Issues → September/October 2010 → Home & Garden →
House Redux: Yankee Magazine's Original House for Sale
(page 2 of 2)
And, in other hands, it might have been. For the next seven years, the Allens lived with a constant stream of construction crews. While the couple took up residence on the first floor, the upstairs was completely rehabbed. New support beams were installed. Two narrow bedrooms were opened up and turned into one large master bedroom. A new bath was added. And the roof was not only redone but raised 16 inches.
Downstairs, the rehab work was even more intense. Structural issues had resulted in the house's running 9 inches out of plumb between living room and kitchen: a diagonal path for a good 40 feet. To secure the place, workers jacked up the house, constructed a new road into the property to bring in heavy equipment, and then dug out a new basement, where I-beams and new sills were installed. "At one point we had our washing machine outside," Ellen says, recalling some of the more disruptive periods of the work.
Today, though, a walk through this home reveals just what drew the Allens to the property. Rooms meander from one to the next, and the large porch off the back, sitting high above the yard, can, on a summer day with the dogwood, magnolias, oaks, and maples in full foliage, give the impression that you've sneaked away to some secluded tree hut.
There are the little details, too, which the couple chose to complement and enhance, rather than override. Trim style and archways that existed during Robert Sturtevant's residence have been replicated in other parts of the house. French roll-out windows in the dining room have been redone. Small cabinetry, including an old telephone booth and a milk cupboard, have been restored. Even that bay window, which started everything off, has been straightened out.
All of which raises the question: Would the Allens have taken on the house if they'd known of the time and money involved? "Never," Chris says. "I would have been scared off." Then a smile percolates, and it's easy to tell he's not being entirely truthful. "This is the house I'll die in," he adds. "I love it. I love its uniqueness."
Read the original article.
Reader Comments
Comment from Adra Bifano on August 29, 2010
What a delightful article. I have always enjoyed your houses for sale and the remodeling of this one.
Comment from Victoria Cullen on September 7, 2010
Oh thanks so much for the follow up. It was great!
Comment from Sally LaRusso on September 7, 2010
How wonderful to live in a home you love and take such pride in your suroundings!
Comment from Dorothy Capezzuto on September 7, 2010
A great article. How wonderful to have the time,patience and of course the money to do such a renovations. Congratulations
Comment from Joan B Smith on September 7, 2010
I wish!
Comment from Janice Georgilas on September 14, 2010
I wish I could see this home that sounds so beautiful when ready about it. Thank you for sharing this story!
Comment from krista kohler on September 18, 2010
wow ... I was so surprised when my mom told me that this house was in the Yankee magazine. My father grew up in this house back in the 50\'s and my mother had several bridal showers in this house after getting engaged to my father. My father passed away 3 weeks ago so this article and the pictures of the house really mean a lot to my mom. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Comment from Edie Irons on May 14, 2011
My grandparents lived in this house for many years before Chris and Ellen bought it. After my grandmother\'s memorial service in Groton a year ago, some family members and I dropped by to see what had happened to the place, and Chris and Ellen warmly gave us a tour! We couldn\'t have been more touched and delighted by the work and love they put into it, they really brought out the charm of the place. Thanks!
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