TMS Architects is responsible for the restoration and renovation of this Victorian-era carriage house, rooted in the idea of heritage made livable in Southern New Hampshire.
Originally constructed in 1908 as a barn/carriage house for a neighboring estate, this historic structure has been restored and reimagined as a 3,100-square-foot primary residence for the homeowners, who chose to downsize while remaining on the land in Southern New Hampshire.
This allowed age-in-place near children and grandchildren while also preserving the carriage house for future use. Once home to horses, carriages, and livestock, later an automobile garage and even a modest caretaker’s apartment, the building was never intended for modern, full-time living.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT TMS Architects GENERAL CONTRACTOR Boston North Development
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- The original building and stonework were established in 1908.
- 3,100 square feet with two bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a laundry room, and an office.
- Age-in-place design supported by an elevator and minimized level changes.
- New windows and a more open layout.
- Shingle-style vernacular with a modern Victorian flair.
A thoughtful full-gut renovation and interior redesign, with minor exterior expansion, allowed the introduction of contemporary systems, increased ceiling heights, and more light, and a highly functional layout, all while honoring the carriage house’s original character and supporting the necessities of long-term living.
Living space was expanded by repurposing former livestock areas and tack rooms, and the finished home now includes two bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an office, a laundry room, and an elevator.
A local historic gem, special care was taken to preserve the building’s defining exterior features, including the native fieldstone masonry anchoring the front façade. Turn-of-the-century Shingle-Style details (decorative corbels, gables, and a weathervane-topped cupola) were carefully integrated so the old and new read as a cohesive whole.
Behind the scenes, the renovation required a preservation-minded response to significant structural challenges. The original basement contained poured-in-place concrete over terra-cotta tiles and an antiquated steel beam system, compromised by over a century of water infiltration and heavy use.
Rather than pursue demolition, the team embraced targeted intervention, surgically removing deteriorated materials and inserting modern structural components to stabilize/preserve the original shell.
Today, the home’s origins remain in grand and intimate moments, from the fieldstone-lined entry to a stable-inspired mudroom accessed through an arched French door. The home stands as a testament to preserving history while thoughtfully preparing a cherished structure for generations to come.
What We Love About This Home
This charming carriage house was thoughfully restored to accommodate a couple wishing to age in place, while honoring its historic character at every turn. Original details were carefully preserved and paired with modern comforts, creating a home that feels both timeless and livable. The result is a beautifully balanced abode where craftsmanship, history, and everyday functionality come together seamlessly.
Tell Us: What details do you find most appealing in the design of this home? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of New Hampshire: Peek inside this New Hampshire farmhouse renovation with charming details and An old barn gets transformed into an inviting house in New Hampshire.
PHOTOGRAPHER Rob Karosis Photography
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