The John Hardy House
Wellesley, Massachusetts
One of the firm’s most significant restoration projects to date, Wellesley’s historic John Hardy House dates to 1896. In more than a century the structure had experienced a series of insensitive additions. When new owners purchased the property in 2018, the interior was so manipulated that most original rooms did not remain.
Winner of the Wellesley Historical Commission Award
Due to the state of the house and frontage on two streets, the homeowners had thought to tear down the old structure and build a home facing the more beautiful byway. As the history of the site was revealed, however, they realized an opportunity to become shepherds of the residence. Their vision was a contributing factor to the project’s success.
The overall restoration was a herculean feat of creative architecture which required ongoing dialogue with the town’s historical commission. A respectful plan was devised to strip away augmentations that were not original or appropriate to the home. Along with two thoughtful wings which were added in 1914, the 1896 structure was surgically lifted, turned 180 degrees, and carefully lowered onto a newly poured foundation facing the neighborhood’s notable street.
A stepped-down connector was designed to link the structure with a new carriage house. Created in the spirit of the original carriage house on site, it was thoughtfully placed to allow for an ample motor court at the front of the property.
Inside, the floorplan was completely reconfigured. On the first floor, a central spine now runs from the front door through the rear porch. Open family spaces were developed for contemporary living and features like an elevator will allow homeowners to age in place. Private living quarters now include a second floor laundry and all en-suite bedrooms for modern convenience.
The resulting product is a triumphant example of preservation and renovation that simultaneously achieved the homeowners’ goals and maintained an important piece of Wellesley history.
