Westford Colonial Revival Restoration on This Old House

Welcome to Westford: Restoring Historic Colonial Revival Architecture

The final project of This Old House Season 46 brings the production team to the charming town of Westford, Massachusetts, where a remarkable restoration project awaits. Kevin O’Connor and the crew meet with homeowners Dianne and Charles Grondine, along with their daughter Emily and her partner Ethan, at their historic 1893 Colonial Revival mansion. This extraordinary renovation represents more than just a construction project—it embodies the community’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage while embracing modern sustainability and multigenerational living. The house, which suffered devastating fire damage in 2016, has been dormant for nearly a decade, awaiting the right owners and vision to bring it back to life.

The Historic Property and Its Journey

Built in 1893, the Colonial Revival-style residence stands as a testament to architectural excellence and historical significance in Westford. The town itself carries rich Revolutionary War history, with connections to figures like Paul Revere, making properties like this an integral part of the community’s cultural fabric. The 1893 fire was devastating, classified as a three-alarm incident that destroyed the attic and roof, leaving the structure exposed to the elements and rendering it uninhabitable. For approximately nine years, the property remained vacant, deteriorating further as weather and time took their toll. The extensive damage—estimated at $250,000 in 2016—seemed insurmountable to many in the community.

However, the town of Westford rallied to save this architectural gem. At the 2018 October Town Meeting, residents voted to appropriate $700,000 for the property’s purchase and stabilization. While some debated whether the house should become a venue, town offices, or be demolished entirely, the community ultimately decided to put the property up for auction. In 2021, Charles and Dianne Grondine purchased the property at 63 Main Street, fulfilling a vision that would transform the damaged structure into a thriving multigenerational home.

The Grondine Family’s Vision and Goals

Multigenerational Living Plan

The Grondine family’s approach to this renovation reflects contemporary living preferences while honoring historical significance. The main Colonial Revival house will become Emily’s domain, where she and her partner Ethan will establish their residence. Meanwhile, Charles and Dianne will initially reside in the main house during construction, with plans to eventually move into the existing carriage house on the 2-acre lot once it is renovated into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). This arrangement demonstrates how historic properties can adapt to modern family structures and needs without sacrificing their architectural integrity.

Preservation and Sustainability Priorities

The Grondines’ primary objectives center on three key areas: preserving the home’s historic details, achieving energy efficiency, and updating the exterior with durable, low-maintenance materials. Charles Grondine, who has a strong personal interest in energy efficiency, is leading the initiative to incorporate solar power generation. Rather than installing panels on the roof—which could compromise the historic appearance—the family plans to place solar arrays strategically on the 2-acre property. This thoughtful approach demonstrates how renewable energy can be integrated into historic preservation projects without visual compromise.

Architectural Restoration and Historic Features

Notable Features Worth Preserving

The 1893 Colonial Revival mansion contains numerous architectural elements that warrant careful restoration. The project aims to restore the distinctive porte-cochere in the circular front driveway, a feature that defines the home’s stately entrance. The central carved wooden staircase represents a particularly special architectural achievement; according to architect Sara Mallio, this unique staircase deserves recognition for its historical and aesthetic significance. Additional details include ornate trim and casing elements throughout the home, as well as authentic stained-glass windows that contribute to the period authenticity. The main staircase was successfully saved during the fire and will be restored to its former glory as a centerpiece of the interior restoration work.

Interior Layout and Modernization

While the team rebuilds the interior following the fire damage, they are consciously maintaining much of the original floorplan. The restored home will feature two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, along with an updated kitchen that opens into the dining room—a popular contemporary configuration that enhances both functionality and entertaining capacity. This approach balances historical authenticity with modern living expectations, ensuring the home serves its new owners’ needs while respecting its architectural heritage.

Construction and Technical Challenges

Assessment of Fire Damage

Upon arrival at the property, Tom Silva from Silva Brothers Construction begins assessing the extent of fire damage in the ceiling and upper structure. His initial inspection reveals the dramatic scope of the devastation and helps inform the team’s strategy for reconstruction. The fire’s spread pattern tells a story of the disaster and provides crucial information for planning the restoration work. The three-alarm fire that destroyed the attic and roof created a blank slate for modern improvements while simultaneously presenting complex challenges for those seeking to preserve historic details.

Exterior Work and Foundation Preservation

Kevin O’Connor meets with general contractor Charlie Silva to discuss exterior plans. One significant advantage is the presence of the original granite foundation—a feature that survives from 1893 and can be preserved and incorporated into the modern renovation. While the house will require new siding, the team will install long-lasting, low-maintenance materials including metal roof shingles and advanced composite siding that balance durability with aesthetic considerations. Early construction tasks include dismantling the chimney to remove the temporary roof, which will finally allow the team to fully assess the extent of fire damage throughout the structure.

Modern Systems and Energy Efficiency

Richard Trethewey, the plumbing and mechanical systems expert, explains that the homeowners now have a blank slate with which to work. The fire’s destruction, while devastating, creates an opportunity to update mechanical systems to contemporary standards. A house built in 1893 can now be equipped with modern insulation, advanced HVAC systems, and efficient heating and cooling solutions that match or exceed the performance of newly constructed homes. This represents a crucial advantage of major renovations—the ability to integrate cutting-edge building science and mechanical efficiency without the constraints of preserving outdated systems.

Community Connection and Historical Context

Jenn Nawada meets with David Gutbrod, chair of the Westford Historical Commission, to learn about the original owners and the home’s historical significance. The Donald Cameron House, as it was originally known, carries important stories about Westford’s development and architectural heritage. Understanding the original builders and owners provides context for preservation decisions and helps ensure that restoration efforts honor the home’s complete history. The community’s investment in saving this property reflects broader recognition of how historic homes contribute to neighborhood character and collective identity.

Design and Architectural Planning

Architect Sara Mallio approached the project with careful attention to both preservation and sustainability. Working from historical photographs, she developed construction plans that would restore the roof and other elements to their original appearance and configuration. The architectural planning process proved extensive because no original plans existed for the house, requiring complete reconstruction documentation. Mallio’s approach emphasizes sustainability and historical integrity—priorities that aligned perfectly with the Grondines’ vision for the project. Several custom materials required fabrication, as original components like specific trimmings were no longer available commercially. However, the team successfully retained the majority of the house’s original structure and exterior appearance.

The Heartbeat of the Project: Historic Details Matter

Throughout the renovation, a consistent sentiment emerges from the entire Grondine family: “We all wanted something with history.” This philosophy guides every decision, from material selection to design choices. The family’s enthusiasm for historical homes extends beyond mere aesthetics—they recognize that living in a space with historical significance creates meaning and connection across generations. Emily’s childhood memory of seeing smoke from the 1893 house during the devastating 2016 fire makes this restoration particularly personal. The family’s proximity to the property, having lived nearby and driven past it countless times, deepens their commitment to saving it. For Dianne Grondine, the prospect of living in a home with a historical plaque represents a lifelong dream fulfilled.

Cultural Elements and Artistic Touches

The renovation incorporates cultural elements that enhance the home’s historical authenticity. A notable addition includes a dining room mural painted by artist Lisa Curry Mair, depicting a nineteenth-century fox hunting scene set in Westford. The mural creation involved a remarkable coincidence: Curry Mair grew up across the street from the house and now resides in Vermont. When the homeowners sought an artist to create the mural, they unknowingly reached out to someone with deep personal connections to Westford and the property itself. This artistic touch adds layers of local history and community connection to the interior spaces.

Sustainability Initiatives Beyond Solar Power

The Grondines’ commitment to sustainability extends throughout the project. Beyond solar power generation, the team is implementing modern insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and careful material selection to minimize environmental impact. The decision to use long-lasting, low-maintenance materials for siding and roofing reduces future maintenance needs and replacement cycles. Interior systems are being upgraded to contemporary standards, ensuring the home performs efficiently for decades to come. This comprehensive approach to sustainability demonstrates that historic preservation and modern environmental responsibility can work in harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long has the Westford Colonial Revival home been under restoration?

A: The property remained vacant and deteriorating for approximately nine years following the devastating 2016 fire. The Grondines purchased it in 2021, and construction began in June 2024, with This Old House documenting the project during Season 46.

Q: What makes this particular Colonial Revival home architecturally significant?

A: Built in 1893, the home features distinctive architectural elements including a porte-cochere with circular driveway, a unique carved wooden central staircase, ornate trim and casing details, and authentic stained-glass windows that exemplify Colonial Revival craftsmanship.

Q: How will the family utilize the property after renovation?

A: Emily and her partner Ethan will live in the restored main house, while Charles and Dianne Grondine will eventually occupy the carriage house after it is renovated into an accessory dwelling unit, creating a multigenerational living arrangement.

Q: How is the renovation balancing historic preservation with modern efficiency?

A: The project preserves original features like the central staircase and granite foundation while integrating modern insulation, HVAC systems, solar power, and long-lasting exterior materials that enhance performance without compromising historical aesthetics.

Q: Why was this property particularly significant to the Westford community?

A: Westford has deep Revolutionary War connections and the Colonial Revival home represents important architectural heritage. The community rallied to save it, voting to appropriate $700,000 for purchase and stabilization before auctioning it to the Grondine family.