Westford’s 1893 Colonial Revival Home Restored After Fire

A Historical Gem Once Again: Restoring Westford’s 1893 Colonial Revival Home

When a devastating three-alarm fire swept through the historic Donald Cameron House in 2016, it seemed the future of this architectural landmark hung in the balance. The 1893 Colonial Revival structure, nestled on Westford’s Main Street, suffered extensive damage that left the community grappling with difficult questions about preservation versus demolition. Nearly a decade of uncertainty followed, but the dedication of new homeowners Charles and Dianne Grondine, combined with the expertise of This Old House and professional restoration teams, has brought this historical gem back to life. The comprehensive renovation project demonstrates how thoughtful planning, architectural expertise, and a genuine commitment to historical preservation can transform a severely damaged property into a beautiful, sustainable family home.

From Devastation to Vision: The Journey Begins

The 2016 fire caused catastrophic damage to the property, destroying the attic and roof structure entirely and leaving the interior exposed to years of weather damage and deterioration. Initial estimates placed damage at approximately $250,000, though the true scope of work would prove far more extensive. For years, the house remained vacant and in disrepair, presenting a heartbreaking sight to the community that had watched it deteriorate. In 2018, the town voted to appropriate $700,000 for the purchase and stabilization of the property, but debate persisted about its future use. Some residents suggested converting it to a municipal venue or town offices, while others questioned whether restoration was even feasible. Ultimately, the town decided to place the property up for auction rather than determine its fate unilaterally.

In 2021, Charles and Dianne Grondine purchased the property at 63 Main Street following a competitive bidding process and extensive discussions with town officials. The family, which had lived nearby for years and driven past the house countless times, possessed both a genuine appreciation for historical preservation and a clear vision for the property’s future. Emily Grondine and her fiancé Ethan Hudon would eventually become the primary residents of the main house, while Charles and Dianne planned to occupy the existing carriage house, creating a multi-generational living arrangement that honored both family connections and the property’s original architectural character.

Architectural Assessment and Planning

The restoration process began with careful demolition work, removing damaged plumbing, electrical systems, and clearing away deteriorated materials. The scope of initial work was staggering—the interior had been reduced to exposed studs, rotted insulation, and fire-damaged finishes. To guide the comprehensive reconstruction, the homeowners engaged architect Sara Mallio, who approached the project with deep respect for both sustainability principles and historical accuracy.

One of the project’s greatest challenges involved creating architectural plans for a home that had never been formally documented. Mallio explained that the absence of original blueprints required careful research and reconstruction efforts. She consulted historical photographs and architectural records to understand the home’s original configuration and design details. The process proved particularly complex for the roof reconstruction, as the fire had destroyed the entire structure that needed to be faithfully recreated. Using period-appropriate materials and design principles, Mallio’s team developed comprehensive construction documents that would guide contractors through the intricate restoration process.

Preserving Historical Details While Embracing Modernity

Central to the renovation philosophy was the preservation of irreplaceable architectural features while integrating modern efficiency and livability. The home’s most significant historical feature—a central carved wooden staircase—was carefully restored to its former glory. According to architect Mallio, this staircase represented an exceptional example of 19th-century craftsmanship that demanded preservation. The porte-cochere in the circular front driveway, ornate trim and casing details, and stained-glass windows were similarly prioritized for restoration, ensuring the home retained its original character and charm.

However, historical preservation did not mean sacrificing modern comfort or efficiency. The project maintained much of the original floor plan while reconfiguring spaces to meet contemporary family needs. The interior features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a kitchen that opens to the dining room, creating a flow that balances historical authenticity with modern living preferences. One particularly charming addition involved commissioning artist Lisa Curry Mair to paint an elaborate fox hunting scene murals across all four walls of the dining room, depicting 19th-century Westford. Remarkably, Curry Mair had grown up directly across the street from the house, creating a meaningful connection between the artist and the historical property.

Exterior Transformation and Material Selection

The exterior restoration presented unique challenges given the fire damage and the need to employ durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for New England’s climate. While the original granite foundation—a testament to Westford’s local building traditions—was preserved, the roof required complete reconstruction. Metal roof shingles replaced the original materials, providing superior durability and fire resistance while maintaining visual fidelity to the home’s original appearance. Advanced composite siding was selected for portions of the exterior, offering longevity and minimal maintenance requirements while preserving the home’s authentic aesthetic.

Some historical materials proved impossible to source due to age and changing manufacturing practices. Custom trim and casing details were fabricated to match original specifications, requiring skilled craftspeople to reproduce elements no longer readily available in modern building supply chains. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that while materials might be contemporary, the visual result remained historically accurate.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Systems

Charles Grondine brought a strong commitment to energy efficiency to the project, spearheading initiatives that would transform the 1893 structure into a home as efficient as any built today. A comprehensive approach to thermal performance included modern insulation throughout the home’s exterior walls and attic spaces. The installation of advanced HVAC systems replaced outdated heating and cooling methods, with innovative mini-duct systems designed to minimize attic intrusion while providing efficient temperature control.

A particularly notable feature involves the planned installation of solar power panels, positioned on the expansive 2-acre lot rather than disrupting the roof’s historical appearance. This strategic placement allows the home to generate renewable energy while maintaining architectural integrity. The combination of superior insulation, efficient mechanical systems, and renewable energy generation positions this 1893 home at the forefront of sustainable residential design, proving that historical preservation and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive.

Multi-Generational Living and Future Plans

The property’s design accommodates the family’s multi-generational vision thoughtfully. Emily Grondine and her partner Ethan Hudon inhabit the main restored house, enjoying its historical character and modern amenities. The existing carriage house on the property will eventually be transformed into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for Charles and Dianne, allowing them to maintain proximity to their daughter while preserving individual household autonomy. This arrangement honors traditional New England property configurations, where carriage houses and outbuildings often housed extended family or provided supplementary living spaces.

This Old House Partnership and Professional Execution

The decision to feature the Westford project on This Old House’s Season 46 brought additional resources, expertise, and documentation capabilities to the restoration effort. The television production documented the entire process, from initial assessment through final completion, creating a comprehensive record of the project’s progression. Project coordinator Ferguson noted that the house’s unique circumstances—being both historically significant and severely fire-damaged—made it an ideal candidate for the series. The combination of the right homeowners, committed professionals, and the house’s compelling history created what Ferguson described as \”a more perfect match\” than typically found in restoration projects.

General contractor Charlie Silva of Silva Brothers Construction managed the complex construction process with expertise honed through numerous renovation projects. Electrician Richard Trethewey addressed the home’s comprehensive mechanical and electrical needs, while various skilled trades addressed everything from plumbing to finish carpentry. The project’s success depended on coordinating numerous specialists across extended timelines, with architectural plans finalized in 2023 and active construction commencing in June 2024.

Historical Significance and Community Pride

The town of Westford takes considerable pride in its Revolutionary War heritage and architectural legacy. The restoration of the Donald Cameron House represents more than a single family’s project—it embodies the community’s commitment to preserving its historical character. The home’s 1893 construction date places it in the Colonial Revival period, an architectural movement that celebrated American historical traditions during the late 19th century. As such, the house serves as a tangible connection to Westford’s past and a testament to the town’s ongoing investment in historical preservation.

Challenges Overcome Through Expertise and Determination

Restoring a severely fire-damaged historic home required solving numerous technical and practical challenges. The absence of original architectural documentation demanded creative research approaches. The need to fabricate unavailable historical materials necessitated connections with specialized craftspeople. Coordinating modern mechanical systems within a house designed before electricity and plumbing became standard required innovative solutions. Each challenge was addressed through combination of historical knowledge, modern building science, and professional craftsmanship.

The Homeowners’ Vision and Commitment

Throughout the project, the Grondines’ genuine appreciation for history and architecture guided decision-making. Dianne expressed the family’s sentiment simply: \”We all wanted something with history.\” This core philosophy drove choices from preserving the original staircase to commissioning historically-themed artwork to maintaining the home’s floor plan. The family’s willingness to invest time and resources in authentic restoration rather than pursuing easier demolition-and-rebuild approaches demonstrates deep values around community stewardship and historical preservation.

Completion and Celebration

As construction reached completion and filming concluded, the family hosted a wrap party celebrating the project’s successful culmination. The gathering brought together photographers, town residents, friends, family members, and production crew to acknowledge the transformation of the historic property. For the first time since the devastating 2016 fire, the Donald Cameron House stood restored and ready for its next chapter as a family home.

Legacy and Future Impact

The successful restoration of the Westford historic home carries implications beyond the immediate property. It demonstrates viable approaches to preserving significant architectural heritage while incorporating modern sustainability principles and livability standards. The project shows that comprehensive renovation—while demanding in terms of time, expertise, and resources—can be successfully executed when all stakeholders share commitment to historical integrity.

As Emily and Ethan establish their household in the restored home, and Charles and Dianne prepare their carriage house residence, the family will inhabit a dwelling that honors 19th-century craftsmanship and design while meeting 21st-century expectations for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. The house stands as a monument to thoughtful preservation, community commitment, and the belief that historical gems are worth the effort required to restore them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the primary damage from the 2016 fire?

A: The three-alarm fire destroyed the attic and roof structure entirely, with estimated initial damage of $250,000. The interior suffered extensive fire, smoke, and water damage that required comprehensive remediation.

Q: How long did the complete restoration take?

A: Architectural planning began in June 2023, with active construction commencing in June 2024. The project reached completion in 2025, spanning approximately two years from planning through final restoration.

Q: Were original architectural plans available for the home?

A: No original blueprints existed for the 1893 house. Architect Sara Mallio researched historical photographs and period architectural records to accurately recreate the design and create comprehensive construction documents.

Q: How does the solar power system work with the historical aesthetic?

A: Solar panels are positioned on the 2-acre property rather than on the roof, allowing the home to generate renewable energy while maintaining the historical appearance of the structure.

Q: What makes the central wooden staircase significant?

A: The carved wooden staircase is an exceptional example of 19th-century craftsmanship with unique architectural character. Architect Mallio noted she had never encountered another staircase quite like it, making its preservation a priority.

Q: How are three generations accommodated in the property?

A: Emily and Ethan occupy the restored main house, while Charles and Dianne will reside in the carriage house, which is being converted into an accessory dwelling unit. This arrangement maintains family proximity while preserving independent households.