Scandinavian architectural design is a top custom home request in the Raleigh Triangle area – backed by stunning influence across the globe with clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and bold window effects that promote natural light. What style stands out, among all these striking Scandinavian Farmhouse possibilities?
Steep eaves and bold rooflines, paired with expansive windows invoking welcoming natural light, set Scandinavian inspired plans apart with a distinctive modern appeal. These features create striking silhouettes from the street with uncluttered layouts inside.
Scandinavian farmhouse homes blend beautifully into the rolling hills and wooded acreage of Chatham, Alamance, Orange, Wake, and surrounding counties. Striking rooflines and compelling window groupings stand out in custom home neighborhoods and countryside locations with a natural connection to landscape and luxury, with:
Some of our favorite architects designed these Scandinavian farmhouses and a lot of other plans we love to build in central North Carolina. From homesite planning to customizations, we work with you to adapt and enhance the design/build of your Scandinavian farmhouse style to the way you want to live—on your land or ours, together with the Travars Builder Brothers.
Custom isn’t just a word we use in homebuilding — it’s the heart of what makes your home different from anyone else’s. I’m Andrew, and I’ll be working alongside you at Travars Built Homes to shape the spaces that matter most to your family. While I’ll guide you through this in person during your build, I wanted to share a few thoughts ahead of time. Here’s what I see when we talk about what “custom” can really mean in your home.
“Custom” can mean different things to different people. What does custom mean to you, as you consider what you want your new home to have?
We work with you to design/build special spaces, when everything else you’re looking at doesn’t capture what you envision.
Because the way you see the flow in your home and how you plan to live and grow there is something only you will know.
Maybe you need an extra en-suite for your family as time passes. Or maybe it’s just for your princess.
You might be looking that perfect kitchen with a secret pantry ( or secret second kitchen) Time out in a man cave. A home gym with room to stretch – areas of importance to you that aren’t always offered on floor plans.
We work with you to customize your plan and help you compare it to other plans.
Phil and I are true Builder Brothers. We work closely with you throughout the build process to help ensure your home is truly yours.
Whether you’re considering something classic, colonial, clever, contemporary or just about any architectural style, inside and out, I always enjoy the opportunity to be creative together, being a part of ideas, transforming them to paper and to reality.
No matter what “custom” means to you, Travars Built Homes will look at the possibilities. Because, to me, “custom” doesn’t just mean minor changes, like renaming a “dining room” to say “office” on a set of plans – it is so much more.
Looking forward to re-imagining your plan together.
– Andrew, Travars Built Homes
If you’re planning to build a home on your own land in Orange County, North Carolina—whether it’s in Efland, Cedar Grove, Hillsborough, or one of the other rural areas—you’ll want to be familiar with the county’s septic and well requirements before breaking ground.
The process for getting septic and well approvals can be different from county to county, so it’s important to know what to expect where your land is located. At Travars Built Homes, we work across Chatham, Alamance, Durham, Orange, Wake, and other surrounding counties, so we understand how to help you navigate the requirements specific to your property.
If your property is not served by public sewer, you will need a septic system to handle wastewater from your home.
In Orange County, the Environmental Health Division manages septic system approvals. The process typically includes:
Tip: Soil conditions can vary greatly across Orange County—especially in rural areas like Cedar Grove and Efland. Testing early in the planning process can save you time and help with house placement on the lot.
If your land does not have access to public water, you will need a private well for your home’s water supply.
In Orange County, well construction is also managed by the Environmental Health Division, and typically includes:
Note: Setback and depth requirements can vary depending on your property’s location and soil type. Properties in rural Orange County often have plenty of space for both a well and septic, but site-specific conditions still determine placement.
Travars Built Homes is based in central North Carolina and builds in Orange County as well as Chatham, Alamance, Durham, Wake, and other surrounding areas. Each county has its own permitting process, so working with a builder who is familiar with multiple jurisdictions can streamline your experience and help avoid delays.
When you work with us to build on your land:
Important DisclaimerRegulations can change over time. Always confirm current septic and well requirements with Orange County Environmental Health before making land purchases or finalizing your home plans.
There’s a reason I get excited about the pre-drywall stage—this is where the bones of your home start telling their story. I’m Phil, and I’ll be guiding your custom home build with Travars Built Homes. While I’ll be walking you through this in person during your build, I wanted to share a few things ahead of time. Here’s what I look for (and what you can, too).
There’s something powerful about watching your custom home coming together as we walk through each phase of the project.
The pre-drywall walk-through is one of my favorite tech talk opportunities, before we give the go-ahead to the drywall crew to close off the view of the components tucked inside your framing that make everything work.
As a build phase, what’s behind the walls is just as important as deciding on that perfect shade of paint, or counter top color.
The time we spend together at your pre-drywall walkthrough provides the opportunity to see and ask about the systems intertwined to work together within your walls (and an opportunity to know where not to drill when you hang your TV, artwork and photos.)
I’ll be at your side to answer questions about “rough-ins” that will give your home life, such as:
Pre-drywall activity is a transformative phase of the build – the feeling of a structure truly starting to feel like Home.
It’s like watching a plot point in a movie, where you start to see things come together. I’m a visual person, so this really sets the stage of everything to come.
We’ll get this on calendar in your online portal right after the county inspector’s approval for this phase of the build.
See you there!
– Phil, Travars Built Homes
Home design trends are evolving to meet the needs of modern living—and one of the most talked-about features in custom homes today is the scullery pantry.
Often hidden just out of sight, a scullery pantry (also called a scullery kitchen, prep kitchen, or prep pantry) is a walk-in pantry located adjacent to the main kitchen designed to house additional storage, countertop space, and appliances for a clean, clutter-free kitchen. At Travars Built Homes, we’re seeing growing demand for sculleries in custom builds, especially for homeowners who love to entertain or want to keep daily tasks behind closed doors.
Historically, a scullery was a space used for washing dishes and preparing food, separate from the main kitchen. Today, it is essentially a walk-in pantry that does more. While a traditional pantry typically offers shelving for dry goods and kitchen supplies, a scullery pantry takes it a step further by including features like:
In many custom homes, the scullery is positioned directly off the kitchen with a door or pocket entry to hide the mess while cooking or entertaining. Think of it as a miniature second kitchen that allows your main kitchen to shine.
Scullery kitchens offer practical benefits and luxurious convenience:
At Travars Built Homes, scullery pantries can be custom-designed into most layouts—just ask! Here are four popular floor plans where a scullery is already included or easily customizable into the design:
This modern Scandinavian-style plan blends sleek design with thoughtful function. The scullery pantry—tucked discreetly behind the kitchen—keeps everyday tasks out of the open-concept living areas, while adding serious storage and prep space. Clean lines meet quiet convenience in this high-functioning layout.
The Wembley Place plan offers charm and sophistication with classic farmhouse appeal. Its generous scullery pantry is ideally located between the kitchen and mudroom, providing a seamless transition for grocery drop-off, prep, and storage. It’s a workhorse behind the scenes that keeps the spotlight on your beautiful kitchen.
Trowbridge is a beautifully balanced plan that blends traditional style with modern needs. The scullery pantry just off the main kitchen helps reduce countertop traffic and creates a natural place to organize meals, supplies, or even serve as a coffee or baking nook.
A luxurious European-inspired farmhouse, the Eldermere House offers 3825 square feet of refined living. This plan has a butlers pantry, easily converted to a scullery pantry, just beyond the main kitchen, providing a perfect space for prepping meals or tucking away countertop clutter. Its placement enhances flow from the kitchen to the dining and outdoor entertaining areas.
When you build a custom home with Travars Built Homes, you can tailor every space—including your kitchen—to fit your lifestyle. A scullery kitchen is just one of the many features we can help you integrate to bring more ease, beauty, and function to your daily life.
Ready to explore more possibilities? See these plans and more in our online catalog, and let’s start the conversation about building your dream home today.
Sources:
The flyer includes the layout and plan information.
From there, we’ll prepare a detailed 10-page construction package that outlines your build — ready to review when you are.
You’ll be amazed at what’s already included in every Travars Built Home.
Built with care and customization in mind, every Travars Built Home—like the Logans Bluff—is designed around your lifestyle and available to build on your lot or ours.
*Plans are illustrative and may reflect optional features. Floor plans and renderings are copyright Frank Betz and Associates
We’ll send you the floor plan flyer so you can view the layout and key details.
As a next step, we’ll prepare a personalized 10-page construction package that outlines everything included in your custom home — ready to review together at your convenience.
You’ll be surprised by how much comes standard with Travars Built Homes.
Like every Travars Built Home, the Bethel Farm is available to build on your lot or ours—with thoughtful customization, enduring craftsmanship, and a commitment to your vision.
*Plans are illustrative and may reflect optional features. Floor plans and renderings are copyright ArchitecturalPlans.com & Associates
We’ll email you the floor plan flyer with the home layout and plan overview.
Next, we will prepare a full 10-page construction package with everything included in your build — and walk through it together in a custom home consultation.
You’ll be amazed at what’s already included in a Travars Built Home.
Every Travars Built Home, including the Chatham Farmhouse, is crafted with care and flexibility—built on your lot or ours.
*Plans are illustrative and may reflect optional features. Floor plans and renderings are copyright MonsterHousePlans.com and Associates
The flyer includes the layout and plan information.
From there, we’ll prepare a detailed 10-page construction package that outlines your build — ready to review when you are.
You’ll be amazed at what’s already included in every Travars Built Home.
Crafted with comfort, flexibility, and personal attention to detail, the Warbler can be built on your lot or ours—designed to meet the evolving needs of your family.
*Plans are illustrative and may reflect optional features. Floor plans and renderings are copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com & Architect