This Old House Hour Season 11 Episode 16 Essex Project, A Cottage in the Woods

In season 11 episode 16 of This Old House Hour, viewers are taken to the beautiful Essex County in Massachusetts where a charming cottage located deep in the woods is in dire need of some serious updates and renovations. The episode kicks off with an introduction to the property by homeowners, Kevin and Belinda, who share their vision for the home's transformation with the help of architects and builders from This Old House.

The property was a former hunting camp and the house itself was initially built in the 1930s. However, over the years, it had suffered from neglect and had not seen any significant updates in decades. The homeowners were eager to turn the dilapidated cottage into a year-round home that would retain its charming character while being better suited for modern-day living.

The show takes its viewers through the entire renovation process, from the initial planning stages to the final finishing touches. The first challenge faced by the builders was getting the cottage up to code. Without the proper permits and inspections, the project would not have been able to move forward. The homeowners had to work closely with the local authorities to ensure that they were in compliance with all building codes.

The foundation of the cottage was crumbling, and the builders had to use a combination of new and old techniques to ensure that the structure could hold up for years to come. They used traditional building methods like mortaring and post-and-beam construction to strengthen the foundation while also incorporating modern materials like insulation to ensure that the home would be energy efficient and comfortable for its inhabitants.

The homeowners wanted to retain the character of the original property, so they opted to keep the existing layout while making a few key changes. The builders added new windows and doors to bring more light into the house and to take better advantage of the stunning views of the surrounding woods.

One of the most impressive aspects of the renovation was the restoration of the original stone fireplace. The builders had to take the entire structure apart stone by stone and rebuild it from scratch to ensure that it was safe and functional. They also added some new features like a special duct system to help circulate heat throughout the house while also reducing the risk of chimney fires.

The homeowners also wanted to make the kitchen more functional and inviting. They worked with the builders to design a custom kitchen that would be both beautiful and practical. The layout was adjusted to make better use of the available space, and the builders added new countertops and cabinets to give the kitchen a fresh new look.

Throughout the entire renovation process, the homeowners were involved every step of the way. They worked with the architects and builders to choose all the finishes and materials, from putting the final touches on the design of the kitchen to picking out the paint colors for the interior walls.

Overall, the renovation of the cottage in the woods was a massive success. The homeowners were thrilled with the results, and the builders were proud to have created a stunning home that would be enjoyed by generations to come. With the help of This Old House, the homeowners were able to turn their vision for the property into a reality and create a truly unique and beautiful home.