Saturday, January 23, 2010

Historic Renovation Part One

For today's post I thought I would share the construction progress on one of our ongoing projects.  This is a project I have been involved with for well over one year.  The planning process has been enormous as the entire interior needed to be rearranged, gutted and rebuilt.  My clients purchased this lovely historic home in downtown Charlottetown to turn into their dream business.  "A 5 star luxury boutique style Bed and Breakfast".




Here a picture of the house taken just after the purchase.  This is the view from West St.  The house is located at the corner of West and Grafton.  The actual street address 1 Grafton St.   And once open the inn will be appropriately named "Number One Grafton". 



A little background on the property.

1 Grafton Street, or Caroma Lodge and the Cottage, as it was once known, is a wood framed home that shows influences of the Queen Anne Revival style. It sits on the corner of Grafton and West Streets. The home was designed by renowned Island architect, William Critchlow Harris for the prominent businessman, Frank Richard Heartz.  It was built between 1894 and 1895.  It is a very large home and this renovation is all encompassing.  No surface is being untouched.




Another angle of the house.  The actual construction phase began in September with the outside landscaping and exterior work.  While that work got underway the interior renovations began.  The interior was divided into 3 apartments sometime over the past 50 years.  All of these are now gone, ripped out and in their place will be 5 beautifully appointed guest suites.  The third story which was once an empty storage space is being turned into the innkeepers suite. 

Lets look at some progress pictures of the kitchen.  The kitchen, main floor powder room and the laundry areas are almost complete except for little odds and ends and the lighting. The rest of the home is in various stages of construction...



View 1 Before - The original kitchen eating area with the tiny little kitchen work area to the right through the doorway.



View 2 During -  Here the kitchen installer is busy putting everything together.

  
View 3 After - The kitchen is looking absolutely fantastic with the space now totally opened up and rearranged to be more functional and a whole lot prettier.  Shaker style cabinets painted a pretty shade of yellow, dark countertops, butcher block island, stainless steel appliances, brushed nickel hardware, simple white subway tiles and new hardwood floors give this room a high end traditional feel.



View 4 Before - Looking from the other direction into the tiny preparation space.



View 5 After - Amazing!  The 12" deep shelving is perfect display storage for lovely glass containers which will eventually hold cooking ingredients.  My guess is alot of cooking will be going on in here.



View 6 Before - A close up of the teeny tiny outdated prep area.



View 7 After -  Clean, modern, totally functional.  I love the apron front sink.



View 8 Before - Looking from the opposite direction



View 9 After - Showing the same end wall and another great storage cabinet.



View 10 Before - The end wall as it was...



View 11 After - This is the view as you enter the kitchen from the hallway of the main living areas.


Soon a pair of these beautiful pendant lights will be hanging over the island.   Our seamstress is busy working on roman shades for the windows.  Dressing all the windows in this house is a project in itself and no small feat.  All of the fabrics and treatments have been chosen and approved.  It's just a matter of time now... 


I will post more on this fantastic project in the next few posts.  There are so many rooms that are undergoing dramatic changes with the addition of all new layouts, washrooms, plumbing,electrical.  The house should be complete in the next couple of months and open for business in May.  I'm itching to get at the decorating :)


Thanks for reading.  Have a great week!
Susan







 

10 comments:

Ashley said...

Wow Susan, can't believe it!! Looks GREAT!!!

DesignTies said...

Love it, Susan! I'm crazy about old houses - in fact I live in one that's 70 years old (although much smaller then the beauty you're sharing). I can totally appreciate the work that goes into remodeling an older home particlarly when looking to maintain its heritage. I'm looking foward to seeing more of this lovely house!!
Victoria @ DesignTies

Lauren said...

Hi Susan,

Came across your blog and am LOVING the reno's to your house! I actually just bought my first house today and am excited to get my hands dirty with reno's and decorating.

Thanks for the great pics!

Lauren McPhillips
Web editor, styleathome.com

WLurrie said...

What an exciting project! I know you'll do brilliantly. But of course it's hard for me to imagine any house as beautiful as you made mine.

xox

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Beautiful work...well done! I love the buttercream color on the cabinets. I have had leaded glass front cabinets in my own kitchen for years and love them.

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

It is gorgeous!!! I love the open shelving too. I don't think I would do it here in earthquake country, but it a great look.

What color are the cabinets?

xo,
cristin

Maria Killam said...

Susan you are such a great designer!! Love, Love, Love that kitchen!!

Donna @ Paisley and Perspective said...

Wow Susan, this kitchen is beautiful. I love old homes like this - so much character! It's so nice to see that you're keeping the character strong in the new kitchen. The layout, the cabinets, the counters, the flooring - it's all beautiful! Can't wait to see more!

One of my Hobby Blogs said...

I love that kitchen, and the pendant light is very "in" right now! good choice

DesignTies said...

I know where I'm staying next time we go to PEI!! Love the exterior -- the colours and architectural detailing are fabulous. And your kitchen makeover is stunning -- such a bright and beautiful room :-)

You must be thrilled to be working on such an amazing reno. Can't wait to see more!!

Kelly