This Old House Season 32 Episode 18 Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Italianate Inspiration

In this episode of This Old House, season 32 episode 18, titled "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Italianate Inspiration," host Kevin O'Connor and contractor Tom Silva take on a challenge to transform a historic 1860s Italianate-style home in Arlington, Massachusetts. The team strives to bring this old house back to its original beauty while updating it with modern amenities.

The project begins with a tour of the home to assess the work that needs to be done. The house has suffered from years of neglect, and the team must tackle significant repairs to the structure, including reinforcing the foundation, repairing the roof, and addressing wood rot. The crew starts by removing the old roof to reveal the home's unique cupola, which Tom hopes to restore. They also work on removing and replacing damaged trim, milling new boards to match the original design.

Next, Kevin visits a local foundry where the team sources hardware for the home. One of the unique features of Italianate architecture is the intricate hardware used on doors and windows. The foundry specializes in reproducing historic hardware, so Kevin chooses pieces that will complement the home's character.

As the exterior repairs progress, the team turns their attention to the inside of the house. They bring in plaster restoration expert Rory Brennan to address significant cracks in the ceiling caused by the home's settling. Rory skillfully repairs the damage while maintaining the original textured pattern of the ceiling.

The team also works on modernizing the home's infrastructure, including updating the electrical and HVAC systems. They install a new ductless mini-split system to provide efficient heating and cooling throughout the house.

Finally, the crew focuses on restoring the home's grand staircase. The original treads were worn down, and the railing was unsteady. The team pulls up the old treads and replaces them with new ones, saving as much of the original wood as possible. They also restore the railing to its former glory, carefully removing layers of paint to reveal the original intricate details.

Throughout the episode, Kevin and Tom draw inspiration from the home's rich Italianate architecture. They incorporate design elements like arched windows, ornate trim, and decorative hardware to bring the home back to life. As the project draws to a close, Kevin marvels at the transformation, declaring that the home is "a fantastic restoration of a remarkable old house."

Overall, "Arlington Italianate Project 2014; Italianate Inspiration" is a fascinating episode of This Old House that highlights the team's dedication to preserving historic architecture while updating homes for modern living. With expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, Kevin, Tom, and their crew successfully bring this old house back to its original grandeur.