227 Warren Street

This 1908 Victorian, painted in thoughtfully chosen colors, stands tall on a quiet tree-lined street close to Needham Center. A flag pole, tall trees and specimen tree plantings create an established curb side presence. A screened front porch created a dark front façade. A pea stone driveway sloping to the back of the property was not ideal for winter snow clearing. The home’s interiors presented classic features starting with the front stair newel post but most surfaces had not been touched in many years including wallpaper that may have dated back to the building of the house. The exterior was in need of some repair and paint and the stone foundation needed repair.

A barn and two out buildings behind the house were in average condition.

To start, demolition of the kitchen and bathrooms and removing of the center chimney made the house ready for an open floor plan. Duct work was added on the second floor to allow for central air conditioning. A dormer on the third floor was carved out to allow full walk up access where a new bedroom and full bath were created. Systems on the third floor are tucked in under the eves.

A mudroom off the back of the house replaced an underutilized pantry just inside the back door. Removing the chimney and wall between the dining room and kitchen allowed for a welcoming transition from the kitchen to the eating area. A window seat on the side bay window of the house allows for out-of-the-way seating or bench seating for dining. Stunning architectural details including built-in bookcases tucked into half walls and perfectly scaled columns that divide the kitchen and dining area are the highlight of the newly designed space. Custom-sized stained glass windows and antique sconces provide charming Victorian accents.

The second floor bathroom was gutted, water damage in the walls was repaired and a salvaged dining room sideboard was converted to a charming vanity with useful storage drawers. A marble top and a drop in sink couple with a treasured old mirror make the bathroom appear old and new at the same time. Subway tiles give an additional classic touch.

The stone foundation was repaired and sealed to prevent water seeping into the basement. The concrete basement floor was repaired and patched. An asphalt driveway was laid to replace the pea stones to enable easy snow removal. Gutters were repaired, new windows were installed and the exterior paint was freshened up. The screens on the front porch were removed to create an open-air porch to welcome guests.