Historic Home Renovation and Addition

Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Carefully blending old and new.

1840s Historic Home Restoration + Major Addition

When Mark and Liv reached out to J. Burgess Remodeling & Construction, they were looking for a contractor with true experience in historic home renovation, someone who could respect their home’s 1840s heritage while giving it the modern function they needed for daily living. What followed was a full-scale historic restoration and home addition, transforming a dated and aging structure into a bright, cohesive, and structurally sound home built to last for generations.

Historic Property Background

This Fairhaven home was originally built in the 1840s, with a secondary addition added sometime in the 1850s. Over time, the back elevation had become a patchwork of outdated elements, an old covered porch, aging framing, and awkward circulation that didn’t match the architectural integrity of the original home.

Our goal was clear: respect the home's historic character while reimagining the flow, structure, and usability of the rear section. This is where our expertise in antique home renovation and blending old and new architecture really matters.

Scope of Work

This renovation was a complete gut, a new structural rebuild, and a brand-new addition. all while maintaining the integrity and aesthetic of an early-19th-century New England home.

Exterior Renovation & Historic Preservation

To ensure the new addition felt like it had always belonged, we designed a rear elevation that matched the proportion, height, and symmetry of the original home. Key exterior upgrades included:

  • White cedar shakes for an authentic historic look

  • PVC trim for long-term durability

  • Period-appropriate exterior details to maintain historic character

  • Ipe decking and composite railings on both porches for a clean, timeless look

  • A re-engineered roofline tying into the original 1840s structure

The result is a seamless blend between old and new, from the street to the backyard—one of the most important goals in any historic home addition.

Interior Transformation: Full Gut to the Studs

Inside, we removed every layer down to the original framing. Once opened, we discovered that the second-story structure had to be entirely rebuilt, a common challenge in historic home restoration, and one our team is well-equipped to handle.

Structural Improvements

  • Reframed the entire second floor

  • Added new structural components to support an open main-floor layout

  • Integrated new framing with the new addition for long-term stability

  • Brought every system up to modern code: electrical, plumbing, HVAC

Everything behind the walls is brand new, ensuring the home now meets modern building standards while preserving historic charm.

First Floor: Bright, Functional, Connected Living Spaces

The redesigned first floor now features:

  • A new entryway

  • A brand-new kitchen with a walk-in pantry

  • Open flow to the dining room and sunroom

  • Spray-foam insulation for energy efficiency

Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is a true blend of old and new:

  • Original southern yellow pine floors refinished

  • Custom cabinetry and quartz countertops

  • Plenty of recessed lighting and decorative fixtures

  • Bar seating connected to the new sunroom

A perfect example of how historic home kitchens can retain character while gaining the modern updates homeowners expect.

Sunroom Addition: Light, Height, and Craftsmanship

One of the standout features of the project is the new sunroom:

  • Oversized windows bring in tons of natural light

  • A subtle vaulted ceiling for added height

  • Custom woodwork

  • Constructed on a fully insulated new foundation

This space completely changes the experience of the home and serves as a transition between the historic structure and the new addition.

Second Floor: Expanded Primary Suite

Upstairs, we reconfigured and expanded the primary suite to create:

  • A larger master bedroom

  • A true walk-in closet

  • A completely rebuilt primary bath

Primary Bathroom Highlights

  • Heated tile floors

  • Double vanity

  • Custom tile shower with:

    • Full-length niche

    • Frameless glass door

These upgrades give a 19th-century home the comfort and functionality of a modern build, without sacrificing character.

A True Historic Restoration + Modern Addition

From full demolition to new structure, from interior reframing to exterior finishes, this project represents everything we specialize in:

  • Historic home renovation

  • Preserving architectural integrity

  • Seamlessly blending old and new construction

  • Whole-home remodeling in historic districts

  • Large-scale additions to heritage homes

This home is now brighter, stronger, more functional, and ready for the next 100 years.

A huge thank-you to Mark and Liv for trusting J. Burgess Remodeling & Construction with such an important project!