The Westport Historical Society presented a six-month educational series of lectures and panel discussions on the preservation and restoration of the town’s antique homes. The series, Old House School, will begin on Saturday, January 31, and is open to owners and prospective homeowners of historic properties. The series is perfect for those with an interest in preserving traditional design, and those wishing to decorate newly constructed homes in a traditional style.
According to Hilary Stevens, creator of the event and a Westport-based Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate & Home Services, much of Westport’s residential inventory is/are antique homes, built in 1954 or before. The Historic District Commission has identified approximately 700 historic homes in Westport, and some of these are recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Ms. Stevens, who recently purchased a Westport antique home, will serve as moderator throughout the series. She is a member of the National Trust and the Westport Historical Society. “It is fascinating to study the history of home design because it reflects us at our best, when we were creating something,” said Ms. Stevens.
The lectures will provide information and resources to antique homeowners by widely recognized guest speakers from a diverse range of disciplines. “We’re pleased to provide homeowners in Westport and surrounding towns with information, resources and guidance on historic home preservation,” said Joni Andrews, President of the Historical Society. “Understanding the history of home design is the first step in helping antique or traditional design homeowners, because it allows them to put what they have in a context. Then when they facing renovations, interior design or landscaping they have a framework in which to make decisions.
The lectures will provide information and resources to antique homeowners by widely recognized guest speakers from a diverse range of disciplines. The opening lecture, The Impact of Westport’s Agricultural and Maritime History on Home Style and Design, presented by James Sexton, PhD, will be an overview on how Westport’s early days as an agricultural, and later, maritime center, influenced home style and design. Mr. Sexton, who received his degree in Art History from Yale University, is a consultant and writer for the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. His interpretive plans, historic structure reports and restoration assessments have included the Putnam Cottage and Bush-Holley House in Greenwich, as well as other significant buildings throughout Connecticut. The lecture will be held Saturday, January 31, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Nut & Bolts of Old House Ownership, the second lecture on Saturday, Feb. 7, will include four speakers: Brad Aron, a Westport attorney, will speak on legal and tax issues associated with antique homeownership; Peter Seirup, a partner of Ridgefield-based Home Directions, will speak on the antique home inspection process; John Grosso of American Mortgage Services will speak on financing, with special emphasis on renovation and restoration; Sandra Bravo of PLI Brokerage, Inc. will speak on the unique insurance needs of antique homes.
The remaining seven lectures will be held on selected Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., through May 15, at the Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT.
Tickets are currently on sale for all lectures. Tickets are $10 for each lecture, or $75 for the entire series, for members of the Westport Historical Society. For non-members, tickets are $15 per lecture, or $100 for the entire series.
Old House School Schedule
Saturday, January 31
Topic: The Impact of Westport’s Agricultural and Maritime History on Home Style and Design
Speaker: James Sexton, PhD, consultant, writer, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation
Saturday, February 7
Topic: Nuts & Bolts of Old House Ownership
Panel Leader: Hilary Stevens, Historic Home Specialist, William Ravels Real Estate & Home Services
Speakers
Home Inspections: Peter Seirup, principal, Home Directions
Insurance: Sandra Bravo, SVP Business Development, PLI Brokerage
Financing: John Grosso, American Mortgage Services
Legal/Tax: Brad Aron, Esquire
Saturday, February 28
Topic: What to Expect When Renovating Your Old House
Speakers
Homeowner: Debby Angotti, Homeowner
Restoration Architect: Chris Wuerth, principal, Christopher Wuerth Restoration Contractors
Historic District Commission: Barlow Cutler-Wotton, Historic District Commission
Saturday, March 6
Topic: Caring for the Exterior of Your Old House
Panel Leader: David Preusch, architect with antique specialty
Speakers
Roofing: Craig Schultz, principal, C.R. Schultz Associates
Siding: Michael Hesling, principal, Tectonics Inc.
Shutters/Windows: David Preusch, architect
Painting: Ben Taing, President, Industrial Painting Corp.
Masonry/Chimney: TBA
Saturday, March 20
Topic: The Mechanicals of Your Old House
Panel Leader: David Preusch, Architect with antique specialty
Speakers
Plumbing: Peter Kunkel, principal, Forger-Kunkel Plumbing and Heating
Heating and Cooling: Andy Morin, Principal, Cannondale Heating & Air Conditioning
Electrical: Ray Berry, President, Yankee Electric Construction Company
Lighting: Amy Vitale, ALV Lighting Solutions
Saturday, April 3
Topic: The Interior of Your Old House
Panel Leader: David Preusch, architect with antique specialty
Speakers:
Woodwork: Michael D. Kaesmann, principal, Michael D. Kaesmann Builder, Ken Marti, Brookside Cabinets & Millwork
Painting: Ben Taing, President, Industrial Painting Corp
Saturday, April 10
Topic: 21st Century Detective Work: Assessing & Researching Your Old
House
Panel Leader: Hilary Stevens, Historic Home Specialist, William Raveis Real Estate &
Home Services
Speakers:
Research: Cheryl Bliss, Archivist, Westport Historical Society
David Press, author
Assessment: Representative from the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Saturday, May 1
Topic: Interior Design for Period Homes
Speaker: Richard Hershner, principal, Historic Design Associates
Saturday, May 15
Topic: Landscape for Period Styles
Speaker: Sheila Wertheimer, Principal, Wertheimer & Associates
Old House School made possible in part by donations from PLI Brokerage and David Preusch, Architect.
Bayberry Property Management & Leasing of CT, LLC
