Ep 2. 1700s First Floor Restoration

In this episode of Stone House Revival, host Jeff Devlin takes on the challenge of restoring a first-floor space in a historic 1700s stone house. The homeowners, Alison and Ed, have just moved in and want to update the space while still maintaining its original charm and character.

Jeff starts by assessing the space and identifying the key areas that need attention. The first issue he tackles is the sagging floor, which he quickly realizes is caused by rot in the support beams. Jeff brings in a team of experts to help him replace the beams and ensure that the floor is level and sturdy.

Next, Jeff turns his attention to the fireplace, which is a beautiful original feature of the house. However, it has been covered up with layers of paint and needs to be stripped and restored to its natural beauty. Jeff employs some innovative techniques to remove the paint and expose the original stonework.

With the floor and fireplace taken care of, Jeff moves on to the walls. He discovers that the plaster is in poor condition and needs to be replaced. Rather than using modern plaster, Jeff opts for a traditional lime plaster that matches the original materials. This plaster is more breathable than modern materials and will help regulate the humidity in the house.

As the renovation progresses, Jeff and the homeowners face a few unexpected challenges, such as discovering a hidden door and dealing with a large stone column in the middle of the room. However, Jeff's expertise and creativity allow him to find solutions to these problems and turn them into features that add to the charm of the space.

Throughout the episode, Jeff highlights the importance of preserving historic features and materials while still creating a space that is functional and comfortable for modern living. He also showcases some of the innovative techniques and materials that can be used to update historic homes without sacrificing their character.

By the end of the episode, Jeff and his team have transformed the first floor of Alison and Ed's house into a stunning space that combines the best of old and new. The restored fireplace, lime plaster walls, and original stone features all work together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining and relaxing. It's a true testament to the power of restoration and the beauty of historic homes.