This Old House Hour Season 13 Episode 11 The Lexington Colonial | Making Connections

In season 13 episode 11 of This Old House Hour, viewers are treated to a glimpse of the Lexington Colonial, a home with a rich history that is currently undergoing extensive renovations. The focal point of the episode is the process of making connections between old and new elements of the house, as the team works to bring the home into the 21st century while still honoring its past.

Host Kevin O'Connor begins the episode by introducing the Lexington Colonial, which dates back to the 1700s. Originally owned by a tanner and later converted into a tavern, the home has been passed down through several generations and undergone multiple renovations over the years. The current homeowners have hired a team of experts to help them modernize the home without sacrificing its historic charm.

The first segment of the episode focuses on the kitchen, which is being completely renovated from top to bottom. Kevin meets with kitchen designer Linda Cloutier to discuss the challenges of blending old and new elements in a historic home. The team is removing an old chimney and installing a modern range hood, but they are also incorporating salvaged wood from the home's original beams into the new cabinetry. The end result is a beautiful and functional space that seamlessly marries old and new.

Next up is a segment on the home's heating and cooling system. The team is replacing the outdated and inefficient oil furnace with a state-of-the-art geothermal system, which will significantly reduce the home's carbon footprint. Kevin meets with HVAC specialist Richard Trethewey to learn more about how the system works and how it will benefit the homeowners. This is an excellent example of how modern technology can be integrated into a historic home to improve its energy efficiency.

The third segment of the episode focuses on the home's exterior. The team is restoring the original clapboard siding and repainting the house in a historic color palette. They are also adding a new roof and modernizing the home's drainage system. Kevin meets with general contractor Tom Silva to discuss the challenges of working on a house that has been standing for centuries. Tom explains how the team is carefully removing and restoring the original siding to ensure that the home retains its historic character.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a segment on the home's interior trim. The team is carefully removing and restoring the original trim, which had been covered up by layers of paint and wallpaper over the years. They are also adding new trim in a style that is consistent with the home's historic era. The end result is a beautiful and cohesive interior that pays homage to the home's past while still feeling fresh and modern.

Overall, season 13 episode 11 of This Old House Hour is an excellent example of how historic homes can be updated for modern living while still honoring their past. The team's attention to detail and commitment to preserving the home's character is apparent in every segment of the episode. Viewers who are interested in historic preservation or home renovation will find this episode to be both informative and inspiring.