Story by Lindsay Hughes
Photography by Ben Finch, Finch Photo
On a quiet stretch of family land, Adam and Kristin Pennington built a home designed to feel established from the start. Nearly four years ago, the couple purchased the remaining 10 acres of family property and began planning a house for their family including, their son Griffin and their dog, Maple.
“We built this home almost four years ago,” Adam says. “We purchased the rest of what is family property.” The setting was central to their decision. “We wanted a place that felt like it had been here for a while and was quiet and wooded.” From the beginning, the Penningtons were intentional about scale. Rather than maximizing square footage, they focused on proportion and character. “We wanted a smaller footprint, but lots of character,” Adam says. Inspired by time spent in Nantucket, they were drawn to the simplicity and structure of cottage-style architecture often found there. That influence is evident in both form and material. One of the first exterior decisions was the roof. “On the outside the natural cedar shake roof was something we wanted to include from day one when we started the plan with the architects,” Adam says. The material choice reinforces the sense of permanence they hoped to achieve.
Inside, the goal was the same: avoid the feel of a typical new build. “We didn’t want the house to feel like a new build,” he says. To accomplish that, they installed antique floors throughout most of the home. The reclaimed materials add texture and history. As professionals in the design industry, Adam and Kristin came to the process prepared with ideas. They partnered with Knoxville architect Jonathan Miller to bring the concept to life. “We presented general thoughts and ideas to our architect, and the first presentation was nearly perfect,” Adam says. “We only made one small revision.” He credits the collaboration for the home’s success and encourages others to prioritize strong architectural guidance. “I always stress to clients in new constructions, or even larger renovations, to invest in a good architect. It will pay off in the long run.”
Designing a smaller home that still feels open required careful planning. “Trying to stay on the smaller side and make each space feel large and function well did require some thought,” Adam says. “Our architect played a huge role in this.” Strategic layout decisions allow rooms to flow easily into one another, especially the main living areas where the family spends most of its time. The living room and kitchen form the core of daily life. “We mainly find ourselves in the living room,” Adam says. “We enjoy the wood burning fireplace during the winter months. This space joins the kitchen where we also spend much of our time.” The fireplace has become a defining feature. “We get so much use out of it during the colder months, and there is nothing like curling up by it and enjoying a good movie or show.”
Upstairs, an unexpected decision became one of the family’s favorites. Originally, the couple did not plan to finish the space. However, the roofline created usable square footage. “We were not originally going to do anything to the upstairs,” Adam says. “But with the roof line, we were going to have the space regardless.” At their architect’s recommendation, they completed the area with flooring and finished walls. Eventually, they added built-in bunks in one room. “It was the best decision we made,” he says. “Our son and friends use this space all the time.”
For the Penningtons, the home is less about square footage and more about function. Set on family land and shaped by careful planning, it supports their daily routines while leaving room for Griffin to grow and make memories with friends. From the antique floors underfoot to the cedar shake roof overhead, each decision reflects their intention to build something lasting. “We wanted a place that felt like it had been here for a while,” Adam says. In many ways, it already does.