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- Victorian Restoration > Episode 1: Initial Tour
Tour of Medford, MA
This ambitious restoration project involves renovating a Victorian home, as well as a former dairy barn also on the property. In its new configuration, the barn will include two offices and an art studio. After a brief tour of the city, Bob meets with the home's new owner, Rikk Larsen, and contractor Charlie Tomaszewski, to discuss the work ahead.
- Part 1: Tour of Medford, MA
- Bob introduces the town of Medford, the fourth oldest English settlement in America. The town was settled in 1630, and was built on the lands of two wealthy British families.
North of Mystic River stands the house of Peter Tufts, whose house was built in 1680 (and has 18-inch brick walls). In1852, Peter's descendent Charles gave over 100 acres to what is now Tufts University.
The town originally prospered as a shipbuilding center. The ships ran trade in sugar, slaves, and rum between Europe, the Caribbean, and the colonies. Thatcher McGoon's shipyard employed 1000 workers, and the lumber for the yard came from all over New England.
Other businesses thrived also, such as brick and tile production outfits, and companies that manufactured carpeting, textiles, hats, linseed oil, and machinery for shoe making.
Now, Medford is a bedroom community for Boston, and homes with Victorian architecture, put up in the Industrial Revolution, are in high demand.
West Medford is where the project house is located, and an old map shows that it was an active dairy, which processed and delivered milk from 1886 to the 1960's.
The house is an example of New England architecture from the 1880s. Bob meets homeowner Rick Larsen on the front porch before the two walk around to the garden. Architect Richard Trenmaglio joints to talk about ideas for improvements and additions to the house-- a back deck, for instance, or a conversion of the carriage house into a studio connecting to the main house. - Part 2: Discussing Architectural Plans for the Victorian Restoration
- Part 3: Planning for the Second Floor and Master Bedroom
- Part 4: Reviewing Attic Conversion Plans
Located just five miles from downtown Boston, Bob's scouts discovered a Victorian-era house in a neighborhood of family homes on tree-lined streets that was past due for a full-scale renovation.
The home's new owners, a work-at-home family, have set goals to modernize the home's floor plan, update the building's mechanical and electrical systems, and add home office and work spaces for two busy professionals.
The home's new owners, a work-at-home family, have set goals to modernize the home's floor plan, update the building's mechanical and electrical systems, and add home office and work spaces for two busy professionals.
Also from Victorian Restoration
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Episode 3 - Moving the Entrance and Kitchen Layout
Description:
Contractor Charlie Tomaszewski and crew are hard at work moving the front door of the main house to accommodate a new entranceway. In addition, Tomaszewski is using an air-driven palm nailer to finish up work on new support beams.<br> <br> Bob meets homeowner Julie Graham, who is working with Faith Allen from Merillat to create the new kitchen layout. Across town, Bob tours the Isaac Royall House. -
Episode 4 - Electrical Systems and Wiring and Upstairs Framing
Description:
Bob gets an update on the progress taking place at the Victorian renovation project. Rough electrical work is underway, as is the home's data and video wiring, which will form the backbone for the advanced communications, security, and entertainment systems. Workers are framing a new addition, and are also at work on the second floor, where a Kohler tub and new Pella windows are being installed. -
Episode 5 - Roof Work and Lighting
Description:
The barn's roof system gets a makeover. First, LP sheathing forms the new roof deck, then Owens Corning shingles and Velux skylights are installed. Inside the barn, a space-saving high-velocity air-conditioning system from SpacePak is being retrofitted on both floors.<br> <br> At the main house, Charlie Tomaszewski and crew are making repairs to the decorative dentilation, as well as working on the shingles and a new gutter system. Inside, electrician Barry Driscoll is putting in new recessed light fixtures from Lightolier. -
Episode 6 - Skylight Installation, Roofing, and Painting
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Episode 7 - Barn Insulation, Video Wiring, and a New Balcony
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Episode 8 - Blueboard Installation, Landscaping, and a New Garage Door
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Episode 9 - Work on the Driveway and Finishing the Deck
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Episode 10 - Flooring, Glass-Block Walls and Floors, and Water Filtration
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Episode 11 - Landscaping Begins, Flooring Continues, and Water Heater Installed
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Episode 12 - Cabinets, Countertops, and Closets
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Episode 13 - Final House Tour
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