BOWNE HOUSE 

The Bowne House, an extraordinary wood-framed home with a remarkable history dating back to 1661, stands as a testament to the past, with multiple additions made in the 18th and 19th centuries. The original portion, known today as the Dining Room, exudes its rich heritage with a single room construction using a bent frame structural system, mud insulation, and horse-hair plaster. A subsequent expansion to the west further enhanced the dwelling's charm. In the years between 1690 and 1763, a one-story lean-to was thoughtfully added along the north side, later extended into a full two-story structure in 1845. 

Our restoration efforts will focus on the interior, encompassing wood-paneled walls and horse-hair plaster walls and ceilings. Eight fireplaces grace the interiors, and the kitchen boasts a large fireplace, once a culinary haven, complete with an early form of an oven. The house showcases a range of historical features, including a pioneering security system, early gas lighting, a cistern, and remnants of a personal elevator system. 

Our scope of work primarily involves the meticulous repair and restoration of interior plaster and woodwork, replication of missing elements such as interior doors, and the creation of an ADA accessible first floor. Mindful of preserving the authenticity, we have adopted a preservation policy of retroaction, ensuring that any interventions made can be removed if deemed necessary in the future. For example, ADA accessibility will be achieved with interior ramps independent of historic finishes, allowing for their future removal while preserving the integrity of the space. 

Incorporating intricate details, our team is dedicated to crafting plaster patching and woodwork repair methods that honor the craftsmanship of the past. To accommodate ADA accessibility, we will thoughtfully plan exterior landscaping and site regrading. Our goal is to breathe new life into the Bowne House while maintaining its historic essence.