This Old House Season 26 Episode 9 The Carlisle House - 9

The Carlisle House is a beautiful 18th-century farmhouse that has been beautifully preserved over the years. This episode of This Old House follows the renovation and restoration of this historic property, which has been in the same family for over 200 years.

The episode begins with a brief history of the house and its many unique features. The owners, a couple named Tim and Emily, are looking to make some updates to the home while still preserving its historic charm. They are working with the This Old House team to come up with a plan that will meet their needs while also respecting the integrity of the home.

The first order of business is to address some of the structural issues in the home. The team discovers that the foundation of the house is not level and needs to be jacked up and supported with new footings. This is a delicate process that requires a great deal of skill and experience, but the team is up to the task.

Once the foundation is secure, the team moves on to the exterior of the home. The siding on the house is in good condition, but the paint is peeling and fading. The team decides to strip the old paint and repaint the house in a more historically accurate color scheme. They also replace the existing shutters with reclaimed shutters that match the original design of the home.

Inside the house, the team focuses on updating the kitchen and bathrooms. They work with a local cabinetmaker to create custom cabinets for the kitchen that will provide plenty of storage while still maintaining the historic feel of the home. They also install new appliances and fixtures that are more energy-efficient and better suited to modern living.

In the bathrooms, the team removes the old fixtures and replaces them with more modern versions. They also install new flooring and tile to give the bathrooms a fresh, updated look. Throughout the house, the team works to preserve the original details of the home, such as the wide-plank flooring and the beautiful hand-carved trim.

One of the most interesting aspects of this renovation is the way the team deals with the historic doors and windows in the home. Rather than replace them with modern versions, the team carefully restores them to their original condition. They strip away years of paint and repair any damage, then reinstall them using new hardware that matches the period of the home.

As the renovation draws to a close, the homeowners are thrilled with the results. They now have a home that is comfortable, functional, and true to its history. The This Old House team is also proud of the work they have done, and they leave knowing that they have helped to preserve a piece of New England history for generations to come.

Overall, The Carlisle House - 9 is a fascinating look at the process of renovating and restoring a historic home. It showcases the skill and craftsmanship that goes into preserving these important pieces of our history, while also highlighting the challenges that must be overcome to update these homes for modern living. If you love architecture, history, or home renovation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.