On Building a House (And a Book) in the Dark

By Brian Rendell

I love houses with character.

A century home with unexpected nooks and odd rooflines, plus a built-in customized bookshelf? — Yes, please.

You say it features a secret door leading to a private library with a fireplace, and a stained-glass window?  — I’ll take it!

While I’ve never designed or built a house, I appreciate the time, care and expertise required to do so, especially a house with unique architectural features.

But imagine for a moment designing, the...