design and construction began in 1912 and lasted until the end of 1917. charles barton keen, who had gained notable success designing homes in pennsylvania and new york, was the architect of not only the main house, but also the village that included a church, stables, and a school, on the estate. katharine reynolds was very involved with the design of reynolda, and some of her correspondences with keen survive. the family finally moved in december 1917, but r. j. reynolds was ill with pancreatic cancer and was not able to enjoy his new home. he died july 29, 1918.