Westford’s Historic Colonial Revival Home Restoration

Welcome to Westford: A Historic Restoration Journey

The town of Westford, Massachusetts, holds a special place in American history. Known for its Revolutionary War significance and the distinction of hosting Paul Revere’s children at the town academy, Westford maintains deep ties to its historic past. When a remarkable architecturally significant late 19th-century house on the town’s main street suffered catastrophic fire damage in 2016, the entire community rallied to preserve this treasured landmark. Today, this 1893 Colonial Revival home stands as a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, and the unwavering commitment to restoration that This Old House Season 46 documents in its final project.

The Historic Property and the Fire Disaster

Built in 1893, the Donald Cameron House represents quintessential Colonial Revival architecture with its distinctive yellow exterior and intricate period detailing. The 10-room, two-and-a-half-story structure originally showcased the elegance and craftsmanship of the late Victorian era. However, in 2016, a devastating three-alarm fire tore through the building, destroying the grand house’s attic and roof while causing an estimated $250,000 in damage. The fire left the property abandoned and deteriorating for nearly a decade, awaiting the right circumstances and dedicated individuals to restore it to its former glory.

The extensive fire damage and subsequent abandonment created significant challenges. The structural integrity was compromised, materials were destroyed, and the once-beautiful interior was reduced to exposed studs and deteriorating remnants. Yet despite these obstacles, the community’s determination to save this historic landmark never wavered, recognizing the irreplaceable cultural and architectural value the house represented.

The New Owners and Their Vision

In 2021, Dianne and Charles Grondine purchased the property at 63 Main Street after a competitive auction process. The Grondines, who had lived nearby for years and driven by the house countless times, shared a profound connection to this historic structure. Their daughter Emily, who even witnessed the 2016 fire firsthand, joined them in envisioning a multigenerational home that would honor the property’s rich history while incorporating modern comfort and efficiency.

The family’s vision was both ambitious and respectful. They planned for Emily and her boyfriend Ethan to occupy the restored main house, while Charles and Dianne would initially reside there as well, with plans to eventually convert the existing carriage house into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for the parents. This arrangement allowed for privacy and independence while maintaining family proximity. As Dianne eloquently stated, “We all wanted something with history,” perfectly capturing the family’s philosophy and driving motivation for the entire restoration project.

Comprehensive Project Goals and Objectives

The restoration project aimed to accomplish several interconnected objectives:

• Historic Preservation: Restore unique architectural features including the grand porte-cochere in the circular front driveway, the central carved wooden staircase, ornate trim and casing details, and stained-glass windows
• Structural Integrity: Rebuild the interior structure while maintaining much of the original floorplan featuring two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and an open kitchen-dining room configuration
• Energy Efficiency: Implement modern insulation, HVAC systems, and renewable energy solutions to make the 1893 house as efficient as contemporary construction
• Exterior Durability: Update exterior materials with long-lasting, low-maintenance options including metal roof shingles and advanced composite siding
• Sustainability: Integrate solar power panels strategically placed on the 2-acre lot rather than on the roof to maintain the home’s historic aesthetic

Architectural Planning and Design

The architectural phase proved critical to the project’s success. The homeowners hired architect Sara Mallio, who approached the project with meticulous attention to both historical accuracy and contemporary functionality. Mallio’s methodology involved extensive consultation with the Grondines to understand their needs and aspirations. A significant challenge emerged when it became apparent that original architectural plans for the house no longer existed, necessitating a complete reconstruction of roof designs and structural systems.

Using historical photographs as references, Mallio developed construction plans that would faithfully restore the home to its original appearance while incorporating modern building standards and safety requirements. The architectural planning phase, which commenced in June 2023, proved time-intensive due to the need to recreate lost documentation and address the extensive fire damage. This careful planning ensured that when construction began in June 2024, every team member understood the precise restoration goals and technical requirements.

The Restoration Team and Construction Process

Charles and Dianne Grondine selected Silva Brothers Construction to execute the restoration, recognizing their expertise and commitment to quality craftsmanship. General contractor Charlie Silva led the construction efforts, working closely with the homeowners and This Old House’s expert team. The project involved multiple specialized tradespeople addressing different aspects of the restoration simultaneously.

The demolition and initial construction phases revealed the true extent of the fire’s devastation. Emily and Ethan described finding “studs everywhere, studs and old moldy insulation” throughout the structure. Initial work focused on systematic removal of damaged plumbing, outdated electrical systems, and deteriorated materials. Tom Silva assessed the fire damage in the ceiling and developed theories about fire spread patterns that informed reconstruction strategies. Richard Trethewey, the plumbing and heating expert, noted that the homeowners essentially possessed a blank slate, allowing them to incorporate state-of-the-art systems within the historic structure.

Historic Details and Preservation Efforts

The Central Staircase

Among the most significant preservation achievements was the restoration of the central carved wooden staircase. Mallio noted, “That’s a unique staircase, it’s pretty special I haven’t seen anything like that.” Despite the fire’s destructive force, the staircase survived due to its robust construction and central location. Its restoration to former glory became a focal point of the project, symbolizing the commitment to preserving irreplaceable architectural elements.

Material Sourcing and Reproduction

The extreme age of the house presented material sourcing challenges. Many original components, particularly custom trimmings and decorative elements, could no longer be purchased from standard suppliers. The team had to commission craftspeople to create reproductions matching the original specifications exactly. This dedication to authenticity ensured that visitors to the restored home would experience the property much as its original occupants did in 1893.

Exterior Preservation

The exterior restoration carefully balanced preservation with durability. The granite foundation, original to Westford, was saved and incorporated into the new structure. The roof reconstruction proved particularly demanding, requiring the temporary roof removal to assess complete fire damage extent before implementing permanent solutions using modern metal roof shingles that maintain the home’s historic appearance while providing superior longevity and weather protection.

Energy Efficiency and Modern Systems

Charles Grondine’s strong interest in energy efficiency drove significant innovations throughout the project. Rather than placing solar panels on the roof where they would compromise the home’s historic aesthetic, the team strategically positioned panels on the 2-acre lot, demonstrating that modern sustainability doesn’t require sacrificing historical integrity. Richard Trethewey introduced mini duct systems in the attic to provide climate control while minimizing space intrusion and maintaining the authentic ceiling appearance.

The homeowners ensured that this 1893 house would meet contemporary energy standards through comprehensive insulation upgrades, new HVAC systems, and efficient appliances. This approach honored the home’s heritage while providing the comfort and efficiency that modern occupants expect and require for long-term habitability.

The This Old House Documentation

This Old House Season 46’s final episode, “Welcome to Westford,” captures the project’s commencement with Kevin O’Connor joining Charlie Silva and the homeowners outside the Colonial Revival home. The episode documents the initial assessments, family interviews, and planning sessions that set the restoration in motion. Through Kevin’s tours of the first and second floors with Dianne and Emily, viewers witness both the damaged conditions and the family’s aspirations for the space.

The television documentation extended throughout the construction process, capturing subsequent episodes including assessments of structural damage, system installations, specialized work like mural painting, and the final completion stages. This comprehensive coverage brought the restoration journey directly into viewers’ homes, demonstrating the complexity, artistry, and dedication required to restore a fire-damaged historic property.

Historical Commission and Community Involvement

Jenn Nawada’s interviews with David Gutbrod, chair of the Westford Historical Commission, provided crucial historical context. The Historical Commission’s involvement ensured that restoration decisions aligned with historical accuracy and the property’s cultural significance. This collaboration between homeowners, contractors, and historical authorities exemplified best practices in historic preservation, ensuring that the restored home accurately represented its 1893 origins while serving contemporary needs.

Special Artistic Elements

The restoration included exceptional artistic touches, most notably a custom mural commissioned for the dining room. Muralist Lisa Curry Mair painted all four walls with a fox hunting scene set in 19th-century Westford, creating an immersive historical atmosphere. Remarkably, Curry Mair grew up directly across the street from the house and maintained a lifelong connection to Westford. This serendipitous connection between artist and property enhanced the authenticity and emotional resonance of the restoration, creating a dining room that honored both the home’s history and the community’s heritage.

Project Challenges and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About the Westford Restoration

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

A: In 2016, a three-alarm fire devastated the house, destroying the attic and roof and causing an estimated $250,000 in damage. The house subsequently sat abandoned for nearly a decade until the Grondines purchased and began restoration in 2021.

Q: How did the homeowners plan to use the property?

A: Emily and Ethan occupy the restored main house, while Charles and Dianne initially lived there as well, with plans to convert the existing carriage house into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for the parents, creating a multigenerational living arrangement.

Q: What was the biggest preservation challenge?

A: Locating or reproducing original architectural elements proved particularly challenging. Many materials and details could no longer be found, requiring craftspeople to create period-accurate reproductions based on historical documentation.

Q: How did the restoration balance historic preservation with modern efficiency?

A: The project maintained original floorplans and architectural details while incorporating modern insulation, HVAC systems, and renewable energy. Solar panels were placed on the lot rather than the roof to preserve the home’s historic aesthetic.

Q: What makes the central staircase significant?

A: The carved wooden staircase is architecturally unique and survived the fire relatively intact. Its restoration became a focal point of the project, symbolizing the commitment to preserving irreplaceable historic elements.

Q: How long did the complete restoration take?

A: Architectural planning commenced in June 2023, with actual construction beginning in June 2024. The comprehensive process required careful documentation and planning due to the extensive fire damage and need to recreate lost architectural plans.

Conclusion: A Historic Home Reclaimed

The restoration of the Westford Colonial Revival home represents far more than a single renovation project. It embodies community dedication to preserving historical heritage, the technical expertise of skilled craftspeople, and a family’s vision of living within history. By carefully balancing authentic preservation with modern efficiency and sustainability, the Grondines, Silva Brothers Construction, architect Sara Mallio, and the entire This Old House team demonstrated that historic homes can meet contemporary living standards without compromising their architectural integrity and historical significance. This remarkable transformation, documented throughout This Old House Season 46, stands as an inspiration for historic preservation efforts nationwide, proving that with commitment and expertise, even severely damaged historic structures can be restored to their former glory while serving the needs of modern families.