From Humble Beginnings to Luxury Estates

As one of the most respected builders in the Washington metropolitan area, northern Virginia-based TriCrest Homes is known for innovative design and construction excellence. Much of the builder’s emphasis is put into preconstruction of projects, with construction managed through multiple levels to ensure that each home adheres to the company’s high standards and exceeds client expectations. 

“At TriCrest, we’re entrusted with our clients’ time and resources,” said Chris Soteropoulos, founder of TriCrest Homes. “We steward them carefully to build homes where lasting memories take shape.” 

For Soteropoulos, TriCrest is rooted in legacy. His uncle was also a builder in the Washington metropolitan area. For 16 years, Soteropoulos has worked to build upon his family legacy and establish TriCrest’s impeccable reputation as a high-quality, custom homebuilder. He founded the company with a solid goal in mind: To provide the setting for meaningful moments for clients. 

Humble Beginnings 

Soteropoulos noted that the company had humble origins; he founded TriCrest Homes during the financial crisis in 2010. The company started with building traditional homes that blended with the  regional vernacular. 

Not satisfied with sticking with the status quo, the builder pivoted to contemporary designs. These were the designs discerned clients were looking for, but were unable to find in the McClean and Washington  Metro area. While others would shy away from the risk of building and designing homes that had yet to be seen in the housing market of the 2010s, Soteropoulos saw it as untapped territory with immense potential. 

Since then, TriCrest continued to evolve by building large, estate homes in a variety of styles and pushing boundaries that supersede expectations. While there are still many external forces that currently pose obstacles for homebuilders, Soteropoulos said his team has thrived in such challenges, using them as an opportunity to learn and grow, the same way he did many years ago. 

“We are students of construction and are constantly looking for ways to improve on our process,” said Soteropoulos. “Our goal is to design and build homes that are timeless, with the craftsmanship to last generations.” 

Building Around Nature 

That timeless design and quality craftsmanship is evident in TriCrest Homes’ Holyrood, located in a quiet, naturistic neighborhood in McClean. 

The project started as a speculative home, with the plans being completed by the time the buyer came to TriCrest Homes. The builder had to creatively blend the buyer’s taste and style to the already existing plans of the 10,500-square-foot home. What started out as a challenge turned into a relationship solidified on trust and communication between the client and the builder. Those established relationships with clients make up one of the core values of the company. 

The home was designed around the large, existing trees within the site. The project’s exterior was designed to be understated and simplistic so the surrounding nature could shine in the spotlight. That same simplicity applied to function. The roof was designed with synthetic cedar shakes; while attractive, this selection is virtually maintenance-free. 

The buyer’s interest was primarily in the home’s landscape design. The builder created Holyrood’s backyard to feel like a unique, old world escape. The pool was designed to face the trees, which serve as a natural barrier, secluding the backyard in tranquility and privacy. 

Holyrood’s backyard looks like it stepped out of a time machine from the golden age of Hollywood, blending luxury with the peaceful outdoors. The outdoor kitchen and patio serves as a meeting point on the lot between the main house and the attached guest home, creating an atmosphere that is timeless and embedded in connection. 

Innovative Design 

Studio Pica designed the home’s interior in a style that feels transitional, yet modern. The hardwood flooring throughout the home is made from European white oak. A venetian plaster finish was used to create an ageless fireplace surround in the family room, serving as the heart of the space. 

The wood beams in the ceiling of the family room were reclaimed from a 150-year-old barn in South Carolina, adding historic flair and farmhouse charm. 

Custom cabinetry surrounds the large, quartz island in the kitchen, prioritizing livability without sacrificing the contemporary design TriCrest is known for. Golden, brass faucets accent the kitchen with a luxurious touch. 

Every room in the project was meticulously crafted to highlight functionality and high-quality design. 

“We take our time, not rushing through a job, but putting thought into how our clients will live in the home; taking time to understand them and their specific needs,” said Soteropoulos. 

Photos courtesy of Jenn Verier and TriCrest Homes. 

By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer magazine and can be reached at taylor@builder.media. 

This story is featured in May B&D, read the print version here. 

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