Jess' Historic Home

More than a century after it was built in 1890 by the inventor William Stanley, our team took on the immense undertaking of restoring and carefully reimagining this historic home for Jess and her family. We relocated the kitchen, created a primary suite, and restored the original architectural details. The interiors reflect a deep respect for the home’s history while embracing a layered, lived-in approach designed to support family life and frequent entertaining.

scope

Fully remodeled, including kitchen bathrooms and all finishes

location

Great Barrington, MA

photo

Kelly Marshall Photography

Step inside Jess’ 19th century Victorian home in the heart of the Berkshires.


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Originally a formal dining room, the kitchen was relocated and redesigned to become the heart of the home. Walnut cabinetry and stone countertops reference the home’s historic character while introducing a more contemporary sensibility. Glass doors connect the space to the outdoors, reinforcing its role as a place for everyday living and informal gathering. The adjacent breakfast area softens the formality of the architecture, inviting daily use without sacrificing elegance.

Entertaining was central to the home’s redesign, with the dining and music rooms serving as anchors for larger gatherings. Original architectural elements were preserved and paired with curated art, vintage lighting, and layered finishes. These spaces strike a balance between formality and ease, designed to feel welcoming rather than precious, and to support both quiet moments and lively evenings.

The powder bath was conceived as a moment of surprise within the home. Hand-painted walls create an immersive, narrative backdrop, transforming a small space into an experience rather than a pass-through. Traditional materials and classic proportions ground the room, allowing pattern, color, and artistry to take center stage in a way that feels both playful and composed.

The attic was reimagined as a whimsical, informal gathering space designed with extended family and guests in mind. Inspired by The Royal Tenenbaums, the rooms embrace pattern, color, and a sense of play while remaining grounded in thoughtful detailing and comfort. A large TV and playroom anchors the space, surrounded by guest suites that feel cozy, personal, and intentionally layered, creating a destination within the home that invites lingering and connection.