STYLE: ARTS & CRAFTS TUDOR

The Brady family had spent little time in the kitchen, as servants prepared meals in the early 20th century; blueprints showed that the kitchen was largely untouched since 1912, except for the addition of an ancient dishwasher that no longer worked. Hannah and Bob remodeled the space twice. The first was in 1993, when they took it down to the studs to update the plumbing and wiring. Five doors created an awkward warren of small spaces, so they consolidated down to three. A peninsula with stools for casual dining was added in the center of the room. That initial budget allowed only for particleboard cabinets and black laminate countertops, but a tin ceiling from W.F. Norman gave the room historical appeal. In 2007, the couple upgraded to honed black-granite countertops and custom maple cabinets, along with a new Marmoleum floor.

The generous living room runs the depth of the house, framed by two pairs of carved Ionic columns. Original details from the chandelier to the window cornices were retained. Hannah and Bob furnished the room with comfortable seating and antiques, and the room looks not so different from the Brady days: there’s a Chesterfield sofa, a game table in front of French doors that open to the rear terrace, family heirlooms, and antiques.

The dining room had been painted top to bottom in an unappetizing beige. Now it glows with a custom goldenrod-tone paint on the ceiling, and trim in olive green outlining papered panels. The original pewter wall sconces and the chandelier were carefully cleaned and rewired, and the room’s handsome Povey Brothers stained-glass window was restored.

The Sisters had maintained the library with its original M.H. Birge & Sons simulated-leather wallpaper. Oak woodwork and glass-front bookcases built on either side of the fireplace were in remarkably good condition, requiring only a fresh coat of furniture oil. Comfortable furnishings include leather chairs and a desk made by Bob’s grandfather from a square grand piano.

Landscaping was updated with a concrete driveway and a bluestone terrace in back. The Arts & Crafts-era pergola has been replicated, with reference to historic photos.

Water damage in upstairs bedrooms was significant, requiring replastering and refinishing floors. A master suite was created with an adjoining room becoming a sitting room/office opening to a roof terrace.

ABOVE An original cast-iron radiator was preserved in a hallway off the kitchen; the small powder room has its original sink. BELOW The original servants’ call-bell boxes were carefully conserved and became a decorative accent in the kitchen.

LEFT A ca. 1890 carved-oak bedroom set found at a local antiques store furnishes one bedroom. The master suite’s sitting-room window seat is seen across the hall. BELOW The upstairs bath’s pedestal tub was restored and refinished, and complemented with a salvaged sink. An period-style basketweave tile floor from Pratt and Larson anchors the room.