1890s Carriage House — Cambridge, MA

What began as a proud but time-worn 1890s carriage house has been fully reimagined into a modern, energy-forward home—while honoring every bit of its historic charm. This project was a complete structural rebirth: every stud, joist, rafter, and bearing beam was replaced and thoughtfully overbuilt to bring new strength to an old soul. Outside, the home was wrapped in crisp new cedar clapboard siding and Boral trim, paired with Marvin Ultimate triple-pane windows for exceptional efficiency. A Marvin French door opens to the patio, while the custom Sapelle front door—fitted with Emtek hardware—makes a warm and confident first impression. The front entry is echoed by a Sapelle landing, staircase, and overhang, tying the exterior together with natural richness. A new roof now carries an 8.925 kW DC solar array feeding three Enphase batteries, providing 14.64 kWh of backup power and generating roughly 7,967 kWh per year. Copper gutters and downspouts add a timeless finishing touch to the renovated façade.

Below, the basement was dug out three feet and the home strategically lifted, allowing the back half to be razed and rebuilt atop a brand-new foundation—creating an additional 620 square feet of living space. This lower level now includes a den, laundry room, 3/4 bath, office/bedroom, and mechanical room. The den’s custom bench mirrors the home’s exposed beams and collar ties, grounding the space with craftsmanship. The bath features a floating vanity, Toto fixtures, and a porcelain-tiled shower. Mechanical systems are state-of-the-art: a two-stage Unico system paired with a Bosch heat-pump condenser provides efficient heating and cooling, while an ERV ensures continuous fresh airflow. A heat-pump water heater completes the mechanical suite for truly modern performance. Home energy rating test was performed and yielded a Hers index score of 45. 

Thanks to John Buckley Architects and interior design by Rebecca Walsh Interiors, the home breathes effortlessly from one space to the next. The first floor flows from living room to office/sitting area into a bright kitchen and coffee-bar nook. Custom cherry, grain-matched cabinetry shapes the entire level, with a standout cherry island handcrafted by Max Wong Studio in Brooklyn. A Bertazzoni induction range anchors the kitchen, complemented by a Miele dishwasher and Café refrigerator. Quarter-sawn 5 1/4" white oak flooring laid on a 45-degree angle elevates both the first and second floors, while the staircase—also quarter-sawn white oak—features a custom railing installed by Unique Stairways. At the top, a breathtaking 4' × 8' skylight pours sunlight through all three stories. The lighting throughout the home is a thoughtful mix of pieces from Roll & Hill, Schoolhouse, Old Brick, Market, Akari, and Lostine, along with two truly special custom fixtures in the kitchen crafted by the client’s cousin. Cabinet hardware was sourced from Rejuvenation.

The second floor hosts the primary and guest bedrooms, both accented with custom hemlock collar ties and soft uplighting. Throughout, Marvin TruStile 1 3/4" doors with unlacquered Emtek hardware add weight, warmth, and a hint of old-world elegance. The primary bath completes the suite with a floating custom vanity, wall-hung Toto toilet, and stunning Heath Ceramics tile.



 A historic 1890s carriage house is transformed into a structurally renewed, solar-powered, meticulously crafted modern home—seamlessly blending timeless charm with high-performance living. A thoughtful collaboration of architecture, design, and craftsmanship brings warmth, efficiency, and artistry to every corner.