Generational restoration of an1890s Shingle Style summer cottage on the rocky coast of Maine that has been in the same family since 1905. It was expanded by the first generation in 1910 and altered again in the 1960s, when the second generation replaced the original double-hung windows with off-the-shelf casement sash, reshingled the exterior to mask the changed window sizes, and made some interior modifications. The third generation enjoyed it and pretty much left it alone.
Fifty years after the last renovations, the fourth generation has recently replaced the failing 1960s casement windows with custom made double-hung sash that replicate the original windows, repointed the stone first story and chimneys, and re-shingled the exterior – restoring original details lost in the 1960s work. I’ve had the pleasure to be the historic consultant for this project.
The combination of owners committed to honoring the original character of the cottage and a contractor with a skilled and experienced crew (and a historic consultant to identify what had changed over time and provide guidance for the work to be done) has prepared this cottage for the fifth generation and beyond.
I wrote “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” to help guide homeowners who are restoring a house without the benefit of a consultant and possibly doing some or all of the work themselves.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our online shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Want to learn more about historic house styles? “A Field Guide to American Houses” by Virginia McAlester is available in our shop.
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2024.
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #homerestoration #houserestoration #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #historicpreservation