Westford Historic Renovation: Restoring a 1893 Colonial Revival Mansion

Introducing the Westford Historic Renovation

The story of the Westford Historic Renovation is one of community determination, family vision, and architectural preservation. When a devastating fire struck the stately 1893 Colonial Revival mansion on Westford’s main street in 2016, the entire town rallied to save this architectural treasure. Now, years later, new owners Charles and Dianne Grondine, along with their daughter Emily, have embarked on an ambitious restoration project documented by This Old House for its 46th season. This comprehensive renovation transforms the fire-damaged ten-room residence into a modern multigenerational home while honoring its rich historical heritage.

A Community’s Commitment to Preservation

The 2016 fire proved to be a turning point for Westford’s most beloved historic property. The destructive blaze consumed the house’s grand attic and roof, threatening to destroy a symbol of the town’s architectural legacy. Built in 1893 for a wealthy textile merchant, this two-and-a-half story Colonial Revival residence had survived over a century of New England weather and changing times. When faced with the potential loss of this irreplaceable structure, the Westford community demonstrated remarkable commitment to its preservation.

After the fire, the town deliberated extensively about the property’s future. Some suggested converting it into a public venue or municipal offices, while others advocated for demolition. Ultimately, the community voted to preserve the house, with the town appropriating $700,000 for its purchase and stabilization at the 2018 October Town Meeting. This decision proved instrumental in enabling the eventual restoration that would bring the property back to life under the stewardship of the Grondine family.

The Grondine Family Vision

Charles and Dianne Grondine’s connection to the historic property runs deep. The entire family had lived in the Westford area for years, driving past the magnificent yellow mansion countless times. Emily, their daughter, carries a particularly vivid memory of the 2016 fire—she witnessed the smoke rising from the house during that tragic day. Now, the opportunity to purchase and restore this family landmark represents more than just a renovation project; it embodies a cherished dream to preserve a piece of local history.

The Grondines’ vision for the property is distinctly multigenerational. The restored main house will become the residence for Emily and her partner, Ethan Hudon, while Charles and Dianne plan to occupy the existing carriage house once it undergoes its own renovation. This arrangement allows the family to preserve the entire property complex while creating distinct living spaces for different household members. As Dianne articulates the family’s core motivation: “We all wanted something with history.” This sentiment guides every decision made throughout the restoration process.

Architectural Restoration and Historic Details

The restoration project prioritizes the preservation of the home’s most distinctive architectural elements. The team, led by Silva Brothers Construction under the direction of home builder Charlie Silva, has undertaken meticulous work to restore unique features that define the property’s character and historical significance.

Key architectural elements receiving careful restoration include:

• The elegant porte-cochere in the circular front driveway—the dignified entryway where carriages once delivered guests
• The central carved wooden staircase—a masterwork of craftsmanship that serves as the home’s visual centerpiece
• Ornate trim and casing details throughout the interior spaces
• Original stained-glass windows that flood rooms with filtered, colored light
• The signature front portico with historically accurate railings and trim, recreated using period photographs as reference models

The exterior restoration employs maintenance-free materials that visually mirror the original 1893 appearance. Composite siding replicates classic wood clapboards with perfect fidelity, while fiberglass gutters replace deteriorated wood gutters. The fire-damaged hipped roof receives new metal roof shingles that capture the appearance of the original slate while offering superior durability and fire resistance. A widow’s walk, meticulously reconstructed, completes the home’s classical silhouette.

Modern Interior Layout and Functionality

While the Grondines and Silva Brothers remain committed to historical preservation, they recognize that a 21st-century family requires modern functionality. The interior layout maintains much of the original floorplan while incorporating thoughtful updates that enhance daily living.

The renovated interior features:

• Two spacious bedrooms providing comfortable accommodations
• Two full bathrooms with updated systems and fixtures
• An open-plan kitchen and dining area, creating an inviting hub for family gathering
• A modest bump-out accommodating a deck that extends the living space outdoors
• A greenhouse beneath the deck, constructed using original granite salvaged from the foundation as veneer for its concrete base

The rebuilt attic represents future-proofing for the family’s evolving needs. With fully insulated walls ready for finishing, the spacious attic can eventually become a playroom, home office, or additional guest space. Generous dormers and soaring ceilings create a sense of openness and possibility. A specially designed stairway leads to the widow’s walk, complete with a well-sealed operable hatch ensuring weather protection and energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Systems

Charles Grondine brings a strong personal commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability to the renovation project. His vision extends beyond simple updates to encompass comprehensive systems that minimize the home’s environmental footprint while reducing long-term operating costs.

The most significant sustainability initiative involves solar power generation. Rather than compromising the home’s historic roofline with rooftop panels, Charles has planned to install solar panels on the property’s expansive two-acre lot. This thoughtful placement preserves the architectural integrity of the structure while capturing renewable energy for household use.

Additional energy-efficient improvements integrated throughout the restoration include updated HVAC systems designed for modern comfort and efficiency, completely rewired electrical infrastructure meeting current codes and demands, and comprehensive insulation strategies that maintain comfortable interior temperatures year-round. These systems work in concert to create a home that honors its 1893 origins while operating with 21st-century efficiency.

The Carriage House Transformation

The property includes not only the main residence but also a historic carriage house that contributes to the estate’s character and functionality. For the Grondines, this structure serves as the key to their multigenerational living arrangement. Once the main house restoration reaches completion, the carriage house will undergo its own renovation to become a comfortable in-law residence for Charles and Dianne.

This adaptive reuse of the carriage house demonstrates the project’s broader philosophy: preserving and revitalizing the entire property complex rather than focusing narrowly on the primary structure. The carriage house transformation allows the family to remain on their ancestral property while respecting the main residence as Emily and Ethan’s primary home.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The restoration project exemplifies the highest standards of historic preservation craftsmanship combined with modern material innovations. Silva Brothers Construction and specialized tradespeople, including mason Mark McCullough, execute work that respects historical accuracy while incorporating advances in durability and performance.

The exterior employs long-lasting, low-maintenance materials throughout:

• Metal roof shingles providing superior fire resistance and longevity compared to traditional slate
• Advanced composite siding offering maintenance-free durability while maintaining authentic wood clapboard appearance
• Cellular PVC railings and trim that resist weathering and degradation
• Fiberglass gutters eliminating wood rot concerns

Interior restoration work honors original materials and techniques while incorporating essential modern systems. Salvaged original granite from the foundation receives careful reuse as veneer for new structures, creating visual continuity and demonstrating resourceful stewardship of historic materials.

Project Scope and Timeline

The Westford Historic Renovation represents a substantial undertaking spanning nearly two years from initial planning through substantial completion. The project encompasses every building system and surface, requiring coordination among multiple trades and specialists. Architectural planning proved particularly challenging given the absence of original construction documents. The team reconstructed architectural plans by studying period photographs and employing historical research methodologies, ensuring that the restoration maintains fidelity to the home’s original design.

The This Old House production team documented the entire renovation process for the show’s 46th season, capturing the challenges, triumphs, and heartfelt commitment of everyone involved. This documentation serves not only as entertainment but as a valuable record of contemporary historic preservation methodology.

Vision for the Future

The completed Westford Historic Renovation represents far more than a single family’s restoration project. It demonstrates how communities can honor their architectural heritage while embracing modern sustainability principles. The Grondines’ commitment to balancing historical preservation with energy efficiency, accessibility, and contemporary comfort establishes a model for similar projects nationwide.

The multigenerational aspect of the renovation adds another significant dimension to the project’s meaning. Rather than converting the historic property into offices, apartments, or commercial space, the Grondines have chosen to maintain it as a family home—ensuring that the structure continues to serve its original purpose of providing shelter and creating memories for those who dwell within its walls.

As the restoration nears completion, the 1893 Colonial Revival mansion stands ready for another century of life. The once-endangered property, narrowly saved from demolition just years earlier, has been transformed into a beacon of possibility for historic preservation. The Westford Historic Renovation proves that with vision, determination, and community support, even severely damaged historic structures can be restored to stunning beauty while serving the needs of modern families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What caused the original damage to the Westford house?

A: A three-alarm fire in 2016 destroyed the house’s roof and attic, causing an estimated $250,000 in damage. The fire prompted community action to preserve the property rather than allow it to be demolished.

Q: How much did the town invest in the property?

A: At the October 2018 Town Meeting, Westford voted to appropriate $700,000 for the purchase and stabilization of the property, demonstrating the community’s commitment to preservation.

Q: Who is leading the renovation project?

A: Silva Brothers Construction, under the direction of home builder Charlie Silva, leads the restoration efforts. The project was selected for documentation by This Old House for its 46th season.

Q: How many bedrooms does the restored home have?

A: The restored Colonial Revival home features two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with an open-plan kitchen and dining area designed for modern family living.

Q: What is the multigenerational living arrangement?

A: The main house will become the residence for Emily Grondine and her partner, Ethan Hudon, while Charles and Dianne Grondine plan to occupy the renovated carriage house on the property.

Q: How does the project address energy efficiency?

A: The renovation includes updated HVAC and electrical systems, comprehensive insulation, and planned solar panels positioned on the two-acre lot rather than on the historic roof to preserve architectural integrity.

Q: What materials were used for the roof restoration?

A: Metal roof shingles replaced the fire-damaged original slate, providing superior fire resistance, longevity, and low-maintenance durability while maintaining the home’s historical appearance.