Page 67 - The Montecito Journal Glossy Edition Summer Fall 2010

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appropriate materials: Fish-scale cedar roof shingles, custom made
“wavy” glass tempered windows, hand-blown glass kitchen cabinet
doors, devil’s tail eaves and pointed finials were used to match and ex-
pand upon original details.
Antique door hinges, knobs and push-button-style light switches play
off Water Works light fixtures and faucets. New softwood pine flooring
throughout was milled to blend seamlessly into the salvaged original
floors. Crisp white walls, wainscot and architectural paneling accent the
pine to lend the house a casual beach feel, both refined and comfortable.
From Carrara marble countertops and stainless steel appliances to crown
molding and bead-board ceilings this family’s remodeled home found
21st-century luxuries with 19th-century charm.
Remodeling is a chance to leave your mark, correct that troublesome
area or create the perfect setting for your activities, but caution is ad-
vised: it just may become addictive… and costly.
may be all that is necessary. Taking into account a home’s attri-
butes with regard to curb appeal, likely required maintenance, distinc-
tive characteristics, as well as market demand, will help to establish the
degree to which remodeling will give a positive return on investment.
Fire damage or major repair work may require that part of a home be
rebuilt completely. In this case, you may be comparing the pros and
cons of replacing what was lost with substantially upgrading the new
spaces to meet modern standards of look and function. A simple renova-
tion is likely to return value to what was lost but is unlikely to add sig-
nificant financial value. A remodel incorporating upgrades and modern
amenities will appeal to a broader audience, creating higher resale value
while enhancing current user enjoyment. Whether remodeling out of ne-
cessity or desire, distinctive design will set your home apart.
For example, when purchased, this 1860’s Montecito Victorian Cottage
was in desperate need of attention. The family saw through its sagging
floors, sloped walls and cramped rooms to the steep gables, tall finials
and wrap-around porch hinting at possibilities. When looking back, the
family claims it was the house’s charm that drove them to extensively
remodel it instead of tearing it down.
Saving the original parlor and dining room, the floors were leveled and
refinished to meet new wainscot, paneling and paint. The family room,
kitchen, and staircase expanded their footprints. Re-envisioned with a
new layout and finishes these once-cramped spaces now flow from one
another to outside. New porches shade mountain views framed by tall
double-hung windows.
Building a detached garage allowed the former attached garage and
studio to be transformed (with no small amount of industry) into a new
master suite, guest suite and gym. This remodeled residence maintained
its historic gothic revival Victorian character through the use of period-
From fish-scale shingles,
devil’s tail eaves, and
articulated brickwork to
interior millwork, pine floors,
and bead-board ceilings,
this remodeled residence
exudes casual charm and
inviting refinements from
every angle