Heath Hill Road
Heath Hill Road, Brookline, MA
About This Project
Completing the Vision of a Historic Home
Inheriting a Project Underway
Heath Hill Road was the comprehensive renovation of an early-1900s Federal-style brick home that blended historic architecture with contemporary living. When our clients purchased the property, they saw tremendous potential, but they also inherited the challenges that often come with stepping into a project already underway.
The home had been partially renovated by a respected developer who had completed much of the structural work and constructed a beautifully designed contemporary rear addition. While the foundation for an exceptional home was in place, significant work remained to fully realize the property's potential. As with any partially completed renovation, one of the first challenges was determining what had been completed correctly, what required refinement, and what still needed to be built.
Before any new work could begin, we carefully evaluated the existing construction to establish a solid, dependable starting point. Only after understanding every aspect of the project could we confidently move forward with the next phase of the renovation.
A Designer's Vision
Our client, an accomplished interior designer, envisioned the home as both a personal residence and a showcase of her design philosophy. She brought an extraordinary level of creativity, attention to detail, and carefully curated material selections to the project. Our role was to translate that vision into practical, durable, and cost-effective construction while preserving the integrity of the historic home.
The project became a study in balancing old and new.
Historic architectural character was carefully preserved while contemporary spaces were thoughtfully integrated throughout the home. The modern kitchen became the centerpiece of the new addition, while the remainder of the house retained the scale, proportion, and craftsmanship expected of a home of its era.
Old Meets New Throughout
Throughout the renovation, every decision focused on creating a seamless transition between historic and modern architecture so that neither felt like an afterthought.
The completed work included a full interior renovation, replacement of every window, carefully detailed finish carpentry, and high-end custom finishes throughout.
Outside, the completion of spaces that had never been fully realized brought the property together: a new patio, fire pit, bocce court, and thoughtfully designed landscape plan transformed the grounds into an extension of the home.
Many of the most memorable details reflected the homeowner's willingness to think creatively. Custom materials were selected in unexpected ways, including a spa-inspired lower-level bathroom finished with continuous waterproof wall surfaces rather than traditional tile, creating a warm, sculptural environment unlike a conventional bath.
A Collaborative Success
The greatest success of the Heath Hill project was not simply the finished home: it was the collaboration that made it possible.
Exceptional homes are rarely the result of a single individual. They emerge when talented homeowners, designers, and builders each contribute their expertise while respecting the strengths of the others.
The Result
In this case, the homeowner brought an extraordinary design vision. Our role was to translate that vision into thoughtful, practical construction, resolve the complexities of an inherited project, and ensure that every decision contributed to a cohesive whole.
The result is a home that feels neither entirely historic nor entirely contemporary. Instead, it reflects the best qualities of both, preserving the character of a remarkable early-1900s residence while creating a home designed for the way people live today. More importantly, it demonstrates what can be accomplished through collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.
The lesson from Heath Hill extends beyond this single renovation. The most successful projects are built on collaboration. When homeowners, designers, and builders challenge one another, respect each other's expertise, and work toward a shared vision, the result is often something none of them could have achieved alone.
