Queen Anne Gut Renovation

Shortly after the pandemic began, we were contacted by a young family who had recently purchased an 1860s Queen Anne home in Hyde Park. At a time when the world was shutting down and people were just beginning to navigate life with masks and restrictions, this family sought to create a home to raise their children in—a place full of life, warmth, and modern functionality.

During our first visit to the house, we found it had not been renovated in over 50 years. The walls were dingy from smoke, wainscoting was deteriorating and falling away, and the layout reflected a bygone era, with numerous small rooms and narrow corridors. Despite these challenges, the house had undeniable character, beautiful period details buried beneath layers of paint, and a wealth of potential. Our goal was to salvage and celebrate the craftsmanship and original details while reimagining the rest to meet the needs of a growing family.

By moving the small powder room across the hallway, we created more room to widen and improve both the kitchen and staircase, introducing new design details that complement the home’s original aesthetic.

On the second floor, we combined two smaller bedrooms to create a spacious primary suite. A central bathroom was added off the hallway to serve the other two bedrooms. In the attic, we created an additional bedroom and hall bathroom, along with an office and play area—providing ample space for work, relaxation, and play. Finally, we transformed the basement into a family and TV area, complete with an in-law suite and a small workshop.

This extensive renovation transformed the aging Queen Anne into a functional, modern family home while preserving the charm and unique details that make it a part of the neighborhood’s history.