This Old House Season 10 Episode 26 The Lexington Bed and Breakfast - 26

The episode titled "The Lexington Bed and Breakfast - 26" of This Old House season 10 explores the restoration of a historic bed and breakfast in Massachusetts. The show opens with Kevin O'Connor, the host of the show, taking a tour of the property with the owners, Tom and Connie, who have been working on the renovation for the past few years.

The main focus of the episode is the restoration of the exterior of the building, which was built in the late 18th century. The team of experts working on the project is led by general contractor Tom Silva, who takes viewers through each step of the renovation process. Silva talks about the challenges of working with old materials and the importance of preserving the historic character of the building.

One of the first tasks at hand is repairing the windows, which had been painted shut and were no longer functional. Silva and his team carefully remove the windows and replace them with new ones that match the style of the original windows. They also add weatherstripping and new hardware to improve energy efficiency.

Next up is the restoration of the clapboard siding, which had been damaged over the years by weather and insects. Silva explains how he and his team carefully remove the damaged sections of siding and replace them with new clapboards that match the size and profile of the original ones. They also prime and paint the siding to give it a fresh look.

The team also tackles the porch, which had been in disrepair. Silva and his crew replace the rotted wood and repaint the porch to match the original color. They also add new railings that are more stable and safer for guests.

Inside the bed and breakfast, the team works on the bathrooms. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey talks about the challenges of working with old plumbing and how he and his team were able to update the system while still preserving the historic character of the building.

The show also features a segment on the history of the Lexington area, which played a significant role in the American Revolution. O'Connor visits nearby historic sites and talks about the importance of preserving the area's history.

The episode ends with a tour of the finished bed and breakfast. Tom and Connie are thrilled with the results and are excited to open their doors to guests. The restoration not only preserves the history and character of the building but also provides a comfortable and welcoming space for guests to enjoy.

Overall, "The Lexington Bed and Breakfast - 26" is a fascinating look at historic preservation and the challenges of restoring and updating an old building for modern use. The attention to detail and commitment to preserving the building's character are impressive, and it's clear that the team of experts working on the project is passionate about their work.