RENOVATION
Newton Upper Falls, MA

A Newton Centre couple downsizes from their large Victorian home as grown children have scattered. They find a small 1930’s, gambrel colonial a few blocks away but it was laid out with small congested rooms, poor internal circulation and offered few amenities. The home had not been updated since the 1960s and the main living spaces were completely cut off from a beautifully landscaped rear yard. DLA created an expanded home with a small addition, seamlessly added to the existing structure to create a new kitchen and dining space with views and access to the rear garden as well as a new mud room and powder room on the first floor. A three season porch becomes a year-round home office and music room, and the former dining room a TV room for the flat screen entertainment system where sports can be enjoyed without disrupting the formal living room. On the second floor, a master bedroom suite with walk-in closets, soaking tub and generous shower were constructed utilizing the new space. A new second floor family bath and laundry room was also created to be ready for guests, children and grand children returning home.

ANTIQUE RESIDENCE
Newton Upper Falls, MA

This four room 1825 Cape style house was sought by a downsizing owner as an alternative to a condo because of its historic character and location overlooking the Charles River at the Hemlock Gorge. A small dormer was added to the house to provide a family bathroom on the second floor and a matching garden shed was constructed. The interior layout of the four principle spaces with two fireplaces was maintained even as the house was completely refitted for comfortable, energy efficient living. Improvements included complete exterior restoration, new kitchen, bathrooms, wood floors, lighting, central air and high efficiency boiler with indirect domestic water heating. New landscaping created a private garden setting for the small yard and patio. The renovation was featured in The Boston Globe Magazine.

RENOVATION & ADDITION
Newtonville, MA

A beautiful two bedroom 1880’s Queen Anne cottage was buried beneath 1950’s aluminum siding and windows when the new owner took possession.The house lacked a master bedroom suite, adequate bathrooms and kitchen. A large dormered addition doubled the size of the second floor and an open carport was converted into a useful garage directly connected to the living space. The renovation incorporated new kitchens and baths and all new systems as well as historically appropriate exterior materials including windows, all while maintaining a tight budget. Design review approvals were sought and received from the Newton Historical Commission as part of the Demolition Delay Ordinance permitting process..