What do I need to know about buying an antique house?

We live in an area of the country where architectural design has evolved over 350-plus years, and the mantra is “preservation.” In Connecticut, most of the 169 towns have a mix of architectural styles, from early Colonials, Capes, Federal and Greek Revivals, a full range of Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman and the precursor of today’s townhouses — the brownstone.

Regardless of the style, there are often unexpected projects a buyer will encounter. Taking down a wall that is architecturally inappropriate, replacing windows or doors that are slightly awry, replacing worn or damaged floor boards or realizing that your post-and-beam construction is structurally unsound may be issues to deal with.

On the other hand, knowing that your efforts have resulted in restoring old treasures, such as exposed hand-hewn beams, hidden King’s boards, mosaic-faced fireplaces, oak trims, winding staircases and magnificent stained-glass windows are the reward. Surprises such as old newspapers, baby shoes, a Jared coin, hand-forged nails, love letters and other mementos found within the walls will tie you to the homeowners of the past.

Your strongest allies are restoration architects, skilled period craftsmen, historians and restoration consultants. Membership in preservation organizations can open the door to workshops, on-site visitations, consultants and reference artisans and materials sources. We are fortunate to have the CT Trust for Historic Preservation and its Circuit Riders, the CT Historical Commission which maintains a record of houses of historical and architectural significance and the CT Commission on Culture and Tourism’s Technical Assistance and Funding Guidelines among its many programs.

The last bugaboo that buyers face is the often-unfounded or intimidating concerns about historic designation with local, state and federal restrictions. Checking with the town itself will help understand regulations, provide guidelines, determine any limitations, and often, provide the support of resource persons. Purchasing a historic property can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime, and that final authentic restoration should generate the same joy felt by the original family.

Carole Laydon McElrath, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, (203) 907-6776, carole.mcelrath@cbmoves.com