This Old House Season 2 Episode 13 The Newton House - 13
- May 1, 1981
The Newton House - 13:
In the thirteenth episode of the second season of the long-running home improvement series, This Old House, the team takes on the challenge of renovating the historic Newton House. Located in the picturesque town of Newton, this grand Victorian mansion has seen better days, and the homeowners are desperate to restore its former glory.
As the episode begins, the hosts of This Old House, Bob Vila and Norm Abram, arrive at the Newton House with their team of experts and skilled workers. They are greeted by the homeowners, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, who have lived in the house for several years and are passionate about preserving its original charm.
The main focus of this episode is the exterior restoration of the Newton House. The team embarks on a comprehensive analysis of the structure, identifying areas that need attention and devising a plan to tackle each issue. The house's deteriorating wooden shingles and trim are carefully examined, with the team determining the extent of repairs needed and gathering the necessary materials.
Next, the crew focuses on the house's iconic turret, a defining feature of Victorian architecture. Bob and Norm discuss the challenges of working on this intricate structure, as its ornate design requires special attention to detail. They enlist the help of a skilled carpenter to repair and replace any damaged sections, ensuring that the turret regains its original splendor.
Meanwhile, the homeowners express their desire to improve the house's energy efficiency by replacing the old windows with modern, insulated ones. Bob explains the different types of windows available on the market and how each can contribute to reducing energy consumption. With the homeowners' approval, the team begins the process of carefully removing the old windows and installing the new ones, taking care to preserve the historical integrity of the house.
Throughout the episode, viewers gain insight into the craftsmanship and attention to detail required to restore historical homes. Bob and Norm discuss the importance of selecting appropriate materials that match the original style and period of the Newton House. They provide tips and tricks for viewers interested in their own preservation projects, sharing their vast knowledge and experience in the field.
As the exterior restoration nears completion, the focus shifts to the Newton House's front porch. The team examines the porch's foundation, columns, and railing, identifying areas that need repairs or replacement. They tackle each issue diligently, striving to retain the porch's character while ensuring its structural integrity for years to come.
The episode concludes with a grand reveal of the restored exterior of the Newton House. The once-haggard mansion now stands proud and regal, with its newly repaired shingles, trim, turret, windows, and porch. The homeowners express their gratitude to the team for their expertise, dedication, and commitment to preserving historical homes like theirs.
In this episode of This Old House, viewers witness the transformation of the Newton House from a faded beauty to a meticulously restored Victorian masterpiece. The team's passion for preservation, combined with their skilled craftsmanship, results in a stunning exterior that respects the house's rich history while embracing modern efficiency.