The Old Edwards Inn is the pride and joy of Highland NC where in 1995 David Trapp, the owner of Trapp Construction & Remodeling began restoration on the beloved inn. He worked for 2 years on restoring the old Inn, adding a Spa, Bistro, rooftop pavilion & bar and gave it new life. The inn was designed by Heath Summerour who took inspiration from Old English architecture during his travels which is reflected in the design of the inn. From the slate tile roofing, cedar shingle siding, stonework, and even ironwork that give the inn a custom and timeless feeling throughout, this place is meant to be an escape from everyday hustle and bustle and act as sanctuary for those from all over can come and enjoy. David took to this style of architecture while working on this large yet rewarding project and has always believed English Craftsman Style when done correctly is one of the most charming and timeless designs of them all.
Although this Old English style is not as common in central South Carolina as opposed to the mountains, features such as slate tile flooring, unique corbels, richly stained wood paired with stonework, and even widow's wings are features Trapp Construction is proud to incorporate onto the right projects.
While working with McCarroll Construction in 2004 this golf resort club house was made to be a multipurpose complex with charm and luxury at its core. The complex housed training rooms, entertainment spaces, service areas. The style of this complex is English Craftsman with unique textures, materials, and nature embedded into the design.
From the Craftsmen columns to the brick and stonework, you do not have to look far to find inspiration from this magical place. The conical lead and slate tiled roofs with chimney caps are a glimpse of what the rest of this complex has to offer from a design standpoint. Rarely are these features found in residential architecture but no doubt it adds character and craftsmanship to a design.
Charleston SC has always been near and dear to Trapps having lived in both Goose Creek and Summerville in the early 2000s and visiting often in the rich historic this city has to offer. From Rainbow Row to Meeting Street, it is impossible not to find beauty in the classic, coastal architecture and colors of this lively city. The double wrap-around porches, iron gates, cobblestone streets, and of course dolled up entrances with unique doors, shutters, and steps, these homes are one of a kind and filled with stories to share.
Some think Charleston architecture looks out of place if it is outside of Charleston, however they couldn't be more misled. Bold shutters, transoms, stucco, pastel colors, Juliette balconies, window boxes, sun porches and so much more is inspiration we take from Charleston and gives a house definition and charm that it was lacking.
In late December of 2024, David Trapp & his daughter Alex Trapp took a road trip through the Scottish Highlands and down to Northern England for two weeks filled with quaint villages, breathtaking landscapes, and refreshing culture during the holidays. Alex was studying abroad in Glasgow Scotland from September-December so after her time was through at University, David and Alex rented a car and made their way through all the sights they could during the time they had in the UK. Starting in Glasgow and working their way through the countryside, David and Alex found remarkable architecture, wild weather, and inspiration in every aspect of their trip pictured below.
The beauty of Old English and Scottish architecture is that nothing gets replaced or torn down no matter the age. Driving through the countryside it is common to see stone fences that run on for miles over the rolling hills, barns made of stone from 6oo years ago that are still being used. This is a timeless and modest style that we find great inspiration in especially for country homes that are needing character. Dormers, unique roof lines, heavily framed doorways, stone accents and of course arches are some of Trapp Constructions favorite elements to incorporate into projects. These places will always be near to our hearts and designed to last for generations to come.
In the summer of 2021, the Trapps discovered a hidden gen in South Georgia, Jekyll Island. This little island quickly became a go-to summer spot for them and the Historic District is something they just stumbled upon while exploring the island. This island dates back to the 16th century with Spanish first claiming the land and later taken by the British colony of GA in the 18th century. This was once a site for cotton plantation and later a retreat destination of the Gilded Age for families such as the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts who formed the Jekyll Island Club. Many of these landmarks have been preserved and restored to their former glory with many buildings designed in the Queen Anne style, Colonial Revival, and Single Style. These styles of designer were not only popular among the wealthy Americans who inhabited the island, but style that represented the lineage and culture of those who lived in these homes. While every aspect of Historic Jekyll shows its preserved beauty, each landmark including the cottages, chapel, and Clubhouse show what they meant to this community and how they served a purpose for their coastal community.
During the Trapps visits to this Island, they have toured the Historic mansions outlining the Clubhouse which are filled with charm on the inside and out. While every home has its distinct features, coastal colors, shingle siding, Spanish Revival and colonial ornamentation truly inspire the Trapps to design with character, historic architectural aspects, and of course custom outdoor living spaces. The faith Chapel is another location with a blend of Gothic Revival and Shingle Style design, making this chapel not feel out of place but curated to its location.
David Trapp worked alongside McCarroll Construction and Morgan Keefe Builders for 8 years in the Asheville NC area. David visits ever so often for the WNC Parade of Home Tour in Asheville to find inspiration for custom homes and renovations. Frank Lloyde Wright is one of David's favorite architects who is known for bringing a sense of nature into his homes while adding a Mid-Century Modern flair. Some of the homes from this past WNC Parade featured several new homes with a that Frank Lloyde Wright style and natural elements that elevated the look of these homes and gave it character unique for its location.
In the late 90's, David Trapp worked as an architect in San Antonio and loved the Spanish Colonial influences of the architecture in the area. The Riverwalk downtown was a go-to spot for inspiration and culture filled entertainment which has preserved the Spanish and later European styles of design.
Elements such as Limestone which is all over Texas is used in countless ways to add curb appeal, arched details, and unique columns to any given facade. Mission Revival & Spanish Revival styles were used in both Residential and commercial architecture in the San Antonio area allowing historic elements and rich cultural history to be appreciated throughout the city.