Westford Historic Renovation: Restoring a Fire-Damaged Colonial Revival Home

Introducing the Westford Historic Renovation

When a 19th-century house on Westford’s main street suffered devastating fire damage in 2016, the entire town mobilized to save it. Today, the 1893 two-and-a-half story, 10-room Colonial Revival house stands as a symbol of community commitment to historic preservation. This Old House is documenting the complete restoration as part of its 46th season, following the journey of new owners Charles and Dianne Grondine, their daughter Emily, and Silva Brothers Construction as they breathe new life into this architectural treasure.

The Story Behind the Restoration

The yellow Colonial Revival mansion, originally built for a wealthy textile merchant, has deep roots in Westford’s history. The devastating three-alarm fire in 2016 destroyed the grand house’s attic and roof, causing an estimated $250,000 in damage and leaving the property in a state of despair. For years, the fate of the house remained uncertain as the town debated its future—some suggested converting it to a venue or town offices, while others advocated for demolition.

However, the community’s determination to preserve this historic landmark never wavered. At the 2018 October Town Meeting, Westford voters approved $700,000 for the purchase and stabilization of the property. Eventually, the house was put up for auction, where it found its ideal new guardians in the Grondine family.

Meet the Homeowners

Charles and Dianne Grondine, along with their daughter Emily, have a profound connection to the property. The entire family has lived nearby for years and driven by the house countless times. Emily has a particularly poignant memory—she witnessed the smoke from the 2016 fire firsthand. Now, all are thrilled to be able to save the house and transform it into a multigenerational home.

The vision is clear: Emily and her partner Ethan will inhabit the main house, while Charles and Dianne will eventually move into the existing carriage house once it is renovated. One sentiment ties the entire project together: as Dianne expresses, “We all wanted something with history.”

Project Goals and Vision

The Grondine family’s restoration objectives balance historic preservation with practical modern living. Their primary goals include:

• Preserving the home’s historic architectural details and character
• Making the structure energy efficient for 21st-century living
• Maintaining much of the original floorplan while updating for contemporary needs
• Creating a sustainable home that reduces environmental impact
• Restoring the property to its former architectural glory

Charles Grondine, in particular, has a strong interest in energy efficiency and is leading the initiative to add solar power. Rather than placing panels on the roof, the family plans to install them on the 2-acre lot, maintaining the home’s historic appearance while harnessing renewable energy.

Architectural Features to Restore

The 1893 Colonial Revival home boasts numerous distinctive architectural elements that demand careful restoration. The project aims to preserve and restore several unique features that define the house’s character and historical significance:

• The porte-cochere in the circular front driveway—an elegant carriage entrance
• The central carved wooden staircase with intricate detailing
• Ornate trim and casing details throughout the interior
• Original stained-glass windows that add artistic elegance
• The signature front portico with period-appropriate railings
• Widow’s walk providing architectural interest and views

These elements represent the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of the Gilded Age, and their preservation is central to maintaining the home’s historical integrity.

Interior Redesign and Floor Plan

While respecting the home’s historic layout, the renovation modernizes the interior to support contemporary multigenerational living. The team will rebuild the interior while keeping much of the old floorplan intact, featuring two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a kitchen open to the dining room—a popular modern configuration that maintains period aesthetics while improving functionality.

The rear of the home will feature an open-plan kitchen and dining area with a modest bump-out accommodating a deck off the kitchen. This thoughtful addition bridges the gap between 19th-century formality and 21st-century casual living, allowing family members to gather comfortably while maintaining sight lines to the garden.

Exterior Updates with Low-Maintenance Materials

The exterior will be updated with long-lasting, low-maintenance materials that preserve the home’s historic appearance while reducing ongoing maintenance demands. These upgrades include:

• Metal roof shingles replacing the fire-damaged slate—providing durability and weather resistance
• Advanced composite siding that mirrors classic wood clapboards—eliminating the need for painting
• Fiberglass gutters instead of wood—reducing rot and maintenance
• Cellular PVC railings and trim recreated from historical photographs

These carefully selected materials ensure that a passerby from the town’s main street would never distinguish the restored exterior from the 1893 original, while the homeowners benefit from decades of worry-free performance.

Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Sustainability forms a cornerstone of this restoration project. Charles Grondine’s passion for energy efficiency has shaped many renovation decisions, ensuring the home operates efficiently while maintaining its historic character.

The solar power initiative represents the most visible sustainability commitment. Rather than placing panels on the roof—which would compromise the historic appearance—the family plans to install solar panels on the 2-acre lot. This approach provides clean energy generation while preserving the home’s architectural integrity and visual appeal from the street.

Additionally, the rebuilt attic features insulated walls ready for future finishing, allowing it to function as a playroom or home office with dormers and high ceilings providing ample space and light. A sealed operable hatch provides access to the widow’s walk while maintaining energy efficiency.

The Carriage House Transformation

The property includes a carriage house and barn that will eventually become an in-law house for Charles and Dianne Grondine. This separate residence allows the multigenerational family to maintain privacy and independence while living on the same property. The conversion of this historic outbuilding represents another opportunity to blend period charm with modern conveniences, creating comfortable living quarters that respect the property’s architectural heritage.

Collaborative Restoration Effort

The successful restoration of this historic home results from collaboration among skilled professionals and dedicated community members. Silva Brothers Construction, led by builder Charlie Silva, provides the construction expertise and craftsmanship required for such a complex project. Architect and designer expertise ensures that every decision honors both the home’s history and the family’s contemporary needs.

The This Old House television documentation brings national attention to the project, highlighting the community’s commitment to preservation and inspiring others facing similar challenges with historic properties. The 46th season coverage showcases not only the technical aspects of restoration but also the personal stories and relationships that drive the project forward.

Why Historic Preservation Matters

The Westford historic renovation demonstrates the importance of preserving architectural heritage. Historic homes like this 1893 Colonial Revival mansion represent irreplaceable records of our past, embodying the craftsmanship, materials, and design principles of their era. Beyond their historical and cultural value, these structures often possess superior construction quality that allows them to endure for generations when properly maintained.

The community’s decision to save the house rather than demolish it reflects a broader understanding that historic preservation strengthens neighborhoods, preserves property values, and maintains the character that distinguishes communities. The Grondines’ commitment to restore rather than replace demonstrates how homeowners can balance respect for history with demands of modern living.

Project Timeline and Challenges

Restoring a fire-damaged historic home presents unique challenges. The roof required complete reconstruction, necessitating careful architectural research to replicate the original design accurately. The team consulted historical photographs to guide restoration efforts, particularly for exterior elements like the front portico and widow’s walk.

The nearly two-year journey from initial restoration plans to completion tested the family’s commitment and vision. However, Charles, Dianne, and Emily never flinched from their aspiration to create a home that honors history while embracing sustainability and energy efficiency.

The Future of a Historic Treasure

As the restoration progresses, the 1893 Colonial Revival mansion transitions from a symbol of loss and abandonment to a beacon of hope and community pride. The Grondine family’s vision of a multigenerational home preserves the property for future generations while updating systems and features to ensure comfort and efficiency in the 21st century.

This project represents more than a simple home renovation—it embodies the principle that our architectural heritage deserves preservation and celebration. By blending historic authenticity with sustainable modern improvements, the family creates a template for how communities can honor their past while building responsible, efficient homes for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What caused the damage to the Westford historic home?

A: A devastating three-alarm fire in 2016 destroyed the house’s attic and roof, causing approximately $250,000 in damage and requiring complete roof reconstruction.

Q: How is the town supporting this restoration project?

A: Westford voters approved $700,000 in 2018 for the purchase and stabilization of the property, demonstrating the community’s commitment to preserving this historic landmark.

Q: Will the solar panels be visible from the street?

A: No, the family plans to install solar panels on the 2-acre lot rather than on the roof, maintaining the home’s historic appearance while generating clean energy.

Q: How many people will live in the restored home?

A: The restored home will serve as a multigenerational residence with Emily and Ethan living in the main house, while Charles and Dianne will eventually move into the converted carriage house.

Q: What historic architectural features are being preserved?

A: The restoration preserves the porte-cochere, central carved wooden staircase, ornate trim and casing, stained-glass windows, front portico, and widow’s walk.