Craftsmanship in the Brandywine Tradition:
Hugh Lofting “supports” the elegant and historic world of The Inn at Montchanin Village. The sturdy oak timber frame catches the eye of any visitor who enters the elegant lobby of The Inn at Montchanin Village, located in the heart of the Brandywine Valley.
The frame reaches high into the lofty ceiling of the Inn’s sitting room, allowing the natural light to enter through the uncovered windows and skylights above. The natural texture of the beams complements the velvet and tapestry upholstered chairs and sofas. Together with the fine mahogany and cane furnishings, oriental rugs and classic artwork, and the solid Brandywine granite fireplace, they create the perfect place for high teas, cocktails and quiet conversations.
One might say that the striking, three-story, stone-and-wood building that houses the elegant lobby, sitting room, public areas and offices, is the Inn’s centerpiece, the place where those who stay overnight come first.
The magnificent timber frame structure of this building, formerly the village barn, is the work of the valley’s own Hugh Lofting Timber Framing Inc., and represents the old-fashioned craftsmanship that today clearly enhances the nostalgic ambiance of this restored 19th century hamlet.
This classic timber framing construction Hugh Lofting creates can bring beauty and a special ambiance to any great room, whether it is in an old country inn, someone’s private residence, an office, or a corporate center.
“The hand-crafted timber frame is far more versatile than most people realize,” says Hugh, who has been fascinated by the craft for as long as he can remember.
Hugh studied the craft as a young man in the ‘60s growing up on the family farm in Unionville, PA.
He traveled to New England to learn from the craftsmen who were leading a renaissance in the use of this construction process that dates back more than 2,000 years.
In 1974, he began his timber framing business on the family farm. He has been creating beauty, comfort and durability for his clients ever since.
Dan Lickle, who owns the Inn at Montchanin Village with his wife Missy, is one of many of Hugh’s satisfied customers. “Not only is it beautiful, but because of the insulation system Hugh as used, the large room remains a cozy one.”
In 1991, the Lickles had decided to protect the historic village and maintain its identity. The idea of turning it into an exclusive country inn was born. By 1996, the 19th century cottages were turned into elegant rooms and suites. The blacksmith shop became a fine-dining restaurant called “Krazy Kat’s.” The landscaped grounds were lush and the old roads were repaved and carefully signposted. Still deciding how to make the old barn a special place, the Lickles turned to Hugh Lofting, a respected timber framer known for his attention to detail and appreciation for quality.
“My goal was to recreate the barn on its original foundation, maintaining its historic integrity,” Hugh said.
He also wanted to make sure that the frame itself would be exposed within the rooms so that the beauty of the natural wood could be enjoyed.
Hugh and his team set to work. A timber frame, which included a unique insulation system and sturdy tenon-and-mortise joints, was created to accommodate the 9,000-square-foot building and complement the historic nature of the Inn. The interior of the old barn was gutted, leaving the walls standing. The frame was completed and raised in four months. The total project was completed and ready for guests in 1997.
What a beautiful piece of work it is for all to see.
