How To Buy and Restore a Historic Home

Prospective homebuyers in today’s market have an abundance of options, from urban condos full of amenities and luxuries to estates with lush, landscaped gardens or beach access. And although new construction can offer some enchanting high-tech features, older homes have an allure that can’t be replicated. From fascinating tales of previous owners to centuries-old expert craftsmanship that has stood the test of time, certain aspects of historic homes lend so much character to them that nothing else will do for many property seekers. Luxury Defined asked some of Christie’s International Real Estate’s specialists around the world with expertise in historic estates to share their insights about the complex process of restoring a centuries-old house. Though the journey can be challenging, bringing an older property back to its original splendor is its own reward.

Chateau in the South of France

Rupert Valpy, an expert with Christie’s International Real Estate exclusive Affiliate Maxwell Storrie Baynes in the Dordogne region of France, currently has a property for sale near Hautefort that exemplifies the charm of a home with history. The Chateau des Charreaux was built in 1670 for the granddaughter of Nicolas Rambourg, the architect who designed the nearby palatial Chateau d’Hautefort, which was built by the Marquis de Hautefort for his sister, a mistress of King Louis XIII.

Such houses are wonderful to represent, says Valpy, because they’re as intriguing as they are beautiful. “A historic property is usually a story of the changes of fortune of the property and its owners,” he notes. The Rambourg family expanded the chateau in the 18th century as their wealth grew. Even after 1789, they managed the unusual feat of keeping their heads as well as their estate during the French Revolution, because they maintained a good relationship with the local peasantry. An oak tree planted during the Revolution still stands at the front gate.

His advice for potential buyers of this and similarly historic homes? Seek out experienced professionals as you approach a renovation, and don’t skimp on research. “It is vital to consult the competent authorities, for example Bâtiments de France here and English Heritage in England, and select top-class craftsmen and artisans.” Homes like the Chateau des Charreaux, built by the finest craftsmen of their time, deserve the same treatment in the 21st century. And while Valpy would relish the chance to purchase the Chateau des Charreaux himself, he’s already spent three years restoring his own historic Dordogne country house, and is enjoying the well-earned fruits of his labor.

Historic New England

The oldest American historic homes are usually a bit younger than their European counterparts, but there are a few estates in New England that could give the South of France a run for its money. Ruth Kennedy Sudduth, Executive Vice President, Director, Residential Brokerage Division at LandVest, Inc., says she and other New Englanders often gravitate to historic properties because “we cherish our connection to our past.”

Sudduth points to the John Abbott House, an elegant 18th-century Georgian estate in Andover, Massachusetts, as a prime example of how a thoughtful design team can update a home without stripping away its essential character. The Abbott House and its two barns, built in 1796, sit just adjacent to Andover Academy. The 2004 restoration of the home gave it the best of both worlds: restored original details like wide-plank pine floors and Indian shutters, and new amenities like a stainless steel chef’s kitchen and radiant heat in the restored carriage house.

What should home buyers expect from an older home? “Superb construction and materials,” Sudduth says. “There’s a reason that a house has withstood the elements for hundreds of years.” She advises taking the time to explore and understand the space before plunging into a major renovation; this helps avoid what she terms “remuddling” projects, where the original character of a home is lost to ill-conceived updates that don’t quite work.

18th-Century Charleston Charm

One of the keys to success in tackling a historic renovation is not to be scared away by what a house looks like on the outside if it’s in need of some cosmetic updating. “I represented the sale of a Category Two, Adams Double-House that from the outside looked more like a ghost house than a treasure,” says Lyles Geer of William Means Real Estate in Charleston. If buyers can see past the flaws, they may discover period woodwork, plaster moldings, and beautiful, original proportions that simply can’t be replicated today. Charleston is full of homes that date back to the Colonial Period, and its cobblestone, tree-lined streets offer ample inspiration for what a dedicated restoration can accomplish. The Colonel James English House, which was built circa 1760 on South Battery Street, is a perfect example. The house still has much of its Neoclassical woodwork and double-tiered side piazzas. “Buyers should be ready for a lengthy process when searching for historic properties,” Geer says. “Each home is unique in character and style, and it may take time to find the right one. But if you stay patient, it will eventually come along.”