Clarksburg Farmhouse
This home was featured in the October 2025 issue of What’s Up? Annapolis Magazine. For these clients, the dream of building a custom home in Clarksburg, Maryland, was both exhilarating and daunting. Nestled in the northern reaches of Montgomery County, their six-acre plot of historic farmland promised a serene escape from their fast-paced careers. But the journey to create their ideal home—one that blended traditional charm with modern functionality—was not without challenges. Through their partnership with Mueller Homes and its sister companies, Ella Lee Interiors and Charles Henry Woodworking, Whitney and Johnny found a uniquely pleasant experience that transformed their Maryland farmhouse architecture vision into reality. This article explores their home-building journey, highlighting the seamless integration of Mueller Homes’ full-service approach and the invaluable contributions of its sister companies.
Whitney and Johnny’s search for a custom home builder began with a Google search. As professionals with demanding schedules and three young children, they needed a builder who could deliver a fully customized home, not just a semi-custom model. Their location in Clarksburg posed an immediate challenge—many builders were reluctant to work in northern Montgomery County, citing distance or logistical hurdles. After exploring options in Frederick and Carroll Counties, they found Mueller Homes, a mid-sized builder known for its bespoke approach.
What immediately stood out was Mueller Homes’ transparency and resources. Whitney recalls downloading their Guide to Custom Home Building from the company’s website, which she described as “really informative.” The couple found the guide invaluable in demystifying the process. The website itself was a treasure trove of inspiration, showcasing stunning photos of homes, including a historic farmhouse style that resonated deeply with Whitney’s vision of an English cottage with farmhouse charm. “The website was fantastic—so many photos,” she says. “The historic farmhouse style really appealed to us. It was exactly what I was looking for.”
Mueller Homes’ methodical process and in-house support further set them apart. Unlike other builders, Mueller offered a full-service approach. Whitney was particularly impressed by their collaboration with architect Jonathan Rivera, who included Mueller on his shortlist of trusted builders. “Several builders didn’t seem to take interest in our project or lacked a clearly defined process,” Whitney explains. “Mueller’s full-service approach, with their design concierge and support team, made us feel like we could trust and collaborate with the entire team.”
For Whitney, the experience was uniquely pleasant because of Mueller’s full-service approach and the expertise of its sister companies. “Leveraging Hannah and Ella Lee made the process so enjoyable,” she says. “The quality of Charles Henry’s craftsmanship and Mueller’s transparency and partnership made this home everything we dreamed of.” For anyone considering a custom home, Whitney and Johnny’s story is a compelling case for choosing a builder who offers this full-service approach – not just construction, but a holistic, collaborative experience..”
Whitney’s vision for the home was clear: a traditional English cottage with farmhouse elements, infused with warm colors that provided a cozy, welcoming feel. To bring this vision to life, she turned to Ella Lee Interiors, Mueller Homes’ sister company. Whitney worked closely with designer Hannah Wunder, who transformed her ideas into a cohesive reality.
Before their first in-person meeting, Whitney provided Hannah with photos and a written description of her vision. “Hannah came to that meeting with a full kitchen design that was literally 95% of the way there,” Whitney says. “We made a few adjustments to colors and layout, but she truly understood what I was looking for.” Hannah’s expertise extended beyond the kitchen, guiding selections for lighting, paint, tile, hardware, fixtures, and countertops throughout the home. “I felt confident in my design sense, but I was concerned about making the home cohesive,” Whitney explains. “Hannah ensured that every selection worked together, from the quality of the build to the hardware on the cabinetry.”
The pre-established relationship between Ella Lee Interiors and Mueller Homes streamlined the process, eliminating delays that can happen with a 3rd party – sometimes resulting in missing selection deadlines, coordinating schedules, or communication gaps. “Hannah and Kalyn had a great understanding of when selections needed to be made to maintain the construction timeline,” Whitney says. “They attended on-site meetings and ensured finish items were ready for installation.” This integration was a stark contrast to other builders Whitney considered, who relied on clients to coordinate with showrooms or vendors. “One builder gave me a list of selections and an address to visit,” she recalls. “With Hannah and Kalyn, I had a team that understood inventory and budget, narrowing down options to make the process even smoother.”
Whitney benefited from Ella Lee’s hands-on approach. The design team brought fabric, wood, and rug samples to Mueller’s Sykesville office, sparing Whitney the hassle of running around town. “It was worth the investment,” she says. “Hannah helped me have confidence in my selections, steering me clear of choices that didn’t fit. The result was a home that looked intentional and cohesive.”
Another big bonus of Ella Lee’s resources was the culmination of Johnny’s office. “We wanted a statement piece of furniture that was functional and a backdrop that would be interesting for zoom meetings,” Johnny reflects. “Hannah designed the desk and built-in bookcases from scratch. Her drawings and designs were then utilized by the team at Charles Henry to craft a one-of-a-kind solid walnut desk with really interesting bookshelves as my background. I get a lot of comments on zoom about the items I display there too!”
Craftsmanship That Elevates: Charles Henry Woodworking
The quality of Mueller Homes’ craftsmanship could be clearly seen in the trim work and cabinetry, executed by their sister company, Charles Henry Woodworking. From the kitchen to the bathrooms, office, and mudroom, the cabinetry was a standout feature. “Many of our friends, with very nice homes, comment on the craftsmanship,” Whitney says. “The trim and cabinetry are the most commented-on elements. They’re classy, intentional, and not overdone.”
Charles Henry’s work elevated the home’s aesthetic, blending functionality with artistry. The green cabinetry and mushroom-colored countertops in the kitchen, paired with natural stone, created a warm and inviting space that perfectly suited Whitney’s vision. “The quality is over the top,” she says. “Their vision and ideas were incredible, and it feels so finished and well done.”
Reflecting on their journey, Whitney emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations. “Things cost a lot, and we had unrealistic ideas about what we could get for our budget,” she admits. Mueller’s guidance helped them navigate these realities, ensuring they built the home they needed without compromising their vision.
As a biotech consultant familiar with construction, Whitney offers advice rooted in her professional experience: “When we visited the job site, we took an interest in every worker’s talent and focus. We treated everyone on the job site with respect. These craftspeople take great pride in their work, and showing interest in their craft brings out the best in them. The more kindness you show, the higher the quality you’ll get.” This approach, combined with Mueller’s expertise, resulted in a home that exceeded expectations.
Whitney and Johnny’s home is a testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and integrated resources. The harmony that was created with the ‘all-in-one approach’ helped make the entire process a very pleasant and memorable experience. Mueller Homes, Ella Lee Interiors, and Charles Henry Woodworking worked seamlessly to create a home that is both functional and beautiful, tailored to the family’s lifestyle. From the warm, colorful kitchen to the meticulously crafted cabinetry and trim, every detail reflects their vision of an English cottage with farmhouse charm. The outdoor spaces, personalized children’s rooms, and cohesive design elements make the home a true sanctuary.
For Whitney, the experience was uniquely pleasant because of Mueller’s full-service approach and the expertise of its sister companies. “Leveraging Hannah and Ella Lee made the process so enjoyable,” she says. “The quality of Charles Henry’s craftsmanship and Mueller’s transparency and partnership made this home everything we dreamed of.” For anyone considering a custom home, Whitney and Johnny’s story is a compelling case for choosing a builder who offers this full-service approach – not just construction, but a holistic, collaborative experience.
See more at: MuellerHomes.com
Whitney and Johnny’s search for a custom home builder began with a Google search. As professionals with demanding schedules and three young children, they needed a builder who could deliver a fully customized home, not just a semi-custom model. Their location in Clarksburg posed an immediate challenge—many builders were reluctant to work in northern Montgomery County, citing distance or logistical hurdles. After exploring options in Frederick and Carroll Counties, they found Mueller Homes, a mid-sized builder known for its bespoke approach.
What immediately stood out was Mueller Homes’ transparency and resources. Whitney recalls downloading their Guide to Custom Home Building from the company’s website, which she described as “really informative.” The couple found the guide invaluable in demystifying the process. The website itself was a treasure trove of inspiration, showcasing stunning photos of homes, including a historic farmhouse style that resonated deeply with Whitney’s vision of an English cottage with farmhouse charm. “The website was fantastic—so many photos,” she says. “The historic farmhouse style really appealed to us. It was exactly what I was looking for.”
Mueller Homes’ methodical process and in-house support further set them apart. Unlike other builders, Mueller offered a full-service approach. Whitney was particularly impressed by their collaboration with architect Jonathan Rivera, who included Mueller on his shortlist of trusted builders. “Several builders didn’t seem to take interest in our project or lacked a clearly defined process,” Whitney explains. “Mueller’s full-service approach, with their design concierge and support team, made us feel like we could trust and collaborate with the entire team.”
For Whitney, the experience was uniquely pleasant because of Mueller’s full-service approach and the expertise of its sister companies. “Leveraging Hannah and Ella Lee made the process so enjoyable,” she says. “The quality of Charles Henry’s craftsmanship and Mueller’s transparency and partnership made this home everything we dreamed of.” For anyone considering a custom home, Whitney and Johnny’s story is a compelling case for choosing a builder who offers this full-service approach – not just construction, but a holistic, collaborative experience..”
Whitney’s vision for the home was clear: a traditional English cottage with farmhouse elements, infused with warm colors that provided a cozy, welcoming feel. To bring this vision to life, she turned to Ella Lee Interiors, Mueller Homes’ sister company. Whitney worked closely with designer Hannah Wunder, who transformed her ideas into a cohesive reality.
Before their first in-person meeting, Whitney provided Hannah with photos and a written description of her vision. “Hannah came to that meeting with a full kitchen design that was literally 95% of the way there,” Whitney says. “We made a few adjustments to colors and layout, but she truly understood what I was looking for.” Hannah’s expertise extended beyond the kitchen, guiding selections for lighting, paint, tile, hardware, fixtures, and countertops throughout the home. “I felt confident in my design sense, but I was concerned about making the home cohesive,” Whitney explains. “Hannah ensured that every selection worked together, from the quality of the build to the hardware on the cabinetry.”
The pre-established relationship between Ella Lee Interiors and Mueller Homes streamlined the process, eliminating delays that can happen with a 3rd party – sometimes resulting in missing selection deadlines, coordinating schedules, or communication gaps. “Hannah and Kalyn had a great understanding of when selections needed to be made to maintain the construction timeline,” Whitney says. “They attended on-site meetings and ensured finish items were ready for installation.” This integration was a stark contrast to other builders Whitney considered, who relied on clients to coordinate with showrooms or vendors. “One builder gave me a list of selections and an address to visit,” she recalls. “With Hannah and Kalyn, I had a team that understood inventory and budget, narrowing down options to make the process even smoother.”
Whitney benefited from Ella Lee’s hands-on approach. The design team brought fabric, wood, and rug samples to Mueller’s Sykesville office, sparing Whitney the hassle of running around town. “It was worth the investment,” she says. “Hannah helped me have confidence in my selections, steering me clear of choices that didn’t fit. The result was a home that looked intentional and cohesive.”
Another big bonus of Ella Lee’s resources was the culmination of Johnny’s office. “We wanted a statement piece of furniture that was functional and a backdrop that would be interesting for zoom meetings,” Johnny reflects. “Hannah designed the desk and built-in bookcases from scratch. Her drawings and designs were then utilized by the team at Charles Henry to craft a one-of-a-kind solid walnut desk with really interesting bookshelves as my background. I get a lot of comments on zoom about the items I display there too!”
Craftsmanship That Elevates: Charles Henry Woodworking
The quality of Mueller Homes’ craftsmanship could be clearly seen in the trim work and cabinetry, executed by their sister company, Charles Henry Woodworking. From the kitchen to the bathrooms, office, and mudroom, the cabinetry was a standout feature. “Many of our friends, with very nice homes, comment on the craftsmanship,” Whitney says. “The trim and cabinetry are the most commented-on elements. They’re classy, intentional, and not overdone.”
Charles Henry’s work elevated the home’s aesthetic, blending functionality with artistry. The green cabinetry and mushroom-colored countertops in the kitchen, paired with natural stone, created a warm and inviting space that perfectly suited Whitney’s vision. “The quality is over the top,” she says. “Their vision and ideas were incredible, and it feels so finished and well done.”
Reflecting on their journey, Whitney emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations. “Things cost a lot, and we had unrealistic ideas about what we could get for our budget,” she admits. Mueller’s guidance helped them navigate these realities, ensuring they built the home they needed without compromising their vision.
As a biotech consultant familiar with construction, Whitney offers advice rooted in her professional experience: “When we visited the job site, we took an interest in every worker’s talent and focus. We treated everyone on the job site with respect. These craftspeople take great pride in their work, and showing interest in their craft brings out the best in them. The more kindness you show, the higher the quality you’ll get.” This approach, combined with Mueller’s expertise, resulted in a home that exceeded expectations.
Whitney and Johnny’s home is a testament to the power of collaboration, craftsmanship, and integrated resources. The harmony that was created with the ‘all-in-one approach’ helped make the entire process a very pleasant and memorable experience. Mueller Homes, Ella Lee Interiors, and Charles Henry Woodworking worked seamlessly to create a home that is both functional and beautiful, tailored to the family’s lifestyle. From the warm, colorful kitchen to the meticulously crafted cabinetry and trim, every detail reflects their vision of an English cottage with farmhouse charm. The outdoor spaces, personalized children’s rooms, and cohesive design elements make the home a true sanctuary.
For Whitney, the experience was uniquely pleasant because of Mueller’s full-service approach and the expertise of its sister companies. “Leveraging Hannah and Ella Lee made the process so enjoyable,” she says. “The quality of Charles Henry’s craftsmanship and Mueller’s transparency and partnership made this home everything we dreamed of.” For anyone considering a custom home, Whitney and Johnny’s story is a compelling case for choosing a builder who offers this full-service approach – not just construction, but a holistic, collaborative experience.
See more at: MuellerHomes.com
Project Year: 2025
Country: United States
Others who worked on this project: Jonathan Rivera Architecture
