Built in 1898 in a thriving Boston suburb, this Victorian residence had, by the time its homeowners purchased it, grown tired and dated. Their goal was clear: restore dignity where it mattered and boldly reinvent the home to support modern living. The exterior work honored the home’s historic foundation while bringing it firmly into the present. Inside, transformation took center stage. The once-compartmentalized floor plan gave way to openness and flow, anchored by a new “Life Room.” Inspired by an Orangerie, this expansive space combines kitchen, dining, and casual seating under oak beams and walls of glass. Mullioned doors open to restored John Charles Olmsted-designed terraces and gardens, dissolving the boundary between indoors and out. Here, family and friends gather in a space that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to the home’s character.
Additionally, a modest garden shed was transformed into a serene spa retreat, carefully integrated into its historic setting. The design team worked within the original footprint—retaining only a brick wall from the shed—to create a structure under 700 square feet that blends seamlessly with the landscape and main house. A 47-foot expanse of glass opens the spa to surrounding trees and gardens, balancing enclosure with connection to nature. Inside, the program includes a heated 12-by-5-foot spa, indoor and outdoor showers, and modest entry and mudroom spaces—crafted for retreat, reflection, and renewal.