Historic Home Renovation
Newport, Rhode Island
Project Scope
In the heart of Newport’s historic district, Haley Ward recently undertook the transformation of a neglected historic home into a beautifully restored residence that honors its New England heritage. Left untouched for several years, the property had fallen into disrepair, with overgrown landscaping, a damaged roof, and deteriorating additions. Recognizing the house’s potential and strong architectural bones, the new owner acquired the property, envisioning it as an ideal candidate for a historic renovation.
The project involved restoring the main house and reimagining a crumbling carriage house at the back of the property. The team adhered to the original footprint of the carriage house but completely overhauled its structure, converting it into a charming guest house with two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and an intimate eating area. The Greek Revival renovation respected the site’s historic context while delivering functional modern spaces.
Navigating Newport’s stringent building codes and the local historical society’s guidelines presented one of the project’s biggest challenges. Achieving approval required multiple presentations to the historical board, especially for the addition that extended from the original structure. Haley Ward’s team meticulously scaled and designed the addition to blend seamlessly with the original architecture, gaining the board’s approval by maintaining the historical integrity of the property. Most of the original windows were preserved, and a few were completely remanufactured.
Structural updates were necessary throughout the home. The roof rafters, undersized and spaced at 24 inches on center, required additional support, while the flooring system needed reinforcement to meet current building codes. Haley Ward provided architectural and structural services that included shoring up critical areas, reinforcing beams for an open-concept layout, and executing essential structural upgrades.
This renovation stands as a testament to Haley Ward’s commitment to quality and historical preservation, achieving a balanced blend of old-world charm and modern stability.