Dara’s Dollhouse

Project Description

Two years ago or so my grown daughter Dara asked if we could make a dollhouse project together. She was always good with her hands as a child and now married, wanted to work with her aging father to build something that could be enjoyed by the family she intended to have. She found a discontinued kit on Ebay that someone had purchased and never put together and brought it to my shop to assemble. We worked on the project whenever schedules permitted and spent many months together as the project evolved.

We made a few changes to the kit, added an extra room and 1:12 scaled architectural detailing to almost every room. Real marble tile was added to the front entrances and entry hall. A 12volt electrical system, customized spiral staircases, coffered ceilings in the music salon, a working flat screen TV in the game room and running water in the kitchen all challenged our miniature building skills. This photo collection shows the house fully completed before much furniture has been installed. As you’ll see, some pictures were taken during a Christmas holiday season. Enjoy.

Project Details

Client Dara Kendall
Date 2026
Tools Micro Fence Circle Jig, Edge Guide, Micro Plunge Base, & Micro Stop

Our 12v lighting system is installed in virtually every room. The open back provides access for play (the front bays are hinged and open for access from the front.

Game Room

The third floor game room features a skylight, game table and a bookcase that will be fitted with a working flat-screen television (a re-purposed cell phone that can be used to stream movies). Chairs yet to be added.

Dining Room

The silver chandelier and sconces highlight the formal dining room. We added the chair rail, panel moldings, crown and parquet flooring.

Daughter's Bedroom

Kitchen

We built the ceiling with recessed lighting, the breakfront cabinetry for the stove, the crown, and the window seat. That great looking stove and light fixture sitting on the floor were purchased from other miniature sources.

Master Bathroom

The marble shower stall, tub enclosure, wall paneling, sink commode and marble floor were all our doing; The plumbing fixtures, tub and sinks purchased.