This beautiful circa 1920s Montpelier home was ready for aesthetic and performance upgrades when its new owners decided to move to town and fix up this old house. We launched into a months-long planning process during which we planned the interior remodel and performance upgrades that would maintain most of the original woodwork and details, while transforming the layout into a floor plan that better suits the owners’ needs.
The kitchen design includes both painted and cherry cabinetry, paired with a blend of quartz and cherry wood countertops.
Original Birch wood flooring and trim—expertly refinished—were complemented by Vermont slate tile flooring in key areas, creating a warm and tactile mix of materials that respects the home’s roots.
New windows and doors were installed throughout, many in their original locations. In spots where openings were newly introduced—such as above the kitchen sink—we made thoughtful design choices to enhance light and functionality.
We also milled custom birch trim to perfectly match the original, carefully color-matching the new finish to the soft patina of 100-year-old varnish.
This home now features three beautifully updated bathrooms, each with its own unique character:
On the first floor, a fun penny-round tile floor is paired with elegant marble subway tiles in the shower—balancing playfulness with timeless materials.
A second-floor bathroom has a soaking tub and an adjacent walk-in shower separated by a glass enclosure.
Another second-floor bathroom fits a lot into a very small space. What used to be a closet now accommodates a comfortable walk-in shower with gorgeous marble walls, along with the sink and commode.
We respurposed an original cabinet door to build in some storage in this space, too.
From the custom-milled trim and restored Birch flooring to the performance upgrades beneath the surface, this project is a great example of Clar Construction’s approach: preserving what makes a historic home special while thoughtfully enhancing it for the next hundred years.
Other thoughtful upgrades included a new mudroom, a conveniently placed laundry room off the kitchen, and upgraded closet interiors throughout—all designed to support daily life while maintaining the home’s historic aesthetic.
When we began work, the basement had a dirt floor and significant moisture and mold issues. After professional remediation, we installed structural footings, a full moisture management system, and closed-cell spray foam insulation. This once-problematic space is now a dry, healthy part of the home, housing the updated ducted heating system, new electrical panel, and a heat pump hot water heater.
