Tag: Historic Curb Appeal

New Episode | A Vibrant Georgian Tapestry c1790 | Pond Bridge

Season Two Episode One | The house now stands as a blank canvas—honest, straightforward, and gracefully devoid of pretension and sham. It is ready to live on for another 235 years and, one hopes, will find the same loving stewardship afforded a house and landscape of such Provincial and, dare I say, National importance! This house is, without question, the most well-preserved domestic Georgian I have ever had the pleasure of visiting and exploring.

Benefits of Wooden Storm Windows for Energy Efficiency

Yes, it’s that time of the year. There is a little nip in the air that reminds you to get those storm windows installed. Why not just replace the most character defining element on your home, with plastic windows you ask! Do you know why they are called replacement windows? It’s because you will have to replace them over and over again!  Let’s go over a bit of “What-To”, even a bit of science.

Help Me! Where Do I Start My RENO!

I get asked all the time by clients – how do I start my renovation? The most important document is a plan of renovation and preservation. Rather than bulldozing ahead and tearing-out remodeling of past owners and trying to renovate or preserve piecemeal, the home owner needs a written plan and a well thought out schedule before he or she starts the work.

Tin Ceiling Conundrum!

The kitchen has been driving me crazy, mainly because it was in the most miserable condition of all! The tin ceiling had great chunks of lead based paint dangling from it, hmm images of a big pot of stew or soup simmering on the stove with paint chips floating down into it like autumn leaves!

A Heritage Landscape | Neo-Classical Fence

This lovely 18th century house (circa 1716) is located north of Boston, Massachusetts. These images were taken in the early 1930’s and are a record of both the building and this most remarkable wood fence. I would surmise the fence would date from the mid 19th century, but it has a very Neo-Classical flavour to the design so it could even be earlier.

Floorcloths | A Fashionable History

Floorcloths or “Oylcloths” are first mentioned in Britain at the beginning of the eighteenth century. They were painted by humble house painters and often offered in the classical designs used for marble floors by the fashionable architects of the day.

The Jacobean Revival | Style Guide

During the last two decades of the nineteenth and first two decades of the twentieth century, American and Canadian architects became well entrenched in the British Arts & Crafts movement, with some embracing elements of the Tudor and Jacobean Revival house styles of the time.

Wood Shingles | A Once Ubiquitous Crown

Their contractor warned wood shingles was more expensive and yet also, not as good. Their contractor was a coward.  That last one was my assertion, and it still is! 

Ingledale House | A Hidden Gem

The jewel in the crown of this splendid building is the 12 over 12 sash windows flanking the central door (where in most Neoclassical design would favour sidelights) with the second floor duplicated for symmetry. Usually, Neoclassical houses follow the form of its earlier interpretation, the Georgian (which the original 1815 house in the rear did) with a typical five-bay symmetry. However, in this case the house is decidedly asymmetrical with the central window and door arrangement.

A Fine View | Belvedere

Belvedere is a room built above the roof for the purpose of obtaining a “fine view” (literal Italian translation).

Victorian Cottage Make Over

This project is a clear example of what almost any amateur couple can do with a little fore sight and discipline. Money is one of the lesser parts of the equation.

12 Great Visions of Gingerbread – A Lookbook

The true sense of a craftsman is the quality of their work! We look at architectural millwork (a.k.a. gingerbread) and are awestruck at the intricacy and workmanship that went into these pieces of wooden art!

Verandah Valhalla

And now I leave you with these thoughts… there is nothing which better creates curb appeal, character and makes a house a home than a beautifully maintained and loved wooden verandah.

Don’t Be Afraid of Red!

I enjoy exploring older neighborhoods and looking at the older homes. I pay particular attention to the architectural details and the paint colours used, as this is my special interest. Many people have a fear of painting their house a bold colour such as red however red is a fabulous colour to make both a…

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Through the Garden Gate – A Lookbook

A garden gate becomes an attractive focal point for curb appeal and a welcoming portal to what wonderful delights await on the other side; a loved and cared for garden or the charming and perfectly restored house.