Ep 8. Halko Horse Farm

After successfully restoring many historical houses, Jeff Deist, a licensed contractor with a passion for history, is back with another exciting episode of Stone House Revival. In season 4 episode 8, Jeff and his team pay a visit to the Halko Horse Farm, an 18th-century stone farm in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania.

The Halko Horse Farm is an expansive property with a deteriorating stone farmhouse that is in desperate need of restoration. The house has endured years of wear and tear, from the harsh Pennsylvania winters to the unforgiving summer sun. The team’s main goal is to restore and upgrade the farmhouse while preserving its historic charm and character.

Jeff begins his assessment of the property, inspecting the house from top to bottom, searching for any signs of structural damage and identifying areas that require immediate attention. He discovers that the house has suffered significant water damage, and moisture has seeped through the walls and ceiling, causing rot and decay. The team starts by ripping out all the damaged sections and assessing the extent of the damage.

The team begins the restoration project by gutting the entire house, tearing down all the walls, ceilings, and floors. Jeff ensures that all the original stone features are preserved, and any damaged stones are carefully repaired. The team installs new electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, giving the farmhouse modern comfort while retaining its historic beauty.

As with all their restoration projects, the team is committed to using eco-friendly materials whenever possible, as preserving the environment is a critical aspect of their philosophy. They use locally sourced stone slabs for the countertops and flooring, and wood from sustainable forests for their cabinets and fittings. Jeff also incorporates a range of energy-efficient features, from solar panels to double-paned windows, to promote sustainability.

Outside, the team is tasked with restoring the barn, where the owners keep their horses. The barn, much like the house, has endured years of adverse weather conditions, causing significant wear and tear. The team starts by repairing the roof, reinforcing the walls, and repainting the exterior while preserving its historic charm.

The episode also highlights the owners' story, who have been living on the property for many years, raising and breeding horses. They share their journey with Jeff, detailing the house's history and how they've been working to maintain it. The team works closely with the owners, discussing their needs while factoring in the history and character of the property.

The episode concludes with Jeff’s team putting the finishing touches on the house and barn as they invite the owners to take a tour. The owners are thrilled with the work done, noting that everything exceeded their expectations. Jeff and his team, as usual, took great care to retain the property’s historical charm while giving it all the modern amenities required to make it a comfortable and eco-friendly home.

In conclusion, Stone House Revival season 4 episode 8, Halko Horse Farm, is a fascinating episode that takes viewers behind the scenes of restoring a historical property. Jeff's passion for history and architecture is palpable throughout the episode, and he and his team continue to deliver breathtaking results that showcase the beauty of historical properties.