Newton Historical Retrofit

Built in 1912 by the renowned architect Edward B. Stratton to be his home, this beautiful home combines elements of the Craftsman and Colonial Revival Styles. 

Despite the excellent, original craftsmanship and loving care of owners over the years, by the time the current owners started talking to Auburndale Builders about renovations, it was clear that a century of New England weather had taken its toll.

The windows were drafty, the heating system was old and inefficient and the stucco siding that had been revolutionary in New England in 1912 was a cracking, leaky mess. These issues, combined with the owner’s desire to create a home where they can age in place, resulted in an historically sensitive, deep energy retrofit that will keep the house structurally sound for the next 120 years.

This multi-phase project included an overhaul of the basement, replacing the structural damage caused by water over the years and expanding the back of the house to support a new kitchen. While the home had several kitchen renovations over the years, it wasn’t until we were able to install steel support beams that the cramped kitchen footprint could be expanded to be the open, functional space the owners wanted. 

Adding a curved wood deck off of the kitchen and installing french doors from the living room and kitchen enables a circular flow to support the owner’s hosting of gatherings and modifying the third floor attic space into a lovely suite for visiting family and guests, now more appropriately supports the way the owners use the home. 

This project won the 2025 BRAGB Gold Award for Best Historical Restoration.