172: To the Shire Born - DIY on a Grand Scale
In this season finale of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel look back on standout moments from Season 12, answer a listener question about bathroom ventilation, and reflect on what's next for the show.
Then, Kathryn Holloway joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey restoring a 12,000-square-foot historic home. Known online as To the Shire Born across social media, Kathryn uncovered a stunning tiled floor hidden beneath layers of old material. The unexpected discovery and subsequent restoration is one of her most widely-known projects, and it changed the trajectory of the entire renovation. With a background in graphic design and a passion for hands-on work, she talks about the joys and challenges of managing such a large restoration and the excitement of learning from skilled tradespeople. It's a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to bring a big old house back to life.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive!
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
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Mentioned in this Episode
- Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Join the waitlist! (closed 6/20/25)
- Buy a copy of The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows by Scott Sidler and Stacy Grinsfelder
- Window fan with reversible blades and thermostat (affiliate link)
- To the Shire Born - TikTok YouTube Instagram Facebook
Thank you for listening to True Tales From Old Houses.
Until next time,
