Before & After ~ This c. 1865 House in Elgin, Illinois, house is an excellent example of what is possible with determination and commitment. It has gone from From blah to Wow!
Originally Italianate in style, in the 20th century it had been stripped of most of its ornamental trim, had the original porch enclosed and been clad in vinyl or aluminum siding. Only the bay window retained its character-defining eave brackets and other trim elements.
Fortunately, a couple who lived next door saw its potential and bought it to restore. After removing the 20th century alterations, they recreated its missing trim elements, including the porch, stripped the paint to bare wood, and repainted it in a sympathetic scheme.
The Italianate style got a toehold before the Civil War. It really took off after the war, with examples of the style appearing in all parts of the United States.
“Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” was written to help people who want to restore a house with sensitivity to its character-defining features.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop, YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save on cost and shipping with our multi-book combo packs!
© Scott T. Hanson 2024.
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