Ep 9. Newburyport: Shipwrights and Sea Captains

In This Old House season 45 episode 9, titled "Newburyport: Shipwrights and Sea Captains," the team heads to Newburyport, Massachusetts to take on a historic restoration project. The town was once a hub for shipbuilding and commerce, and the house they are working on was built in the 1700s by a sea captain. This episode is all about paying homage to the history of the area while bringing the house up to modern standards.

The team starts by examining the exterior of the house, which is in disrepair. The clapboards are rotting and the paint is chipping away. The crew sets to work removing the old paint and replacing any damaged wood. They take care to match the new wood to the original as closely as possible, to maintain the historic feel of the house.

Inside the house, they uncover some exciting finds. The basement is made of hand-hewn timbers, and they speculate that some of them may have come from old ships. They also find a hidden staircase that was likely used by the sea captain to sneak up to his wife's bedroom without being seen by the staff.

The kitchen is in need of a major overhaul, as it is small and cramped and lacks modern amenities. The team decides to knock down a wall to open up the space, and add a large island for food prep and seating. They also install new appliances and custom cabinets that are more in keeping with the historic style of the house.

Upstairs, the team works on the master bedroom. They find evidence of an old fireplace, which was likely removed in the 1800s when people began to use wood stoves instead. They decide to restore the fireplace, both for aesthetic reasons and to provide some additional heat during the colder months. They also install new insulation and replace the windows to make the room more energy-efficient.

Throughout the episode, the team works closely with local shipwrights and tradespeople to ensure that the project is both historically accurate and expertly executed. They also take some time to explore the town of Newburyport, visiting some of the other historic homes and landmarks to get a sense of the area's rich maritime history.

Overall, this episode of This Old House is a fascinating look at a historic restoration project in a town with a deep connection to its past. The team's attention to detail and commitment to preservation make for a captivating viewing experience, and it's exciting to see the house begin to come back to life.