Although this 1830 Vermont house was full of charm, it was in bad condition, and long-time homeowner Jane Benson Ackerman was thinking it was time to move on.
The house was dark and infested with rodents, which drove the owner to look for a new house in town.
When she was unable to find what she wanted she came to the realization that she already had an historical gem and decided that she needed to restore it.
Living Room
Ackerman decided to restore the house in phases and started by turning the living room and dining room into a single room, which has created an open airy space.
She began to collect architectural antiques along with vintage furniture that would amplify the historic character of her home. It was a thoughtful process that was not rushed.
The house is large with modest size rooms. The furniture, which although vintage is not valuable, adds to the hominess of the space. Much of the furniture was inherited from an old family Great Caamp at Lake Placid.
Built-in bookshelves frame light giving windows.
I really love the combination of furniture she has chosen.
Staircase
The main staircase was reconfigured and also includes a built-in bookcase, as do many of the other rooms, to house the owner's extensive collection of books. As you are walking up the stairs at night you can just choose a book for bedtime reading.
A beautiful floral rug and light-colored vintage furniture anchor the space. I love that the uncovered windows allow for maximum light.
The Kitchen
I think this might possibly be my dream kitchen.
This large bright eat-in kitchen is a product of the owner's wish list. The old garage was torn down and a new two-story 665 square foot addition was added, with the kitchen occupying the ground floor and an office and studio on the second.
The light from the windows is amazing in this space where a salvaged sink, a large built-in made to look like a vintage piece of furniture, and salvaged hand-planed, wide planked floors take center stage.
Shop Vintage Style Kitchen Faucet
Book Nooks
Fitting 3700 books into 2000 sq. feet requires spaces for books in every room. This means not only built-in bookshelves, but book nooks carved out of walls. Every room in the house, including the bathrooms, has bookshelves.
In the powder room, the mirror has been fashioned from a snowshoe, and the vintage soap holder was a salvage find.
In the guest room the bookshelf is part of a radiator cabinet and serves as a room divider for added privacy.
As a former professional bookseller, Jane Ackerman takes her collection seriously. Each room has a different genre and has been put into a database so she can easily find what she wants.
Since renovating the home, the upstairs accommodates a one-room airb&b rental. Can I just move in?
Information and photos sourced from Old House Online.
See More Home Tours:
Historic Charmer Meets Modern in Australia here
Modern Meets Traditional In a Victorian Terrace in London here
Arts and Crafts London Garden Flat here
Small Cottage Updated with Color and Pattern here
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What a great home. I am so glad she decided to restore this classic and make her beautiful again. Happy New Week Laura. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteThoroughly enjoyed that tour, and thankfully, a beautiful historic home was saved. Just love all of those bookshelves.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty and cozy home. I've always wanted to visit Vermont in the fall and see the leaves turning.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
That house is a beauty. I love everything about it.
ReplyDeleteThat kitchen is outstanding! I also love that rug at the bottom on the stairs. SO charming.
ReplyDelete