1800's Farmhouse Addition/ Renovation

14 years ago

Our old farmhouse had a makeshift addition put on sometime in the 1950's that appeared to be a sunporch eventually closed in. We removed the "old addition" and rebuilt to today's standards. Crawlspace gone, full basement, hello!
The original stone portion of the house was constructed in 1851 and has low ceilings - we wanted to make sure not to dwarf it with the high ceilings that we desired in the addition. We lived in the house throughout the renovation and had a makeshift kitchen in the sunporch... the washer/dryer were our countertops for 4 months! We got very good at grilling (everything) and now really appreciate our dishwasher.
We love the exposed stone wall in the dining area (former exterior wall), the salvaged beams on the island (pulled from the old addition). We are really happy to have been able to revitalize the house and love how the old and new parts of the house have blended.

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Holly
Original Author

13 years ago

Thanks everyone!
@Amar - We are in NJ.
@catriona - we did not repoint the wall ourselves... we had a mason do it. My husband really wanted to do it himself, but we were wrapping up right around the holidays and were too busy with work, etc. and wanted to be in for Christmas! There is no sealant on the wall, but we have not had any dust issues. We took advantage of being outside before the addition was up and sandblasted the stone after removing the old mortar, so the stones are really clean.

We also removed the plaster from our upstairs bathroom walls to expose the stone - picture attached. Since it's interior we were obviously unable to sandblast and all this work was with hammer/chisel and wire brush. What an undertaking! We completed this before the main addition. Some dust/debris does fall from this as we have not repointed yet - possibly a project for this winter. Our mason is going to show my husband his technique :)

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Comments (27)

Emily Hurley
13 years ago
You did a beautiful job with this. I love the blending of the old materials with the addition.
armarcounselling
13 years ago
Where is your stone house? We have one too, built in 1845 and have a similar kitchen/dining room reno with an exposed stone wall. Yours looks great. Enjoy.
PRO
Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design
13 years ago
Holly - your fourth photo is such a keeper - it is evident you put so much time, energy, and elbow grease into your home - It is extremely beautiful - you two should be proud! Your story is well stated - your words drew me in - just like your photos - nothing like the sense of accomplishment!
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
13 years ago
You've done such a beautiful job! I wonder if I could become that thin if I tackled a project like that! Ah, wishful thinking!
creeser
13 years ago
Beautiful! You did a fantastic job.
I'm with Carolyn. It would be worth the project just to get your figure! *L*
bubblyjock
13 years ago
Holly - did you repoint the stone yourselves? And, now its on an inside wall, did you put any sealant on it to curtail the dust, or just leave it totally bare stone?
PRO
Dytecture
13 years ago
The stone wall is beautiful in the kitchen !
lisemcc
13 years ago
Love it! The stone is beautiful. Love the old beams too. Great job!!
bantam
13 years ago
Wow, that is just beautiful. I can't believe how gorgeous the stone is, I absolutely love it.
tubofun
13 years ago
Stunning! Combination of old and new is breathtaking? Did you have a designer help you? I love the vanity in the bath as well! Where did you get it?
PRO
Reico Kitchen & Bath
13 years ago
Reallyt beautiful! Love the beams and stone as well. Enjoy!
Brittney Hankins
13 years ago
Great job! Your home is lovely, and so full of character! My husband and I are in the midst of a similar project, and it was encouraging to see someone make it through with a beautiful end result!
PRO
Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design
13 years ago
Your bathroom is so stunning with the stone wall! I mimic other exclamations of praise but this is very beautiful!
PRO
Susan Jablon Mosaics
13 years ago
Hi Holly, just wanted to say that your home is absolutely stunning. I would hate to have your rebuilt walls ruined by water damage. A backsplash behind your countertops can easily prevent this and can be custom designed to match the beautiful space you have created. Just something to consider, but you truly have done an amazing job.
Holly
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks again everyone!
Susan we are putting in a backsplash - took forever to decide on tile! We finally decided and are getting into our tiler's schedule :)
PRO
Delo Interiors Inc.
13 years ago
Beautiful! Great work :)
PRO
Susan Jablon Mosaics
13 years ago
That's great Holly! I'd love to see pictures when your backsplash is installed!
PRO
Travis Robert Renovations
13 years ago
Beautiful stone... Looks great!
User
13 years ago
Holly, your home is so beautiful! It is warm and inviting while clean and modern. The perfect balance and filled with so much character! Stunning!
PRO
S-Squared // Architecture + Interiors + Landscape
13 years ago
What a lovely wall--the house just radiates warmth, comfort, and elegance.
laurae1967
13 years ago
So beautiful! Love the exposed stones and beams.
PRO
Brown Bros. Masonry
13 years ago
Great job! Love that you were able to keep all the original stone. Beautiful inside and out.
PRO
Olde Wood Ltd.
13 years ago
Wow! Beautiful work!
PRO
Reico Kitchen & Bath
13 years ago
This is really beautiful. Has such a warm look and feel. Enjoy, it is well deserved!
PRO
Christopher James Interiors
13 years ago
It's beautiful! I love the rustic stone walls
danasuzi
13 years ago
You have a beautiful home. The stone is gorgeous. My washer and dryer are my countertops right now. What color is the island granite please?