Like many historic homes, this 1803 Blue Bell stunner is no stranger to renovations. It got its first addition in 1900, and another in 2000. Now, with a family of four with two growing daughters calling it home, it’s time for another.
There were two options that would give the girls additional space. Creating a renovated basement was considered, as was remodeling and adding on to the third floor.
The third floor already had two bedrooms and a dated bath, along with a playroom. However, the spaces were cramped and dim, the sloped ceilings cut down on usable space, and storage was woefully lacking.
Expanding Up
The third floor had the potential for more light and better views than going below ground to the basement, so we recommended expanding the footprint of the third floor.
We created two bump-outs in the shed dormer above the two-story porch to house two new bedrooms. To keep the space cozy in the winter and cool in the summer, we added spray foam in the roof, which also makes it meet current insulation guidelines. There are also new solar panels on the roof to help lower heating and cooling costs.
Light & Airy
We added height and light to the rooms, resulting in light-filled and airy bedrooms. Both rooms now feature inviting window seats and plenty of built-in storage.
A second shed dormer was added on the opposite side of the home, which is a new and improved gathering room — perfect for hanging out with their friends or tackling crafts projects. It’s decked out in a light and neutral color scheme, so it won’t feel dated as the sisters mature through their tweens and teens.
To make the most of usable space and boost traffic flow and connection, pocket doors were used throughout the third floor.
Sophisticated Bath
The bath was enlarged and updated with a light and bright neutral palette. Two separate roomy vanity cabinets — each with a sink — add storage and cut down on the girls jockeying for space in the mornings and before bed. The glass-enclosed shower has classic white subway tile, niches for storage, a built-in bench, and is filled with natural light from the two windows placed with privacy in mind.
This historic home is now ready for its next generation of residents, adding space while preserving its beauty and charm. Better yet, it’s created a great new space for our clients to live their lives better.
“The Harth Builders team was a pleasure to work with on this project,” say our clients. “Remodeling can be challenging, but they made the process surprisingly easy. Our daughters adore their rooms — especially now that we are confined to the house. It’s incredibly helpful that they have their own space to retreat to while we work from home. Thank you Harth Builders!”