Historic Destination Reimagined

This article details the journey of Alex Pires, a Washington attorney turned Dewey Beach restaurateur and nightclub owner, and his wife, Diane Cooley, in building their shingle-style cottage in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The project began when Pires purchased a 1920s oceanfront cottage six years prior. Initially, Pires attempted two renovations to bring the cottage in line with the shingle style, inspired by the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson in his hometown of North Easton, Massachusetts. Dissatisfied with the renovations, Pires and Cooley decided to demolish the existing structure and build a new home that truly reflected their vision. They enlisted long-time friend and architect David Jones of David Jones Architects in Washington, D.C., for the design. The objective was to create a distinctive residence that stood out among the typical developer-built cottages in the area. Jones, who developed an appreciation for historic architecture throughout his career, embraced the challenge of designing a shingle-style dwelling. The project presented unique challenges, including editing Pires's numerous ideas and adhering to height restrictions while maintaining the style's verticality. To ensure historical accuracy and detail, Pires and Cooley researched shingle-style architecture extensively, including touring historic "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by pioneers of the style. The shingle style, originating in the Boston area in the 1880s, is characterized by unpainted wooden shingles and a departure from Victorian fussiness, favoring unembellished surfaces, honesty of form, and purity of line. Interiors were designed with fewer, larger rooms to maximize sunlight. Pires compiled photographs of notable architectural details, such as the small, multi-paned windows of Richardson's William Watts Sherman house and the turret inspired by the Isaac Bell House in Newport, designed by McKim, Mead and White. The house, situated on a corner lot, features two facades: a broad gable with a deep porch facing the ocean to the east, and a more vertical tower and gable facing the street and beach path to the north. Forest green trim bands contrast with the sand-colored cedar shingles. Nautical motifs, such as a lighthouse-shaped newel post, are incorporated into the exterior. The main floor is elevated to protect against ocean surges, with breakaway walls on the lowest level for the garage and storage, a design element that allows water to flow through without compromising the structural integrity of the house. This functional and aesthetic approach prevents the common "stranded" appearance of many beach houses built on pilings. Finding a builder capable of executing the intricate design proved difficult, with three companies declining the project. Pires ultimately hired Bob Purcell, known for his craftsmanship, after admiring a home he built in Lewes. Purcell accepted the job, committing to Jones's insistence on an entirely wooden construction, which is rare in modern building practices. The detailed design earned architect David Jones a 2008 national Palladio Award for best new house under 5,000 square feet. For the interiors, Pires and Cooley collaborated with Pinehurst, North Carolina-based designer Brenda Lyne, impressed by her work at the Bellmoor Inn. While Cooley initially desired a less formal style, she appreciated Lyne's ability to combine elegance with durability suitable for a beach house. The interiors feature a neutral palette with blond Australian cypress flooring and white painted wood paneling. The main level's living-dining room, facing the beachfront, is furnished with white linen slipcovered sofas, Asian-themed accents in blue, and contemporary local art. A screened-in wrap-around porch includes a hot tub and ocean views. The kitchen, though compact, is highly functional with a bead board-covered island, cream-colored cabinets concealing appliances, and blue Bahia granite countertops. Pires's office, in contrast to the breezy aesthetic of the rest of the house, features dark walnut paneling, plantation shutters, and built-in library shelving, displaying his collection of boxing memorabilia. The second floor includes an office-sitting area, a guest room, a bedroom for Pires's daughter, and a master bedroom with ocean views from the turret. Pires reflects on the project, stating their goal was not merely to build a large house but a well-designed and crafted home, honoring American architectural history while creating a lasting, beloved residence. #HomeDesign #CoastalArchitecture #ShingleStyle #HistoricPreservation #DeweyBeach #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #OceanfrontHome #CustomBuilt

The article details the challenges and rewards of restoring historic buildings, focusing on the work of David Sutphen, owner of Southfen Restoration Home Builder and David Sutphen Design. The piece opens with the experience of Robert Voss and Ben Frey, who encountered unexpected complexities while renovating an historic building for their business, John Brown General and Butchery, in the Shawan Valley. Their initial plan for a quick renovation and opening was derailed by the discovery of extensive, outdated plumbing and electrical systems dating back to 1938. Voss credits Sutphen's expertise and passion for older spaces with successfully navigating these challenges. Sutphen's approach to restoration is highlighted as a blend of preserving historic charm while integrating modern functionality. With interior plans from Towson’s ADW Architects, the building housing John Brown General and Butchery was transformed from a dilapidated structure into a modern shop with a second-floor apartment, maintaining its historic character. Sutphen's lifelong interest in historic buildings, sparked by woodworking in high school and exposure to historic homes in Baltimore and the Eastern Shore, has shaped his philosophy. He is praised for his integrity in treating old buildings and his deep knowledge of historical construction methods and materials, as noted by Barbara Voss, Robert Voss's mother, who also worked with Sutphen on her own historic farmhouse. Sutphen emphasizes that restoring older homes requires critical thinking and problem-solving, going beyond mere assembly of parts. He explains his method of imagining himself as the original craftsman of the 18th or 19th century, which simplifies the process and reveals multiple valid solutions to a task. This mindset helps him preserve the building's spirit while incorporating modern conveniences. The article also addresses the importance of managing client expectations, as historic projects often present unforeseen difficulties. Sutphen's experience allows him to provide realistic advice. An example is the restoration of a 200-year-old log cabin in northern Baltimore County, where defects in the log walls only became apparent after cladding removal, necessitating continuous design adjustments. Despite such challenges, historic restorations can lead to pleasant surprises, such as the discovery of hidden stonework in Traill's log cabin, underscoring the value of recognizing and preserving worth-while elements in old structures. Sutphen views the demolition of older homes as a waste, driven by his commitment to preservation. Another project, Tom Spencer's 160-year-old fieldstone farmhouse, was saved from demolition by Sutphen, who completely restored and updated its interior, added an extension and garage, all while meticulously preserving its historic nature. Spencer expresses gratification at living in such a house, recognizing the privilege of residing in a preserved historic home. The article concludes by encouraging readers to visit southfen.com or davidsutphendesign.com for more information on Sutphen's work. #HistoricRestoration #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #BuildingPreservation #DavidSutphenDesign #JohnBrownGeneralAndButchery #MarylandArchitecture #HistoricHomes

Alison Victoria of “Windy City Rehab” undertook one of her most ambitious projects, transforming an incredibly run-down 1885 home in Chicago, IL, into a stunning modern-meets-historic short-term rental. The renovation, documented in the Season 5 episode "Second Time's a Charm," spanned two years, addressing significant damage and aiming to preserve the home's quintessential Chicago architecture and history while introducing contemporary elements. Victoria's primary focus for the exterior was preservation and meticulous restoration. Despite extensive wear and tear, she chose not to alter the external appearance significantly. Instead, her team meticulously rehabilitated existing features, such as saving the corbels at the entryway, repainting the original front doors, and recreating the roofline molding to match its historic design as closely as possible. This approach ensured the home retained its original charm and historical integrity for future generations to appreciate. Inside, a major challenge arose with the staircase. Victoria initially intended to salvage the original stair railing and newel post, but these were mistakenly discarded during demolition. Committed to maintaining the home's historic aesthetic, she opted to replicate the intricate design of the original staircase from old photographs. The result was a new staircase that perfectly mimicked the historic design, appearing seamlessly integrated and indistinguishable from the original, demonstrating that features beyond repair can be faithfully recreated. The home featured four old fireplaces, which Victoria revitalized by exposing the original brickwork. To enhance their classic appeal, she added antique mantels, creating a charming blend of the home's original materials and period-appropriate additions. This design choice highlighted the inherent beauty of the building's original structure without concealing or removing its historic essence. For a touch of modern functionality, Victoria introduced arched glass and iron doors to separate the kitchen and living room. While not antique, these doors were chosen for their elegant design and ability to create a sense of openness while still defining distinct spaces. This clever addition enhanced the flow and functionality of the first floor, providing layers to the house and demonstrating a successful fusion of modern elements with the traditional architecture. Victoria emphasized that this blend of old and new, modern and traditional, was crucial to the home's successful transformation. Throughout the renovation, Victoria prioritized using materials and designs that resonated with the home's historical period. Even newly added features, such as kitchen sconces and bathroom tiles, were selected for their timeless quality. A notable example was the replacement of three small main bedroom windows with custom stained-glass windows, crafted by her team in a simple, old-fashioned floral design. This decision provided a beautiful, classic touch that honored the home's heritage, showcasing Victoria's commitment to a thoughtful, historically sensitive renovation. #WindyCityRehab #AlisonVictoria #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #ChicagoArchitecture #ModernMeetsHistoric #InteriorDesign #ExteriorPreservation #StainedGlass

This article details the comprehensive renovation of a historic 1894 officer's quarters on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, undertaken by Donivon and Anne Glassburn. The project aimed to retain the home's historic aesthetic while integrating modern amenities and design. A significant aspect of the renovation involved carefully dismantling and then reusing 200-year-old oak boards from the original structure, which were milled into floorboards for the second level, creating a sense of continuity with the ground floor's reclaimed wood. This approach contributed to the home's perceived 'soul,' as noted by interior designer Allison Elebash. Architect Beau Clowney was instrumental in designing a 900-square-foot addition that harmonized with the original structure's scale and details. This addition primarily created an open living space at the back of the house, featuring steel doors that open to a pool area, envisioned by the Glassburns as a private resort. Elebash's interior design strategy focused on bridging the old and new elements through classic finishes, sculptural furniture, durable fabrics suitable for a coastal environment, and the strategic display of the family's modern art collection. The renovation emphasized creating a sense of spaciousness. The addition of a wall of steel windows and doors in the living area, despite its moderate size, makes the room feel significantly larger. Careful planning by Clowney and Elebash regarding interior doorways, kitchen layout, and furniture placement contributes to the illusion of a much larger home, with visitors often estimating it to be 3,600 square feet, when it is actually 2,950 square feet. The front room serves a dual purpose as an everyday entry and a special-occasion dining room, facilitated by clever furniture choices like a round dining table that allows for ample foot traffic. The design incorporates a mix of high-end and inexpensive items, such as antique dining chairs paired with an acrylic table and a durable seagrass rug, ensuring both elegance and practicality for daily life with pets. The kitchen, where the addition meets the original structure, features marble used in contemporary ways, such as a waterfall island and slab backsplash, creating a focal point on the range wall. Transom windows above the doorways enhance light flow and character. Shaker cabinets, painted in a diluted Benjamin Moore's Collingwood (OC-28) to match the original window and door trim's thin bead detail, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117) complete the cohesive look. A pass-through area, originally intended as a sitting room, was converted into a cabinet-lined butler's pantry, easing traffic flow during entertaining and complementing the petite kitchen. The cabinetry in this area is painted Farrow & Ball's Stone Blue (No. 86) as a nod to the coastal setting, and polished nickel hardware was predominantly used, with brass accents in the butler's pantry. Upstairs, a bedroom was transformed into a den, initially appearing bland with white walls. Elebash introduced Thibaut's Kasai wallpaper to add a significant visual impact. The renovation budget was managed by limiting the home's size to 2,950 square feet, allowing for investment in high-end materials and features like a vaulted ceiling with early 20th-century style beams and shiplap walls that visually distinguish the new addition from the original drywall. The main bathroom includes carved storage nooks to address an awkward bump-out and a wall-to-wall mirror to enhance the sense of space. The daughter's bedroom features a cheerful Quadrille's Sigourney Small Scale fabric for the headboard, bed skirt, and Roman shades, complemented by a bright white palette, rattan accents, and colorful woven baskets as wall decor. Externally, Clowney restored the exterior to its original 1890s appearance while adding modern touches, such as a 10-foot-deep porch, substantial shutters, and dramatic rooflines with replicated trusses. Contemporary elements like ipe decking, oversized pool pavers, and modern landscaping by Sheila Wertimer contrast with the historic facade. This blend of historical preservation and modern convenience has created a home that the Glassburns cherish, with their daughter already expressing a desire to inherit it. #HistoricRenovation #CoastalHomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalAddition #ReclaimedMaterials #LuxuryRenovation #SullivanIsland #TraditionalMeetsModern #HomeTransformation