THE PRESERVATION PROJECT: FINAL REVEAL

What a difference a year makes! Last May Access caught up with local builders and brothers extraordinaire, Geoffrey and Jared Cochran, as they were gearing up to renovate an Olde-Towne Daphne home with a significant history tied to the Civil War. Dripping in dramatic details like the sound of termites eating their way through the home while they tried to sleep and recreating significant moldings from yesteryear, homeowners Matt and Amy McDonald opened their doors to share their first-hand experience with this massive renovation. Armed with a team of experts, they’ve reached the finish line after two years of blood, sweat, and yes, a few tears. So, without further ado — Access is proud to present the new and improved, Cullum-Lea-Caffey home.

By Hayley Hill After Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Before Photos Layla Lambert, l-egantportraits.com Makeup Tessa Moody, TessaRayMoody@gmail.com

Possessing a fascinating history, Mobile Bay was used as a major port for blockade runners bringing in badly needed supplies for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Perfectly positioned, the Cullum-Lea-Caffey home played a significant role. Standing on the expansive property that now belongs to the McDonalds, one can face the Bay and easily feel the property’s past events come to life. Dating back to the mid 1800s, injured soldiers battling in the Bay were ushered into the home for triage until they could be safely shipped to the hospital at what is now Point Clear’s Grand Hotel. Interestingly, the home’s shutters were used as stretchers to carry the wounded to and from the Bay. And, with a historical plaque of its own, one of the country’s oldest and largest China Fur trees has long kept watch over the property.

Recalling that the McDonald’s purchased what they thought was their forever home in 2015 with dreams of raising their two daughters, Abby, 16, and Avery, 12, on this picturesque water-front property, they were devasted by the termite-infested turn of events not long after. Having to start a renovation from the ground up was unimaginable. Distraught and displaced, the couple contacted the adored Cochran Builders and, fortunately, the rest is history.

Reflecting, Geoffrey shares, “We thought we had a good idea about the home’s condition and the scope of work necessary to bring it back up to par. However, once we started, we were completely amazed by the amount of termite damage we found and had not anticipated. I learned quickly you can never anticipate just how much damage you’re up against until you open everything up — it was devastating. Since it’s listed on the National Historic Registry, all precautions were taken to maintain the integrity of the home and only authentic materials were used to put it back together. Preserving the old windows and doors, and as much of the original hardwood as possible was challenging! This took a lot of time and labor, much more than we ever thought. Literally every piece of lumber was removed and replaced with the same quality and species that was used originally. Without the expertise of Zach Deas and the team at Deas Millwork, as well as their specialized machinery and access to historic materials, this project could not have been completed!” 

Jared Cochran, the other half of Cochran Builders shares his brother’s sentiment. “This home was catastrophically damaged by the termites. Because of its historical nature, it had to be torn apart board by board and built back the same exact way. And the biggest challenge is not knowing what you’re getting into. You’d have to have X-ray vision to know what truly lies behind the walls. Unfortunately, it was like opening Pandora’s box.  However, as custom builders, we prepare for the worst, and deliver the best product possible.” 

No easy feat considering the hard deadline they were given. “We initially thought two years would be more than enough time considering the scope of work. We also knew that Abby, the oldest daughter, would turn sixteen in May of 2023, and her party had to happen at the home. Fortunately, we were able to achieve this goal in the nick of time! There were times I wasn’t sure we could as the scope of the work was a moving target. For homeowners looking to start a renovation, especially a large one, it’s crucial to remember the timetable will most definitely fluctuate as the scope of work changes. Patience is required and as contractors, we do everything in our power to meet deadlines!” Geoffrey shares.

With the simple goal of giving the home back to the McDonald family as quickly and as historically correct as possible, this renovation is certainly one for the books. From the wide plank flooring, custom cabinetry, and trim-work, to the modern amenities that add function and flair like deluxe tubs and showers and a chef-worthy kitchen, the results speak for themselves. Offering what fans of old homes adore like wide hallways, plastered walls, views galore, and 14-foot ceilings, there’s simply a quality not seen in many new builds. For homeowner Amy, “There’s not just one special thing about our home — everything is special. It has such a rich history, and the Cochran brothers did a wonderful job bringing it back to its original character.”

Now happily settled in what both Matt and Amy agree is once again their dream home, they’ll never forget this long-fought battle. “Just three years after purchasing the home, little did we know what lied ahead. I easily recall moving a picture frame in my daughter’s room and seeing a small dirt spot on the wall. Terminix told us it was contained and under control. However, we kept finding more damaged areas. After a long battle with Terminix, we finally had to sue them and take on the job of renovating our home. Since it’s historic, we had to go a much more extensive route to maintain the integrity of the original structure. Luckily, the Cochran brothers agreed to take on this battle. They put together a great crew that kept everything in compliance with all the historical guidelines, too. It’s been a long road, but we are so pleased with the results and so happy to be home again!” Amy tells us.

Seconding Amy’s outlook, Matt adds, “We just wanted to salvage our dream home. We purchased the home to raise our children in and to have a place for all of us to entertain friends and family. After being displaced, we now love coming home and being able to look out our windows at this amazing property and the Bay beyond it. It never gets old, and we feel blessed every time we do it.”

Thrilled with the results, Geoffrey adds, “Our goal was to give the McDonalds the home they loved, completely free of termites! They now have the best of both worlds — a “new” historic home. From consulting with architect and historical home expert, Louis Craig Roberts, to preserving and rebuilding the old antique pine floors and weighted windows complete with the original lead weights form the civil war time, to saving the famed marble fireplaces, it’s better than ever. Requiring true craftsmanship, Barry Easterling, our carpenter, and his men worked tirelessly taking this home apart piece by piece and taking all the necessary precautions to get the various historical items to Zach so they could be recreated and then reinstalled. We will forever appreciate their tremendous talents.”

After the weight of the project, lawsuits, and historical board approvals, there’s certainly more than one silver lining in this story. “Matt and Amy are great people to work for. It’s always the goal to finish a custom build and be friends with the clients afterwards. The greatest thing you can have is a client’s friendship. A good recommendation is great, too! I’ve enjoyed sharing a pheasant field in South Dakota, and a duck blind in Nebraska, with Matt. He’s become a great friend,” Jared explains. As for Geoffrey? “I first met Matt and Amy years ago when our kids started playing soccer together. When we moved our daughter to Bayside Academy, we found ourselves spending even more time together. Matt and I both are sportsmen and have done a little hunting together, too.”

Naturally, this project wasn’t always easy. “When Matt asked us to take this on, we gladly accepted. However, I’d be lying if I said going through a build like this doesn’t have its share of ups and downs! Homeowners and contractors don’t always see eye-to-eye, and it can test any relationship. However, Matt and Amy are outstanding people who are a complete pleasure to work for. Keeping an open dialogue with your client is crucial as communication is the key to any successful relationship. They trusted us throughout the renovation, and I’ve come to love them. I’m very thankful to call them close friends. Matt and I already have a couple hunting trips planned, and I look forward to watching our girls play soccer for the Lady Admirals next year!” Geoffrey beams.

With the preservation project behind them, we wonder what’s next? “We are so looking forward to seeing our kids enjoy the house with their friends. We love to entertain and being able to celebrate Abby’s 16th birthday recently was so rewarding!” Amy beams. As for the Cochran brothers? “We have a few large projects underway and several more on the architects drawing board as we speak. We’re also working on a large hunting lodge in Stockton that we’re very excited about! Interestingly, we will soon start another huge Mobile Bay-front home project just down the street from the McDonald residence. We feel truly blessed and we are so thankful for all the men and women who help us make these projects come to life from Spring Hill to the Eastern Shore, and beyond,” the Cochran brothers conclude.

Cochran Builders, Inc. | 251.423.9686 | CochranBuildersInc.com