Where to begin.....
To be honest, Timber framing (barns) is my passion but I only get to do one every year or so.

High end trim work pays the bills (I got a kitchen on the cover of a BH&G issue last fall).

I worked on this one particular monster (8000 sq. ft.) from the end of January to the end of April. Site built raised panel wainscoting all over the downstairs, 8 foot doors, so much custom run crown and other trim it's unbelievable. This job was my best work, ever.

Here it is before...

The owners were to move in at the end of August.

Yesterday, it burned to the ground....completely gone. All that's left is a portion of the stone work in front and a chimney.

There is no cause determined yet (I suspect a faulty battery charger left on overnight, or arson).

There are some 'after' shots here...

Good news?

No one was living there and if the owners decide to rebuild, I'll get to do it all over again in a year or two.

.....sigh.....

The builder, as you might imagine, is beside himself.
I gave him a call yesterday afternoon and the very first thing I said was, "I guess I don't have to come in to work on Saturday, huh?"

(I'm such a stinker)

What a bummer! I don't think I could do it the second time.


Dave

Did you loose any of your tools?

Heartbreaker, RC. Glad no one was hurt. CB.

I did not lose any tools but many tools were lost by others. @ table saws, bench planer, drills, tile saw and all the trowels. levels etc....

ALL the appliances were brand new in installed....gone.

wow, that must have been some blaze..that house is HUGE
some fine work there RCB

Just don't do it the same the second time. Add some new touch to keep it interesting?

I drove by it today....there are no words.

The stonework in front is about 65% standing, 2 chimney's and a very small portion of the back wall in the garage area.

It blew my mind.