Door County Modern Farmhouse

At PEA Builders, we were contacted by a couple from the Detroit area who planned to retire in Door County and set up a hobby farm. They reached out after finding us online while searching for a green builder. What they really wanted was a company that built “beyond green,” and after learning more about their vision, we were excited to design and build a modern farmhouse in Fish Creek that reflected both their lifestyle and long-term goals.

Designing a Modern Farmhouse in Door County

When we first met, the couple explained that their hobbies would need to be part of the design. They make award-winning Mead, so we designed a special area for production in the basement, complete with durable finishes to handle the process. They also wanted a large kitchen island for workspace, a super-sized refrigerator and freezer, and a spacious, easily accessible pantry. Every detail was considered so the home would function as both a comfortable retreat and a working hobby farm.

The property itself posed challenges, including the need to blast through bedrock to build the foundation/basement walls. We had not previously built as far north as Door County, but we were able to form strong relationships with local subcontractors while also bringing in some of our trusted partners. This gave us the resources needed to not only design the home but also manage the build.

Energy Efficiency and Lasting Finishes

This Door County modern farmhouse was designed to maximize energy efficiency while also withstanding the area’s windy conditions. The property’s southern exposure allowed us to take advantage of passive solar heating. Our Tier II Wall System and Geneo windows ensure the home will perform well, and large overhangs keep the home cooler in summer. While the couple originally wanted geothermal heating, the bedrock on their property made that option unfeasible. Instead, we installed a high-performing heat pump furnace along with radiant floor heat set in acid-stained concrete floors in the basement. The home is also solar-ready for future upgrades.

Inside, finishes were chosen to be both beautiful and durable. Cherry hardwood flooring on the first floor, cork and acid-stained concrete in the lower level, a Dekton kitchen countertop, and a custom copper hood all contribute to the home’s timeless feel. These details ensure the home will age gracefully.

A Modern Farmhouse Home in Door County

This modern farmhouse home in Door County shows how thoughtful design and smart building practices can bring both hobbies and daily living together under one roof. By balancing sustainable features with practical details, we created a home that fits this couple’s retirement plans and their vision for the future. If you’re ready to build a custom home that reflects your lifestyle and values, PEA Builders would love to help make it happen.