A 1950s Kitchen Reimagined in a Historic Leesburg Home

Recently completed by the Carpenter Beach team, this kitchen renovation took place within one of Loudoun County’s most distinctive historic properties. Known as Ellwood, the Leesburg estate was designed by nationally recognized architect Waddy Butler Wood and built in 1911–1912 for Lawrence Rust Lee. The Colonial Revival home sits on a rise overlooking Leesburg and the Potomac River and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

The property has a history as distinctive as its architecture. In addition to its connection to the prominent Rust and Lee families of Leesburg, Ellwood was home to Lyndon LaRouche in the 1980s, when he gave the property the name “Ibykus Farm.” More recently, its current owners have undertaken an extensive restoration of the home, working piece by piece over the years and completing much of the work themselves. When they were ready to transform the kitchen, they were referred to Carpenter Beach by their Leesburg-based interior designer, who was already familiar with our work.

The existing kitchen was a true reflection of its era. Dating to the 1950s, it featured metal cabinetry and finishes that were ready for a new chapter. Removing the old kitchen was, in itself, an experience—one that the Carpenter Beach team remembers as a particularly fun, if occasionally challenging, part of the project. And beneath the surface, the home presented some unusual construction challenges. Plaster exterior walls and elevated concrete floors made access, preparation, and coordination between the trades more complicated than in a typical renovation.

The goal was to create a kitchen that felt entirely at home within this remarkable property while providing the beauty, function, and craftsmanship expected of a high-end renovation. The finished space is bright, timeless, and inviting, with custom cabinetry, warm brass accents, detailed tile work, and carefully selected finishes throughout. Every element was considered to balance refined design with the practical demands of everyday living.

For Carpenter Beach, the project was an opportunity to bring new life to an important part of the home while respecting the character and history that make Ellwood so special. The finished kitchen reflects the kind of work we value most: thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, careful problem-solving, and an appreciation for the details that make each historic home unique.