Preservation Episodes

Feb. 3, 2025

153: Crafting Timeless Homes with Brent Hull

In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Contractor and preservationist Brent Hull joins hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter to talk craftsmanship, good design, and why historic homes deserve better. Plus, learn how psychic realtor...

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Jan. 27, 2025

152: Architectural Goofs and the Great Modillion Mix-Up

Stacy and Daniel kick off Season 12 with old house updates, product tips, and a lively conversation on preserving historical materials.  In this episode of True Tales from Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back and ready to...

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Sept. 9, 2024

148: Christopher Brandt - Architect by Day, Preservation Hero by Night

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel discuss practical solutions for damaged wood floors in a folk Victorian farmhouse and chat with preservation architect Christopher Brandt. First, Stacy and Daniel offer some personal...

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May 8, 2023

Episode #96: "Big Fancy Houses are a Gateway Drug": Caitlin Mee Kicks…

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss which inspection professionals to call during the old home buying process. And later, Georgia-based preservationist Caitlin Mee kicks off National Historic Preservation Month on...

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April 24, 2023

Episode #95: Selling Historic Real Estate in Los Angeles + Prioritizi…

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss how to prioritize old house projects when you're short on time.  And later, they chat with Erin Keegan. Erin loves old houses, and she and her business partner, Ben, have made...

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March 13, 2023

A Victorian by the Bay + Stacy and Daniel Play Floor Plan Detective

In today's episode, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss ways to determine the original floor plan of an old house.  And later, they chat with Gina Bellous. Gina's dream of owning a Victorian Bed and Breakfast is coming true in her...

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Jan. 16, 2023

Episode #90: History Attic Research + Making Steel Casement Windows E…

In today’s episode, Scott Sidler joins Stacy for listener Q&A. Scott explains how to use Low-e glass to improve the energy efficiency of steel casement windows. And later, Stacy chats with sisters Linda McManus and Chris Wysocki, who own a...

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Nov. 21, 2022

Episode #86: Architectural Salvage Stories + The Best Reference Books…

In today’s episode, Stacy is back in the Hudson Valley for the first of two shows recorded in front of a live audience. Stacy talks to Reggie Young from Hudson Valley House Parts. Reggie explains the logistics of the architectural salvage business...

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July 4, 2022

Episode #79: Live From Florida

In today's episode, live from Florida, Stacy chats with ten talented professionals involved in old house restoration. They discuss the mainstream shift they're seeing towards preservation and restoration and how they can continue to support positive...

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June 20, 2022

Episode #78: Joe Thornton - Village Thatcher

In today's episode, Stacy chats with Joe Thornton, a 2nd generation Master Thatcher from the charming Cotswolds region of England. Roof thatching is a trade that has been around for thousands of years.  Also, Stacy and Jason Lamb discuss built-in...

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March 14, 2022

Episode #71: An Abandoned House Becomes a Home

In today’s episode, you’ll meet Jaya. He and his wife bought an abandoned farmhouse house in Japan that he is bringing back to life.  Also, Stacy and Dianne talk about the Scotland and Northern Ireland tour that Stacy is hosting in the summer...

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Jan. 17, 2022

Episode #69: Hands-on Trades Education or a College Degree? Why Not B…

During this final episode of season six, Stacy welcomes Dave Mertz, program chair of the Building Preservation Program at Belmont College in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Also, Stacy offers several end-of-season updates, including the season seven listener...

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Nov. 22, 2021

Episode #65: Daniel Kanter: Serial Volunteer and Champion of Old Hous…

On today’s show, the first in front of a live audience in beautiful Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy talks to the always hilarious Daniel Kanter about revitalizing his community through the Kingston City Land Bank. Also, Stacy meets her previous...

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Nov. 8, 2021

Episode #64: Leisa Collins Loves Art and Old Houses

In today’s episode, you’ll meet artist Leisa Collins. Leisa traveled across the United States, creating paintings of old homes and buildings along the way. She turned her art into a beautiful coffee table book filled with love and reverence for history and...

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Oct. 11, 2021

Episode #62: Home Sweet Funeral Home: Keith Stachowiak

In this episode, Stacy welcomes Architect Keith Stachowiak from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three years ago, Keith and his wife Elisa bought a former funeral home to convert into their primary residence. Keith's story is the first of two spooky, fun October...

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Sept. 27, 2021

Episode #61: Everyone Still Loves Cheap Old Houses

In today’s episode, Stacy is thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Finkelstein from the wildly popular Instagram Account and recent HGTV and Discovery+ TV Series, Cheap Old Houses. Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy...

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July 5, 2021

Episode #57: Bonus Old House Segments from the Archives

Stacy is away for the long holiday weekend. So, for today's episode, she's sharing previously recorded content that never aired, including more information about writing historic register nominations, the importance of documenting your projects...

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June 7, 2021

Episode #55: House Crashing in Historic St. Joseph, Missouri

For today's special field trip episode, Stacy travels to historic St. Joseph, Missouri, to visit John Rodgers of Phoenix Preservation. Stacy and John chat about his path to the trades, what he wishes old house owners would stop doing, and the special...

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May 24, 2021

Episode #54: Choosing House Paint Colors With Expert Help

One of the most popular old house questions is, “What color should I paint my house?” Kristine Teno from Teno Interiors is here with some tips and ideas for choosing an exterior paint color you’ll love. Also, Alex from Old Town Home is back to...

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May 10, 2021

Episode #53: The Oldest Street in the US: Elfreth's Alley

In this episode, Stacy learns about Elfreth's Alley. Located in Philadelphia, Elfreth's Alley is the nation's oldest residential street. Stacy chats with Ted Maust, director of the Elfreth's Alley Museum, and long-time residents of the alley, Rob and Sue...

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April 12, 2021

Episode #51: Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth a…

In this episode, Stacy asks Natalie Yon-Eriksson from Earth and Flax all the linseed oil paint questions she’s been wondering about over the years. Is it easy to use? How is it made? What are the benefits and limitations of linseed oil paint?...

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March 15, 2021

Episode #49: Paint Talk With Scott From The Craftsman Blog

In this episode, Stacy welcomes back long-time friend of the show, Scott Sidler, from The Craftsman Blog. Stacy and Scott discuss the high-quality formulas hidden behind the paint store counter and best practices for a beautiful, long-lasting finish....

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Feb. 15, 2021

Episode #47: Lindsay Jones: Blind Eye Restoration

In this episode, Stacy and Ashley from The Gold Hive discuss oddball additions to historic structures.  Later, Stacy welcomes Lindsay Jones from Blind Eye Restoration, a woman-owned architectural conservation company in Columbus, Ohio. Lindsay...

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Feb. 1, 2021

Episode #46: Laine and Kevin Berry: Our Restoration Nation

In this first episode of Season five, Stacy is flying solo. Feeling lonely, she invites a past podcast guest to join her for listener Q&A.   Later, she talks to Laine and Kevin Berry of Our Restoration Nation about their preservation...

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