Sky Oak is a one-of-a-kind property located about 1.5 hours each of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino mountains.

Spanning 8 acres, much of the land cascades down steep cliffs that create breath-taking views of the Inland Empire. On a clear day you can see Catalina Island, over 100 miles away.

Since first stepping onto property in the pouring rain right before Christmas 2019, I knew this was our place. It was old, dated and in literally falling apart in some places. And it was exactly what I was looking for.

Under 2 hours from Orange County.
Quiet, peaceful.
Inspiring views.
Not a neighbors in sight.

I suspect that's what blinded me to seeing that my husband was mortified at the very idea of leaving manicured Orange County for a place in the woods. In fact, about two years after we got the keys he confessed his certainty that I was putting the family into financial ruin buying Sky Oak.

But there was no stopping me. The purchase was hard and wrought with sinister characters, lies and endless surprises. All in all it took 9 months to make it ours. 

In the end, it was meant to be.

Now after six years, its finally our full time home.

Finding ourselves empty nesters has opened up a whole new world where we just to continue working on Sky Oak, while exploring creative projects.

This site focuses on handmade, reclaimed, salvaged and found objects that capture the heart of this place. Matthew's music and art from the studio can be found elsewhere, although they influence with work that emerges from the workshop.

So, welcome. Everything here is one of a kind. Made by me, or by Mother Nature (or a little of both). 

The Difference Between "Salvaged" and "Reclaimed"While often used interchangeably, industry professionals make a slight distinction between the two:Reclaimed wood strictly refers to material that was previously used in a consumer or structural setting (e.g., floorboards, barn siding) and repurposed.Salvaged wood can be broader, occasionally encompassing freshly cut logs (like urban tree removals) that were simply rescued from ending up in the chipper or being burned as firewood.

Reclaimed

Reclaimed wood is repurposed timber salvaged from old structures like barns, factories, and warehouses. Instead of being discarded, this aged wood is cleaned, de-nailed, and remilled. It is highly prized in architecture and furniture for its rich patina, unique history, and superior durability compared to newly harvested timber.

Much of the wood used in Sky Oak creations are 50 yr old redwood dimensional lumber from the property, or old fence boards and discarded cutoffs collected throughout Orange County California.

Salvaged

Reclaimed wood is repurposed timber salvaged from old structures like barns, factories, and warehouses. Instead of being discarded, this aged wood is cleaned, de-nailed, and remilled. It is highly prized in architecture and furniture for its rich patina, unique history, and superior durability compared to newly harvested timber.

Much of the wood used in Sky Oak creations are 50 yr old redwood dimensional lumber from the property, or old fence boards and discarded cutoffs collected throughout Orange County California.