Hammonwoods Road
Hammonwoods Road, Chestnut Hill, MA
About This Project
Reimagining a Tudor's Hidden Spaces
This 1920s Tudor in Chestnut Hill had been carefully maintained over the years, but like many homes of its era, its layout no longer reflected the way families live today. Our renovation focused on modernizing the home while preserving the architectural character that made it distinctive.
Reconnecting the Porch
One of the home's most interesting challenges was a large enclosed porch at the rear of the house. Although generous in size, it remained disconnected from the rest of the home, with the original exterior brick wall and Tudor windows still separating it from the living room.
Rather than removing those original elements, we chose to make them part of the room's character. The brick was refinished and painted, while the original Tudor windows were preserved as a reminder of the home's evolution. Larger windows, new doors opening to the backyard, and a new connection from the kitchen transformed an awkward three-season porch into one of the home's most inviting living spaces.
A Brighter Kitchen
The kitchen presented a different challenge. It was unusually dark and lacked a meaningful connection to the outdoors. We introduced a large bay window overlooking the yard, dramatically increasing natural light, and created direct access to a substantial mahogany deck. Because the garage sits beneath this portion of the house, the outdoor space is nearly two stories above grade and required careful planning to integrate naturally with the architecture. The finished deck created a comfortable space for grilling, dining, and entertaining that flows directly from the kitchen.
Finishing the Details
Elsewhere, the kitchen and family spaces were reimagined, the primary suite was redesigned with generous closets and a spacious bath, and the home's major systems were modernized. Extensive drainage improvements also resolved longstanding water issues, allowing the lower level to become useful living space. Outside, restored masonry, preservation of the original slate roof, new windows, and thoughtful landscaping completed the transformation.
The best historic renovations don't erase a home's past: they reveal it in new ways. By preserving meaningful architectural elements while rethinking how the spaces connect and function, this Tudor continues to tell its story while working beautifully for modern family life.
