Originally constructed in the 1920s, Oak Hill Architects was commissioned to reimagine this traditional historic house for a young family relocating from the city, located in Winchester, Massachusetts. The architect’s involvement with this charming stucco home spans several years. They were initially tasked with renovating the entire house. 

This involved gutting the kitchen and bathrooms, along with extensive modifications to enhance the overall layout, incorporating additional bedrooms complete with en-suite bathrooms. The objective was to uphold the house’s original character while tailoring it to suit the needs of the homeowners.

More recently, when a young family relocated from the city and acquired the property, the architects were once again enlisted to assist in the creation of their “forever home.” Consequently, further updates and adjustments were implemented to accommodate their unique aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.

Above: The foyer seamlessly blends historic architecture with contemporary accents. An intriguing highlight within the foyer is a powder room cleverly nestled beneath the staircase, making a bold statement with its striking high-contrast wallpaper.

Above: This spacious kitchen features island seating, custom cabinets, and plenty of prep space. Enhancing the functionality, a cased opening seamlessly connects the kitchen to the butler’s pantry, creating a harmonious flow between the two areas.

Above: A focus of the renovation of this historic house was to open up the kitchen to the backyard and enhance daylight. To the left of the image, a glimpse of the family dining area can be observed, showcasing the harmonious integration of spaces.

Above: A timeless and refined aesthetic is achieved in this kitchen through details such as V-Groove paneling, astragal moldings, and beaded inset cabinets, exuding exquisite craftsmanship that elevates the overall design. A combination of closed cabinets, glass display cabinets, and open shelving allow for an array of storage and display options.

Above: Attached to the kitchen is a built-in family dining area. Large windows bring morning light into the space. To further enhance the cohesion between the two areas, wood paneling graces the walls and ceiling, serving as a unifying element that ties everything together.

Above: Exquisite classical millwork details grace every corner of this home, adding a touch of timeless elegance. In the family dining area, these exquisite details are prominently displayed, showcasing a beautifully curved built-in bench, windows adorned with millwork, as well as wood-paneled walls, and a ceiling, further enhancing the space’s sophistication.

What We Love: This historic house renovation preserves the original 1920s charm while accommodating the needs of a modern, young family relocating from the city. The architect’s long-term involvement in renovating the home, including the thoughtful modifications, such as gutting the kitchen and bathrooms, and adding extra bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, showcases their dedication to enhancing the overall layout and functionality while maintaining the house’s timeless appeal.

Tell Us: What details in this historic house transformation project do you find most appealing? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other sensational home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Massachusetts: Step into a modern Nantucket sanctuary complete with a secret garden and Charming agrarian cottage provides a family escape on Martha’s Vineyard.

Above: A spacious Butler’s Pantry adds additional prep and storage space.

Above: The clever use of white cabinetry, complemented by transom cabinets and expansive windows, creates an illusion of spaciousness in this modest area, making it feel double its actual size. Notably, the cabinet details mirror those found in the kitchen, establishing a cohesive design language that harmonizes the overall aesthetic.

Above: Blending the charm of historic architectural features with refreshing contemporary finishes, this classical library exudes a fusion of old and new. The original brick fireplace, dating back to the 1907 construction, stands as a cherished relic, while the majority of the millwork was thoughtfully incorporated during the renovation, adding a touch of modern refinement to the space.

Above: Thoughtfully integrated built-in shelving offers an ideal solution for the owners’ book collection, providing ample space above while conveniently incorporating storage cabinets below to accommodate the kids’ toys. This well-designed feature ensures both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Above: The owners wanted their guests to feel right at home. Renovations to this guest room included the addition of a beautiful en-suite bathroom.

Above: The owner’s bathroom features a custom vanity and a Carrara marble countertop.

Above: Indulge in the luxurious spa-like atmosphere of this bathroom, boasting an extra-large two-person shower and a stunning Thassos and Carrara tile feature. This meticulously designed space invites relaxation and serenity, providing a sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate.

Above: By integrating a linear slot drain, the architects were able to seamlessly transition between the shower and vanity area.

Above: This home bar serves as an ideal spot for watching the game and hosting friends. The metal and glass doors of the wine cellar beautifully transform it into a striking focal point within the room.

Above: A detail of the custom millwork in the home bar.

Photos: Courtesy of Oak Hill Architects