Restoring Historic Homes To Meet Today’s Needs
November 20, 2024Renovating historic homes requires a keen balance of respecting age-old craftsmanship and accommodating contemporary standards of comfort. With historic home renovation projects, the award-winning Residence on Bellevue in Newton, MA, is a great example of how experienced Boston architecture firms can bridge the gap between the past and the present.
Restoring Historic Homes Balancing Character with Modern Requirements
A Neo-Classical Revival demands a reverent, carefully orchestrated approach. From the elaborate exterior facades to the intimate interior spaces, the Bellevue mansion’s design team embraced three key principles: Meeting Building Codes, Sourcing Materials to Match Original Design, and Incorporating Modern Amenities. These guiding tenets safeguarded the home’s legacy while paving the way for a more modern/convenient lifestyle.
When updating a historic property, adherence to current building codes is mandated. Structural reinforcements, fire safety measures, and accessibility upgrades must be interwoven into existing frameworks. At Bellevue, the design team meticulously analyzed every room and passageway, ensuring the house could accommodate contemporary regulations without altering its intrinsic character.
One of the most intricate challenges in restoring a historic home is faithfully reproducing the presence of centuries-old craftsmanship. The Bellevue mansion’s Neo-Classical Revival style has robust load-bearing columns, ornamental moldings, and window trim. To maintain the ambiance, sourcing period-appropriate finishes—be it custom millwork, reclaimed flooring, or artisan plasterwork. The project’s success was recognized with prestigious industry accolades such as the 2018 PRISM Award, a Newton Preservation Award, and a 2020 Masters in Design Award.

Restoring Historic Homes: Incorporating Modern Amenities
Blending new technologies into an older layout demands ingenuity, from discreetly placed HVAC systems to networking and SmartHome features. At Residence on Bellevue, thoughtful planning allowed every modern convenience—from zoned climate control to integrated security and entertainment—to be subtly woven into the architecture.
An attached three-bay garage and a bonus space above proved essential to supporting the modern-day needs of the residents. Yet, these additions had to be executed with sensitivity to the building’s classical lines.
The project successfully introduced contemporary essentials—such as a new kitchen, renovated bathrooms, and a refreshed basement area—while keeping the spirit of the original design intact. Its design combines advanced construction techniques with a nod to traditional artistry. The project garnered recognition in publications like Traditional Building Magazine, Boston Magazine, and Qualified Remodeler Magazine.
We’ve Crafted a Living Tribute to Neo-Classical Revival
Restoring historic homes and preserving architectural integrity whilst welcoming modern amenities is far from simple. Still, our talented team of designers has proven they are up to the challenge, regardless of the design type or build era.
Please reach out to begin discussing your next renovation project.