Step inside this Lebanon residence, and you immediately sense that it is unlike any other. From the dark, rich white oak trim that frames the home to the two custom masonry walls that anchor the space, every detail has been carefully considered and expertly executed. This is the kind of home where craftsmanship meets personality, a place that feels both monumental and intimately personal—and it bears the unmistakable mark of Benton Thomas Construction GP (BTC).
The open floor plan invites gatherings of all kinds. A large central space is perfect for entertaining, yet there are also intimate areas for more formal meals or casual evenings at the bar. In the dining room, a dance of light and dark unfolds: white oak accents crown the ceiling and stretch underfoot, creating a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. Every piece of trim, every carved detail, required custom hardware, a challenge BTC met with precision, sourcing iron fittings, brackets, and bands from a specialized artisan in Idaho. The result is a seamless blend of rustic charm and refined artistry.
Yet what truly makes this home exceptional is the collaboration behind it—and the relationship that formed throughout the process. Homeowner Marnita J. Jordan describes it best:
"When you custom build a home, you quickly learn who your builder is and what they stand for – and if you’re blessed, as I was, you learn to love them in the process. What makes the gentlemen of Benton Thomas Construction stand out is customer service and total client satisfaction. These men made every effort to ensure that for me. And, they don’t stop when the last nail is driven in or the last brush stroke of paint is applied. They still care that I’m happy in my new home. With Ben, Clay & Thomas, you not only build a beautiful home – you build a beautiful friendship."
That spirit of trust and collaboration is evident throughout the residence. Jordan took a previous BTC plan and, working with a recommended architect, adapted it to her vision—adding square footage and personal touches along the way. Her theme of rustic western elegance is woven through every space, from the furnishings to the architectural choices and overall ambiance. From the commercial-grade kitchen to the custom wood and masonry features, every element feels intentional. This is not just a house; it is a home that belongs to her, one that tells her story with authenticity and style.
BTC itself is a family legacy built on decades of hands-on experience and unwavering commitment to quality. Founder Ben Forkum began as a teenage laborer, learning every trade from carpentry to full-scale home construction, by 1992, he had launched Ben Forkum Construction, earning a reputation for integrity and craftsmanship. His sons, Benton “Clay” Forkum III and Thomas Forkum, grew up on job sites, absorbing lessons in perseverance, leadership, and precision. Together they created a boutique construction company dedicated to building no more than 24 to 30 homes a year, each one a testament to their attention to detail and personal touch.
Clay brings disciplined leadership, shaped by scouting and the military, ensuring each project meets BTC’s exacting standards. Thomas, whose passion for building grew from early lessons in resilience, applies his hands-on knowledge from multiple trades to every home the company undertakes. With their father, they have cultivated a company that doesn’t just construct homes, it crafts legacies.
This Lebanon home exemplifies that ethos. Every oak beam, every iron bracket, every carefully designed corner reflects BTC’s philosophy: build with integrity, with artistry, and with a deep understanding of the people who will call it home.