Monday, June 29, 2015

The Front Door



Before I begin, I should clarify that this isn't our front door. Instead, this is a door with many features that we will be replicating when we rejuvenate our own front door. 

Although restoring the front door was at the top of the list when we purchased our home (it began with a damaged door jam), it will probably be near to the last project to be completed, along with the exterior siding. 

We intend to follow the example above due to its classic lines and prominent pilasters. It took some deliberation to conclude this after reading several books, looking at several other Federal homes in our area, and of course consulting with our historic craftsman.  


There are many intricate details that comprise the entry on this period of home, and each entry that we've seen seems to vary in scale and concept - for example, whether the sidelights match the size of the lights in the house windows, and whether they are aligned. 


It has been a tremendous learning experience for us that has left us with an even greater appreciation for historic structures. I truly admire the thought that went into creating a crafted home. 


After stalking this entry for a couple of months, we finally asked the homeowner for permission to measure, photograph and take endless notes to document his beautiful door so that we could replicate it.  

Our front entry will vary on a few details, but the measurements will help us determine basic patterns and relationships to work with. 

While looking for a photograph that showed our existing door, I came across this one Mike took of Steve Thomas and me. I laughed when I saw it for at that moment (late last summer), we believed we would be living in the house by Christmas (six months ago). 

Now our goal is August. The house sits quietly as we await certain trades to have time in their schedules to finish a few important things - heat, plumbing, etc. 


13 comments :

  1. Love your pic with Steve Thomas! Looking forward to seeing the Front door come to fruition. Columns and pediments with correct proportions are the stuff architect's dreams are made of:)

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  2. What a lovely front door you are going to have. Hopefully this timetable succeeds!

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  3. Looking forward to your move in date so we have have the much awaited home tour.

    See you soon

    Xx
    Dore

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  4. I love the front door. I know yours will be so perfect because you and Mike have done so much research.
    Can't wait to see it.
    xoxo
    Lisa

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  5. Wow, the door is beautiful. I have so much respect for those of you who take on a restoration project. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished project.

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  6. Beautiful craftsmanship indeed. A very happy day here last week when the aluminum siding was torn off our 1784 Cape. I was so happy to see the shadows of where the corner strims were removed. During the summer the exterior clapboard will be replaced and the trim will be added back. Finally this old house can breathe again and look beautiful as it once did. While old houses are never 'done' it will be a very happy day when you can finally move in! Patty/NS

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  7. It's all in the details, is it not? Meanwhile, Steve Thomas!? Name dropper! HA -- I kid!

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  8. We are building right now and it was supposed to be at Christmas too. And now we are really hoping for August! ;)

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  9. I love that door and side lights. Looking forward to you moving in!!!

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  10. Funny, I had held out that same photo of you and Steve earlier as a reference to the activity on the other side of the door, namely http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIQ8RRUklDQ/VVje6WbqTLI/AAAAAAAAQ6Q/Dv-zdIsa5I8/s1600/2272%2Bcopy.jpg

    I am LOVING every one of these process photos. And so envious that you have an [adorable] in-house engineer helpng you proceed according to your own "design/build" eyeballing expertise. We're in the middle of a middling something we'd love to complete on our own, but are forced to call in an architect/engineer in order to submit professional approval applications to 3 separate boards!

    -Flo

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  11. Two questions, Catherine:

    * Are you replicating the double hung sash sidelights as well?

    * Is there an elevation of your house that faces a motorist roadway?

    -Flo

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    1. HI Flo! No, not replicating the double hung sidelights and yes, our front door faces the village road. We're not worried about privacy...Considered full sidelights but most of the Federal's in the area tend to have half. Happy Fourth! Best, Catherine

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  12. Well done on finding that great door to replicate. it looks amazing and using those smaller windows around the main door will give the front room a lot more light. The classic line really stand out and the historic craftsman in your area I am sure was able to give you more insight on to what to look for, great!

    Earl Mark @ Eastway Lock

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Thank you for leaving your thoughts. Kind regards, Catherine

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