During the early twentieth century, Sears, Roebuck and Company sold more than 70,000 kit houses through its mail-order catalog, shipping entire homes by rail to towns across America. The Argyle model, a Craftsman bungalow with tapered porch columns and quarter-sawn oak millwork, was among the most popular. When homeowners Sam and Kathleen purchased a neglected […]
When Susan and Bob Fisher decided to move from a sprawling five-bedroom house on the outskirts of Sag Harbor, New York, into the village proper, they found exactly what they were looking for: a two-story shingled house on a quiet street that allowed them to walk to restaurants, shops, and their business, Fishers Home Furnishings.
Every old house carries a story within its walls, and the best transformations reveal how careful planning and skilled execution can breathe new life into tired structures. The before-and-after home transformations featured on This Old House showcase the remarkable potential hidden beneath decades of neglect and outdated design. Whether you are tackling a complete rehabilitation
The Caleb Coker House, built circa 1832 in Society Hill, South Carolina, stands as a remarkable example of early 19th century Georgian architecture in the American South. This 2,800-square-foot home, set on 6.4 acres of rolling land with mature trees, is listed at $75,000 through Preservation South Carolina and offers a rare opportunity for preservation-minded
When homeowners take on a century-old house, the path from derelict to dream home rarely runs straight. One Los Angeles family discovered this firsthand after purchasing a 1908 Craftsman bungalow that had been used as a student rooming house for years. The crumbling roof, sagging floors, and inadequate foundation would demand a space optimization strategy
Sitting quietly on a nearly quarter-acre lot in Wayne, Michigan, the Francisco House stands as a rare surviving example of Italianate residential architecture from the post-Civil War era. Built circa 1872, this 2,660-square-foot home is believed to be the oldest house in the city, predating most of the building stock that defines Wayne’s downtown streetscape.
The tale of Selma Blanusa’s 1907 Sonoma farmhouse, featured by This Old House, offers a compelling case study in colorful whole house remodel techniques. What initially presented as a worn-down property with outdated wallpaper, lace curtains, and shag carpeting became a vibrant family home through strategic planning and a courageous paint palette. The 3,200-square-foot, four-bedroom
Buying the oldest house in a historic New England town comes with a mix of charm and unexpected challenges. When Craig Carswell closed on the 1750 Georgian in Winchester, Massachusetts, the framing and foundation appeared sound, and the wiring and plumbing had been updated. He imagined relaxing in the backyard surrounded by mature fruit trees.
Selecting paint colors for an older home presents a unique challenge that goes beyond simple decorating. Homeowners often find themselves torn between modern trends and the architectural character of their period property. Interior designer Kristie Barnett faced this exact dilemma when she took on her family’s 1939 house in Nashville. Rather than defaulting to popular
In Sausalito, California, a 1903 cottage underwent a remarkable transformation that preserved its historic charm while adding modern function. Owners Alicia and Casey Leach purchased the single-story house drawn by its small-town character and bay views, only to discover that a growing family would soon outgrow its 1,092-square-foot footprint. Fortunately, preapproved expansion plans came with
