Season 44 - 1720 Cape Ann Gambrel
An empty-nester couple relocates from Washington, DC, to work remotely in their historic house in Ipswich, MA. This tired 1720 Gambrel will be restored, while wood beams and floors from the 1800’s ell will be re-used in the new addition.
Expanding a 1720 Cape Ann Home in Ipswich, MA
After an extensive renovation, a timber-framed relic of the Revolutionary War era emerges with its spirit renewed and with comfortable new spaces that showcase pieces of its 300-year history.
S44 E26: A Period Restoration
A little over a year ago, renovation began on the 1720 first period home. Restoration is now complete. Tremendous care went into preserving the home's history while making modern improvements.
S44 E25: Look-Alike
Wide floorboards are installed to match the existing wood in the house. A sink is fabricated out of soapstone, and a backsplash is constructed from an old board. Lighting installation is completed.
S44 E24: New Life
A granite water table is installed on the 1720 house. Original roof boards are installed on the ell ceiling. A fieldstone wall is built, and a young carpenter talks about his return to the trades.
S44 E23: Factory Built
The 1720 Cape Ann project home is halfway through construction. A water harvesting system is installed in the yard. The old barn is replaced with a new boathouse built in a factory and assembled onsite in one day.
S44 E22: First Things First
HVAC ducts are hidden in the gambrel. A cinderblock enclosure is covered to mimic the old stone foundation. Damage to an original gunstock post is repaired. New clapboards are weaved into the old.
S44 E21: Exposing Problems
The roof is insulated from the outside. Framing presents a challenge for running pipes. A lighting solution for the new ell is devised, and a lesson is given on how to properly waterproof a roof.
S44 E20: Rebuilding Centuries
The old ell has been reassembled, and the new fireplace is constructed. A steel beam is craned into place to carry the weight of the roof in the new ell. The homeowner shops for a kitchen countertop.
S44 E19: Below Grade Plumbing
A fireplace is demoed; but the chimney is saved. Restoration of the timber frame begins. A sewer ejector is installed. The steel ridge beam for the new ell is prepped. Kevin goes clamming.
S44 E18: Careful Considerations
The timber frame structure of the ell is disassembled to be rebuilt later. A clapboard manufacturer in Maine is visited. Fireplace designs are discussed. The homeowner considers a new house color.
S44 E17: Prep-Work
The house is supported while the foundation is demoed. A plan is devised to raise the timber frame in the ell. An old cistern is examined. Drainage issues are addressed. A book from 1826 is found.
S44 E16: Secrets Behind the Wall
The architect explains the architectural features of a first period gambrel and shares his plans for improvement. Demo starts in the ell. The town historian gives a tour of a 1717 first period home.
S44 E15: This Really Old House
The crew takes on a first period home in the town of Ipswich, MA. A brief history on heating first period homes is given. The homeowners get a lesson on how to properly salvage the old floors.
Restoring a 1720 Cape Ann Gambrel
This Old House tackles the renovation of a timber-framed house that predates the American Revolution.
1720 Cape Ann Gambrel | Front Exterior
Progress and expansion are underway at Season 44’s 1720 Cape Ann Gambrel in Ipswich, MA. See the work done in the front exterior, which is the original part of the house.
1720 Cape Ann Gambrel | Interior
Progress and expansion are underway at Season 44’s 1720 Cape Ann Gambrel in Ipswich, MA. See the work done 24/7/365 inside this historic home in real-time.
1720 Cape Ann Gambrel | Exterior
Progress and expansion are underway at Season 44’s 1720 Cape Ann Gambrel in Ipswich, MA. See the work done on this historic home in real-time, including reusing the wood beams and floors from the 1800s ell for the home’s new addition.