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Rooted in
HISTORY-LOVING HOMEBUYERS ARE DRAWN TO THE UNPARALLELED CHARM AND BEAUTY OF A HISTORIC HOME.
Through architecture and design, historic homes tell a story of the past and capture the lifestyle of an earlier time period. A historic home must be more than 50 years old, hold historical significance, and exemplify a signature architectural style. The United States is home to a range of historic architectural styles — whether it’s a Victorian home that reflects the architecture during Queen Victoria’s reign or a Colonial Revival home that draws inspiration from America’s 19th-century architecture. Despite the allure of a historic home, there are many challenges to consider before purchasing a property that will likely require preservation or restoration.
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History
When preserving, restoring, or reinventing a historic home, call upon an architect or designer who understands the neighborhood, time period, and architectural style associated with the home. Architect Peter Pennoyer begins with research that goes beyond the house itself. “Spend the time to understand the history and materiality of the house,” he says. “Let no detail go unnoticed.” Look at the neighborhood for clues, consider who lived in the town, and imagine how the residents lived each day. Read historic architectural books to gain a deeper understanding of each architectural style and the time periods that they were popular. “We learn a great deal from old buildings, including forgotten construction techniques, design concepts, and unique regional differences in detailing,” says Stephen Chrisman, principal at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects. Learn about the original builders, architects, and designers of the home — and the homeowners, if possible. “Each house teaches us a lesson, and these stories enrich our understanding of history and give us new ideas for our own work,” says Pennoyer. Through research, an architect will begin to
“The challenge of working with a historic house can be daunting as we are often starting with a very high standard of design that we need to address and adapt to ensure that the new addition and finishes meet the original quality,” says Stephen Chrisman of Ferguson & Shamamian Architects.
BY ALYSSA GAUTIERI
