Behind the Build: Historic Reproduction in Williamsburg, Virginia
Join us as we tour a home that was built with time-honored construction details and techniques but designed to meet the needs of a 21st-century family.
Featured in Old House Journal
This episode of Behind the Build brings us to Williamsburg, Virginia, where we’re visiting a reproduction of a historic home that once stood on the same lot in 1930. The home was built by John Sawin of Innovative Homes of Virginia, and this historic replica is special because John took inspiration from the era-correct craftsmanship of the original build, something not often done or seen in today’s new construction. The house is full of details that accurately reflect the fabric of the original home while also taking advantage of the best modern technology available.
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Stunning project. Toured Colonial Williamsburg in 1989 with just-college-graduated son. We had planned on part of a day, ended up whole 3-day weekend. We saw why a period Secretary or Long Rifle got the prices they got, there. All period hand tools, all by hand, all meticulous work.
Some unanswered questions, here. Is this on the site or off? How much documentation of the old structure existed? How much of this project was not hand tools and hand work? Turning a newell post now and turning one then is a horse of a different color. Would like to see an entire article on this.
Willing to believe there is a stunning price tag.
It's a shame as many as salvageable of the original windows were not restored and put in the new house. The one shown looked in excellent condition. It could have been reglazed to reseal it, weatherized and further sealed with tasteful, period-looking storm windows added. Unfortunately, most homeowners are told that historic windows leak and should be replaced. In reality, they can be restored to last 50+ years compared to the highest warranty life of replacement windows of 20 years. Read http://www.windowstandards.org.