At Home with The Holberts & Their Charming Renovation
By: Megan Williams | Photos By: Ashlee Glen
We never do anything halfway—it’s always all in,” said Tori Holbert, standing outside of the 1970s ranch-style home she purchased with her husband, Chase, one year ago.
Tucked into a lush woodland backdrop, the exterior of the Holberts’ home radiates a quiet, grounded charm. Its low-slung profile, classic red brick exterior, and crisp white trim evoke timeless simplicity, while the expansive concrete drive leads visitors past manicured shrubs and tiered stone retaining walls—subtle touches that suggest both care and permanence.
The detached garage and oversized metal outbuilding speak to the couple’s hands-on lifestyle—room for tools, projects, maybe even an in-progress woodworking project or two. Set against a backdrop of towering trees and dappled sunlight, the home feels like a retreat into something slower, more deliberate.
It’s the kind of place where the scent of fresh-cut grass lingers and summer evenings are best spent on the porch, listening to the hum of cicadas.
It’s the type of exterior that immediately draws one in and invites them to cross the threshold of the double door entry to discover the real story of the home—one that is still being written.
When the couple purchased the home in July 2024, they were met with an interior that was closed off—rooms built upon rooms, a cramped entryway, and a space that was begging for the light to be let in.
“We were drawn to the charm of the house and its potential to become the home we envisioned,” Tori explained.
“I was hesitant—it was going to be a massive undertaking, and we hadn’t even planned to move at the time, but the opportunity truly just fell into our lap. We were initially attracted to the land around the house and two garages, for both storage and a workshop for Chase’s woodworking. Chase and I created a ‘blueprint’ of our full vision, and it has been amazing to see it come to life through all our hard work.”
The couple had no plans to move in July 2024—they had just finished renovating another home in the Fort Avenue area and were content to stay. But when they saw the 1970s ranch had dropped in price by a staggering $100,000, landing it right in their budget, they knew it was meant to be.
“We put an offer on the house that day and it was accepted the next day—the realtor even said that had we delayed the offer just 24 hours, someone else would have beat us to it,” Tori said.
On the day they closed on the home, Tori and Chase immediately got to work—that night, they took a sledgehammer to the kitchen.
“We’ve tackled a variety of projects [since moving in],” Tori said. “We started with demo alongside Chase’s family (who came and helped us immensely at the beginning); busting down walls, scraping off wallpaper, tearing out floors. From there we began fully renovating the kitchen and living areas, installing all new floors, installing new lighting fixtures, adding an electric fireplace, and so much more. We love for things to feel cozy and inviting, that is something we have prioritized in our design. We are currently in the process of completing the whole other side of the house, which will include a pantry, large laundry room, and our primary suite.”
Of course, Tori and Chase aren’t your average DIYers, figuring out home renovation as they go. Chase is the lead carpenter and superintendent at LG Flint, a general contracting firm in Lynchburg. Tori, the owner of Tori Parker Photography, has a natural eye for aesthetics and what it takes to create a beautiful environment.
Since moving in, Tori and Chase have completely renovated their kitchen and living space, removing unnecessary walls and hallways to create an open-concept space that is perfect for entertaining—something they both prioritize.
Now, the light spills in from the two front windows which end cap a stunning stone gas fireplace that the Holberts installed.
The space is filled with a large white sectional that invites conversation, ease, and some afternoon zoomies from their Goldendoodle, Maple. Behind the expansive sofa, a crisp white kitchen island begs for friends to gather around.
“We’ve done a lot of work in the kitchen, which is now a perfect blend of modern functionality and cozy charm,” Tori said. “These spaces went from being outdated and cramped to open, functional, and full of character. We’ve worked hard to create a layout that feels both spacious and cozy, making it perfect for hosting friends, relaxing with family, and enjoying everyday moments.”
Warm tones, custom details, and a mix of vintage and modern touches create a seamless flow that feels like a true retreat.
“Whether it’s a cozy reading nook or our comfortable living room, each area is designed for relaxation and connection,” she said.
Of course, the story of the Holbert’s home doesn’t end with their kitchen and living room renovation—it is ongoing. Pulling back the plastic curtain that separates the kitchen from the current construction area, you’re greeted with a veritable cabinet of curiosities—a house that never quite seems to end.
“From the road, our house doesn’t look that big but it’s over 4,000-square-feet,” Tori exclaimed.
The Holberts have gutted what was once a family room off of the kitchen and are renovating the space into a pantry and primary bedroom and bathroom to go alongside of the other three bedrooms on the first floor.
Downstairs, the journey continues, and the home’s charm continues to shine. Complete with additional bedrooms, a kitchenette, a sunroom with unending potential, and a few curiously constructed closets, the Holberts have yet another stunning canvas to work on after the upstairs renovations are complete.
“We actually lived in the basement for the first couple months of renovations! We have somehow managed to keep our sanity throughout the process and constant changes,” Tori shared.
Stepping into the backyard, which features a well-loved but in need of repair outdoor oven, the Holberts look forward to renovating the outdoor living space as well—creating a natural flow from top to bottom for entertaining, hosting friends and family, and for their expanding family as foster parents through UMFS.
While renovations are still ongoing, and likely will be for some time, the Holberts recount that they’ve learned so much already—not just about renovating such a unique home, but about themselves as home renovators.
“While the process has certainly tested us, it’s also pushed us to learn and grow in new ways,” Tori said.
“We’ve had to find creative solutions, navigate stress, and work through obstacles—something that’s made the home even more meaningful to us in the end.”
To follow along with the Holberts and their home renovation, find them on Instagram at @athomewiththeholberts or on TikTok at @homewiththeholberts.
