Before & After ~ The c. 1868 Gile-Harvey House in Readfield, Maine.
This house is an excellent example of what is possible with determination and commitment.
My friend Cornelius Donovan took the before photo of this house several decades ago. Seeing this abandoned house as a teenager started his love of historic houses and preservation. Today, he is restoring a similar Italianate house.
Fortunately, someone else also saw the potential for the Gile-Harvey House and they have spent more than 20 years restoring it beautifully. It is the most prominent house in the village of Readfield, and its restoration has improved the appearance of the whole community.
The Italianate style got a toehold before the Civil War, popularized in part by its use for Queen Victoria’s summer retreat, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. 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 online shop at 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!
“Restoring Your Historic House is also available in bookstores nationwide and from online retailers.
© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
#antiquehome #antiquehomes #traditionalarchitecture #historicalhomes #historicalhouse #historic #oldhousecharm #oldhome #oldhouse #preservation #preserveourhistory #houseandgarden #aplacetocallhome #homerestoration #houserestoration #historicpreservation #ownapieceofhistory #vintagehome #architecturelover #restoringyourhistorichouse #yourhistorichome #restoration #houserehab #italianatestyle #victorianhouse #victorianstyle #italianate #victorianvillaÂ