Episodes

172
June 16, 2025

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 ...
171
June 9, 2025

171: Trains, Tools, and Tidy Gardens

In this final minisode of the season (Don't worry; there's still one more full episode on the way!), Stacy returns from Japan with tales of train travel, city-hopping, and family time. Each region had its own personality, and seeing the country through her son's eyes made the trip even more memorable. Meanwhile, Daniel's been deep in renovation mode, helping another friend prepare a nursery. The room's first iteration was a hands-on learning experience, complete with a slightly crooked level ...
170
June 2, 2025

170: Poplar Grove’s Past and Promise

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about what to do with an unused chimney. Should it stay or should it go? They weigh the pros and cons, sharing stories from their own restoration projects, and consider how to balance architectural integrity with practical updates, especially when a chimney no longer serves its original purpose. Later, Stacy and Daniel chat with Olivia Wood, the eleventh-generation steward of Poplar Grove, a historic...
169
May 26, 2025

169: A Real Pane in the Glass

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Daniel and Stacy share updates from their latest old house projects, including a listener-favorite topic: linseed oil paint. Then, Stacy tells the story of a stubborn window repair that proves just how humbling glass cutting can be, especially when you have an audience. From cost-effective glass solutions to lessons learned the hard way, it's another lively conversation about the real-life joys and frustrations of restoring old houses. WE LOVE O...
168
May 19, 2025

168: The Case for Historic Windows | Scott Sidler & Stacy Grinsfelder

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about original basement windows—save them or start fresh? They weigh the pros and cons of restoration versus replacement, and why there's often wiggle room instead of a clear-cut answer. Then, the tables turn as Daniel puts Stacy, and special guest Scott Sidler, in the hot seat to talk about their new book, The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows . While the...
167
May 12, 2025

167: Progress, Priorities, and Other Wins

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Daniel and Stacy start by revisiting their favorite takeaways from the Lustron House interview, including why metal walls are both brilliant and bonkers, in the very best way. Then, Stacy dives into the beautifully controlled chaos of preparing Blake Hill House for its next chapter. The only thing multiplying faster than boxes is the list of things left to do. Meanwhile, Daniel leans into the satisfying rhythm of repair and maintenance, restori...
166
May 5, 2025

166: Lustron House Love

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel tackle a relatable question: What's the deal with tiny closets in old houses, and how can homeowners maximize storage? They offer tips, commiseration, and a few creative workarounds....
165
April 28, 2025

165: Two Deadlines and a Baby

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Daniel dives into the deeply satisfying experience of helping friends prepare their home for a new baby. Left unsupervised while his friends were at the hospital, Daniel organized the house with...
164
April 21, 2025

164: Demystifying Linseed Paint (Again!)

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Michiel Brouns of Brouns & Co. sets the record straight on linseed oil paint. From its surprising shelf life to why "thin to win" is the golden rule, Michiel unpacks everything you thought you...
163
April 14, 2025

163: The Weight of Goodbye and What Comes Next

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy opens up about two major goodbyes, one expected, one not. After losing her sweet dog Millie, a constant companion through every renovation and recording, she shares what it's been like to grieve a...
162
April 7, 2025

162: From Spreadsheets to Bed Sheets - An Innkeeper's Tale

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel share spring updates, answer a fireplace Q&A, and chat with new innkeeper Rod Whale about embracing history, Acadian heritage, and the adventure of old house ownership at one of...
161
March 31, 2025

161: Help! We Can't Stop Talking About Frank Lloyd Wright

Will Stacy and Daniel ever stop talking about Frank Lloyd Wright? Yes, but not this week! In this episode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after the Window Preservation Alliance conference and wade into the world of Usonian architecture through the story of...
160
March 24, 2025

160: Wright in the Desert Part II - Taliesin West

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter hideaway and experimental desert lab in the Arizona desert. They swap stories from their trip, including nighttime escapades...
159
March 17, 2025

159: Wright in the Desert - Taliesin West

Ever wondered what it's like to spend the night at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert hideaway? This week, Stacy and Daniel are on location at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.  They share stories from their stay in the historic apprentice...
158
March 10, 2025

158: The Descendant's Project + Enon Hall

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, host Stacy Grinsfelder highlights the powerful work of the Descendants Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the heritage and environment of the Black descendant community in Louisiana's river...
157
March 3, 2025

157: Balancing Modern Style with Old House Soul

How do you blend modern style with the soul of an old house? Can contemporary design coexist with historic charm without feeling out of place? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel chat with designer Amy Ilias to answer these...
156
Feb. 24, 2025

156: The Never-Ending Staircase Project

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter celebrate a long-awaited victory as Stacy finally crosses the finish line on the never-ending staircase project. After six years of stops and starts, she reflects on...
155
Feb. 17, 2025

155: Built Different - The Printmaker's Inn

What happens when disaster strikes a historic building? And how do you even begin to move an entire house to a new state? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel explore the incredible efforts people make to save history—one...
154
Feb. 10, 2025

154: Basements, Balusters, and a Trip to Taliesin West

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back with fresh updates, big plans, and a tangent or two. First, Daniel gives an update on his ongoing duplex renovation, including the latest challenges and...
153
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...
152
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...