. These three projects — each with decades or even centuries of history — were brought fully into the 21st century without losing what made them worth saving.
Bennie Duncan Road, Walkersville
Circa 1850 Farmhouse on 22 Acres
Originally built around 1850, this stone farmhouse had the structure and character to work with — it just needed everything else. PDR Homes completed a full remodel, preserving the deep window sills and historic stonework while modernizing every system and finish inside. The kitchen was redesigned around a large island with GE Café appliances and a pot filler. The primary suite was rebuilt with a walk-in shower with three shower heads, a freestanding tub, double vanity, and custom closet. A new detached garage, 300+ square foot deck, a large barn, and repointed exterior rounded out the scope. The result is a fully functioning modern home on a remarkable piece of land, with the original character intact.
Emmittsburg Road, Thurmont
Circa 1919 Historic Craftsman
This Craftsman-style home near the historic neighborhood of Thurmont was built in 1919 and came with original American Chestnut built-ins, trim, doors, and columns — materials that simply can't be replicated today. PDR Homes treated those elements as the starting point and built around them. The floor plan was opened up to create a bright, flowing main level with views from the foyer through to the kitchen and family room.
A gas fireplace anchors the living space. The chef's kitchen features white Shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and large windows throughout. The primary suite was rebuilt with cathedral ceilings, a tile shower, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. All systems — plumbing, electrical, and dual-zone HVAC — were replaced new. The original clawfoot tub was kept and given a proper showcase in the first-floor bath.
West 2nd Street, Frederick
Circa 1900 Historic District
Built in 1900 and located in the heart of Frederick's Historic District, this property required both renovation expertise and a working knowledge of historic preservation requirements. PDR Homes completed a full renovation while respecting the standards of the Historic Commission, updating the home for modern living without compromising its place in the neighborhood. The project is a study in doing things right when the stakes — and the oversight — are high.
Historic Homes: Before and After
Successful Renovation of West 2nd Street
PDR Homes
These projects represent the kind of work that requires patience, skilled tradespeople, and a genuine appreciation for what was there before. PDR Homes brought each of these homes back to life with the same attention to detail that goes into every project we take on.
PDR Homes is a semi-custom home builder based in Frederick County, Maryland. We are a small, hands-on team building new homes across multiple communities in Maryland. We build homes we're proud of, we stand behind our work, and we treat every buyer like family. No runaround, no hidden fees, no revolving door of contacts — just real people who answer the phone and show up on your job site. Four-time FCBIA Award of Excellence winner. 4.7 stars on Google.
PDR Homes
225 Armenian Oak Dr. Suite 102
Frederick, MD 21701
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