This Old House Season 23 Episode 21 The Manchester House - 21

In This Old House season 23 episode 21, titled "The Manchester House - 21," viewers are taken on a tour of an 1870s Victorian home in Manchester, Massachusetts that is in dire need of restoration. The host of the show, Kevin O'Connor, is joined by general contractor Tom Silva, master carpenter Norm Abram, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook as they work to bring this historic home back to life.

The episode begins with Kevin providing viewers with some background on the house, which was once a grand summer residence for a wealthy Boston family. However, over time it has fallen into disrepair and the current owners have hired This Old House to help them restore it to its former glory. Tom Silva explains that they will need to undertake a massive renovation to restore the home's structural integrity, install a new heating and cooling system, update the electrical wiring, and modernize the bathrooms and kitchen.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a detailed look at the various stages of the renovation process. They watch as the crew removes the old plaster and lath from the walls, installs new insulation, and applies new drywall. They also witness the installation of new plumbing and electrical systems, as well as the installation of new windows and doors.

One of the highlights of the episode is the tour of the home's grand entryway. Norm Abram explains that this area is what visitors would have seen when they first entered the home, and it is important to restore it to its original grandeur. He shows viewers how they are restoring the intricately detailed woodwork, including the curved stair railings and decorative newel posts. The crew also replaces the old, worn-out carpeting with a beautiful hardwood floor that matches the original flooring in the rest of the house.

Another interesting feature of the Manchester House is the carriage house, which was once used to store the family's horse-drawn carriages. This area is being converted into a modern garage, complete with an attached workshop. Richard Trethewey oversees the installation of a new heating and cooling system, as well as the installation of a new hot water heater. He also explains how they are updating the plumbing system to meet modern building codes.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse of the challenges that come with restoring an old home. The crew encounters unexpected issues, such as termite damage, water leaks, and the discovery of an old chimney that needed to be removed. However, they work together to overcome these challenges and keep the renovation project on track.

In addition to the renovation work, viewers also get a glimpse of the landscaping that is being done to the property. Roger Cook explains how they are adding new plantings and updating the walkways and outdoor spaces to create a beautiful, functional yard that complements the home's architecture.

Overall, "The Manchester House - 21" is an informative and fascinating episode of This Old House. Viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the process of restoring an old home, and they get to see the incredible skill and expertise of the This Old House crew as they bring the Manchester House back to life.