This historic 1800s home had lived many lives, most recently as a quad-plex with four separate apartments. While its character was undeniable, its chopped-up layout didn't fit the new owners' vision. They dreamed of a single-family home that could welcome visiting family and friends, blending modern functionality with the home's deep historical roots. They came to us with a challenge: undertake a whole house renovation to transform the divided building back into a grand, unified home, all while honoring its protected historic exterior.
Through our collaborative Design + Build process, we partnered with the clients to ensure their vision led every decision. The goal was to create a beautiful, highly functional second home where every guest room felt like a primary suite and there were plenty of spaces to enjoy socializing or relaxing.
The home's past as a multi-unit apartment building was evident everywhere. The layout was a maze of small, disconnected spaces. An entire apartment, complete with a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, occupied the space where the new kitchen would need to be. The upstairs was in significant disrepair, and the original primary suite was little more than a single room with a toilet, tub, and sink. The home lacked central air conditioning, and a set of back stairs was a hazard. It was a house full of history, but it was waiting for a new story.
This was a true total renovation, thoughtfully done to bring the owners' wishes to life while preserving the historic charm. We started by completely removing one of the downstairs apartment units to create a single, expansive kitchen that now serves as the heart of the home. We carefully preserved the original front sitting rooms, the formal dining room, and the grand entry staircase, allowing the home's original character to shine.
We reconfigured the entire second floor to create four luxurious bedrooms, each with its own private en-suite bathroom. This provides a perfect setup for hosting adult guests. To create a primary suite worthy of the home's scale, we absorbed an adjacent front room. Working within the strict limitations of the historic facade, which meant no windows could be moved, we designed a stunning new bathroom featuring a large shower and a freestanding tub perfectly framed by a front window. The new primary closet was ingeniously built around the existing staircase, turning a potential obstacle into a unique design feature.
Throughout the process, the house revealed its own stories. During demolition, we discovered a set of massive, original pocket doors hidden within the walls. We had them carefully restored. The process took nearly a year and a half, and they now function beautifully. We also salvaged the original wood floors, meticulously saving and reinstalling them to bring warmth and continuity to the new layout.
By adding unique touches, we were able to make the home truly personal. We transformed the space under the stairs into a gorgeous wine and whiskey room, featuring a barrel and custom cabinetry. As a show-stopping detail, we used a remnant of the kitchen's Illuminato Quartzite—a natural stone that can be backlit—to create a glowing feature above the barrel. The original 1800s walk-out windows are now fully functional again, thanks to careful replacement of the sash and pulley. Having weathered numerous storms, including the Great Storm of 1900, this home isn't just a beautiful renovation—it's a survivor, and we are honored to have been a part of its continuing story.
Rest assured with our Greymark Guarantee. We stand by our work, offering warranties for every aspect. We warranty our work for one year for workmanship, two years for all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, and six years for structural. However, our goal is that we’ve built your project where the only calls we get are ones where you are gushing about your home. Your investment in us is reciprocated with our commitment to excellence.
Experience a client-centric journey that surpasses expectations. Contact Greymark Design + Build today for a prompt and personalized consultation. Let's transform your vision into a remarkable reality.