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Mid-Century Modern Revival: Restoring a 1959 Masterpiece in Wilmington

For many period-house enthusiasts, the mid-century modern aesthetic conjures images of sharp angles, unadorned windows, and chrome furniture that prioritizes form over comfort. Yet the 1959 Wilmington, Delaware, home of George Marrone and Michael Nocera proves that mid-century architecture can be warm, inviting, and deeply livable. Restored with painstaking attention to detail, this post-and-beam gem […]

Saving the Hoke House: Relocating and Restoring an 1871 Italianate Farmhouse

In Prospect, Kentucky, a 1,750-square-foot Italianate farmhouse built in 1871 sits waiting for a buyer with vision, patience, and a willingness to move it. The Hoke House, named after its original builder Peter Fredrick Hoke, is listed at just $9,900 through the Kentucky Trust for Historic Preservation, but the purchase price is only the beginning.

Restoring a 1925 Craftsman Sears Kit House: Preservation Meets Modern Living

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

Period House Renovation: Design Lessons from a Rebuilt 1870s Sag Harbor Home

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.

Lessons from Before and After Home Transformations

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home transformations featured on This Old House showcase the remarkable potential hidden beneath decades of neglect and outdated design.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

Restoring the Caleb Coker House: A Georgian Landmark in South Carolina

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

How a 1908 Craftsman Bungalow Got a Modern Indoor-Outdoor Great Room

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

The Francisco House: Preserving a Michigan Italianate Landmark in Wayne

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.

Bright Ideas for a Colorful Whole House Remodel: Paint and Precision Transform a 1907 Farmhouse

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

How a 1750 Georgian Landmark Was Restored for a Family of Seven

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.