This 1820s cape, on a quiet inlet in Lunenburg County , Nova Scotia , lost much of its original appeal during three previous renovations. Thankfully the hand-hewn frame, wide plank flooring, original open hearth fireplace and original single-board wainscot still exist underneath the many layers of wallpaper, chipboard and carpet.

Traditional proportions of windows, dormers and roof pitches were followed for the restoration and addition to this cape. The west entry addition includes a large vestibule, reading room, half bath, closet and access to the lower level. The east addition is a one-storey timber-frame addition to accommodate an artist's studio. Salvaged hand-hewn beams from a nearby dismantling project provided the timbers for the studio framing.

The original foundation posed structural and moisture problems, so the entire foundation was replaced. This required stabilizing the main structure, removing the slab, digging down an extra 8" to gain head room, and providing proper drainage around the new concrete foundation.

n 1800s aesthetic was created using salvaged materials for most of the interior finishes. Wide plank flooring, cast iron hot water radiators, supplemental hand-hewn beams, board and batten doors, early thumb-latch hardware, cabinetry, a footed cast iron bath tub, simple door and window trim were used. New materials include wood frame, divided-lite windows, a shower, asphalt roofing, appliances, wiring, plumbing and insulation. Sustainably harvested softwood from nearby Windhorse Farm supplied the project with required framing lumber.