This Old House Hour Season 11 Episode 1 Cambridge Project, Part 1 of 15

In season 11 of This Old House Hour, viewers are treated to an incredible renovation project in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the first episode, entitled "Cambridge Project, Part 1 of 15," the team begins its work on a 130-year-old Victorian home that had been chopped up into apartment units.

As with all projects on This Old House, the crew takes great care in preserving the home's character and historical significance. As they tour the house at the start of the episode, they point out elements that make the home unique, such as the original butternut woodwork and ornate Victorian-era wallpaper.

The team's first task is to take down some walls that had been added to create additional bedrooms. The walls come down easily enough, but there are signs of structural damage that will need to be addressed. The team also discovers some termite damage, which requires the removal of a significant amount of wood in the basement.

Once the demolition is complete, the team starts on the rebuilding process, starting with the framing of a new interior wall. They also begin removing old insulation and installing new spray foam insulation throughout the house, as well as replacing the old knob-and-tube wiring with new, safer wiring.

But this isn't just a simple renovation project. As the team digs deeper into the home's history, they realize that this house was once owned by the poet e.e. cummings. They are able to view some of his original manuscripts and letters, and they gain a newfound appreciation for the unique history of the home.

The episode also includes a segment in which host Kevin O'Connor speaks with architects Sarah Susanka and Marianne Cusato, who provide their perspectives on the importance of preserving historical homes. They discuss the unique challenges of updating an old home while still maintaining its character and charm.

Overall, "Cambridge Project, Part 1 of 15" is an engaging and informative episode that sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting renovation project. The team's attention to detail and commitment to preserving the home's history is evident throughout the episode, and viewers will no doubt be eager to see what comes next.