Ep 8. 1780 Spring House Revival

In the eighth episode of Stone House Revival season 2, Jeff Devlin is presented with a challenging project - restoring an 18th-century spring house located in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. The spring house sits on a grand property that has been in the owner's family for generations, and the family has a deep connection to the history of the property. Jeff is tasked with transforming the deteriorating structure into a functional space that can be used for family gatherings and events.

The spring house poses a number of challenges for Jeff. For one, it is in a state of severe disrepair, with crumbling stone walls, rotting wood beams, and leaking roofs. Jeff knows he has to start from scratch in order to bring the old building back to life. He also has to contend with the fact that the spring house is perched on the edge of a steep hill, which makes it difficult to maneuver heavy machinery and equipment.

Jeff starts by removing all the damaged elements of the spring house, including the old roof and walls. He then brings in an excavator to dig a trench around the perimeter of the building, which will be used to reinforce the foundation and prevent any further damage due to water seepage. Once the trench is dug, Jeff pours in concrete footings to create a solid base for the new structure.

The next step is to rebuild the walls of the spring house. Jeff opts for a mix of old and new stone to create a rustic and authentic look. He also uses traditional masonry techniques, including laying each stone by hand and using lime mortar to ensure a strong bond. As he works, Jeff takes care to preserve some of the original features of the spring house, such as a small window and a wooden lintel.

With the walls in place, Jeff turns his attention to the roof. He decides to go with a metal roof, which will be durable and long-lasting. He also installs new gutters and downspouts to channel water away from the building. In order to make the spring house more functional, Jeff adds a deck overlooking the surrounding countryside. The deck is made from composite wood, which is easy to maintain and can withstand all kinds of weather.

To create a cozy and inviting space inside the spring house, Jeff installs a new fireplace as well as a wood stove. The fireplace is built from local stone and features a custom-made mantle. Jeff also adds a new concrete floor and installs electricity and plumbing throughout the building. The final touch is a set of custom-made barn doors, which add a touch of rustic charm to the space.

Throughout the episode, Jeff works closely with the homeowner to make sure every detail of the renovation meets their expectations. He takes into consideration the history of the property and the family's connection to it, making sure that the finished spring house reflects both the past and present. By the end of the episode, the transformation of the old spring house is nothing short of remarkable - a testament to Jeff's skills as a contractor and his ability to bring historic structures back to life.