Princeton Home with Garage and Mudroom Addition
Project Summary
This landmark residence, originally designed by Abram Garfield (son of President Garfield), served guests of Princeton University for decades. The project focused on restoring its 112-year-old grandeur while adding modern functionality.
Key architectural elements included:
- The addition of a new three-car garage and a mudroom, meticulously designed to match the original brick and limestone trim of the existing home.
- A new outdoor entertainment space and side entrance.
- Refurbishing details such as original dentil moldings.
- Repairing the slate roof.
- Rebuilding the stone staircase.
FAQ
How did you preserve the historic integrity of the exterior?
We refurbished original doors, repaired 112-year-old metal railings using historical photos as a guide, and cleaned the original limestone door trim to restore its "wow" factor. We also matched the brick on the addition to the original.
What modern additions were integrated into this historic site?
A new three-car garage with a mudroom connector and large outdoor entertainment space are the highlights of the renovations. Inside, the kitchen was opened and brightened with custom details like the stainless hood, white cabinets and Aqua Bianco countertops.
Who were some notable historical figures associated with this home?
The home hosted renowned guests of Princeton University, including Thomas Mann, Harry Garfield and Albert Enstein. In the 50 years prior to the renovation, it served as headquarters of the Aquinas Institute.
The center bay window and focal point of the south facade were given a full facelift by refurbishing the original doors, repairing the brick and adding new shutters.
The original stone molding trim work was in remarkably good shape and simply needed cleaning.
New metal railings were fabricated based on historical photos and usable fiberglass decks were added above both the sunroom and breakfast area on either side of the home.
Historically correct metal railings and new French doors restore the original design of the exterior.
This photo vividly displays all of the elements that contribute to the dramatic restoration of the tired looking 112 year-old mansion.
Simple renovations to both sunrooms included fresh paint, new windows and walk-out porches above.
What a difference a little clean-up can make! The stone staircase was rebuilt, the limestone door trim was cleaned, the iron railings were refurbished, and new lights were added.
Craftsmanship at it is finest. The original railings and light fixtures were beautifully constructed but needed refurbishment after 112 years.
The new three-car garage and mudroom addition were designed and built by our Princeton architects and design-build team. Great efforts were made to match the original brick and limestone trim of the existing home.
A side view of the new garage.
A close-up of the exquisitely refurbished dentil molding and repaired slate roof.
The restored multi-layered roofs and moldings capture the charm and character of this historic home.
This photo shows the new side entrance and outdoor entertainment space.
The rear elevation of the garage with its connection to the main house.
