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
When Annette and Richard Andradez discovered a 179-year-old former schoolhouse for sale in New Paltz, New York, they saw more than a dilapidated structure with a bowed front wall and failing systems. They saw a chance to combine Richard’s three decades of construction expertise with Annette’s natural design instincts, creating a home for their daughter
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 What initially presented as a worn-down property with outdated wallpaper, lace curtains, and shag carpeting became a vibrant family home through strategic planning and a courageous paint palette.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
For generations, the building trades have relied on a time-tested system: experienced professionals passing their knowledge to the next generation through hands-on apprenticeship. This tradition is alive and well today, as demonstrated by the eight young men and women selected to work alongside the This Old House TV crew on the Newton, Massachusetts project house.
Historic cottages near the waterfront present unique opportunities and challenges for homeowners looking to expand without losing the character that made them fall in love with the property in the first place. One compelling example comes from Sausalito, California, where a young family transformed a cramped 1903 cottage into a spacious, light-filled home while preserving
