About

About Patrick Roche and Vintage Home Sanctuary

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by.

Robert Frost

I am a Southern California native, who was introduced by my uncle to science, math and all mechanical things, including construction, at a very young age. I moved to Ames, Iowa at 18 to pursue a degree in metallurgical engineering and a commission in the US Navy. After graduating and serving for four years in the US Navy, I embarked on a career in the specialty steel industry where I have held roles in technical consultation, sales, operations, logistics, inventory and general management for the past 25+ years.

Since leaving California as a young man I have come to call the midwest home, but I ask myself every December what I am still doing in the snowbelt. Although I have for the most part loved my job, I have very few opportunities to challenge my artistic side at work. As a result, I have over the years become fascinated by architecture as this is an area where art, science and engineering collide. I have also used my early experience in construction as encouragement to purchase and renovate several historic homes.

As I look to retire in the coming years, I see the opportunity to follow my passion and to devote my time and effort to help others cultivate their appreciation and passion for architecture and preservation. At Vintage Home Sanctuary I will share experiences with regards to the appreciation of residential architecture, the process of remodeling and preserving historic features and my journey to become a licensed real estate agent to assist others in finding and creating the sanctuary that I myself continue to develop in my own home renovation projects.