This Old House

Shaping the Spaces - The Carlisle House

Roger shows Kevin how he's refusing the old foundation capstones as granite steps to connect the two driveways. Mason Mike Lapitsky explains to Kevin how he selects, chisels, and dry fits old New England fieldstone to create a farmer's walls. Inside the barn, Norm shows Kevin how the ""living hall"" is taking shape - all of the windows are in, all three of the floor decks are in place, and the rough plumbing is complete. Entomologist Ron Schwalb treats the old timers for insects and mold using a borate-based solution. For inspiration, architect Jeremiah Eck takes Kevin to see a dramatic great room and Rumford fireplace at a home he's recently designed in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Kevin lends Norm and Tom a hand as they raise the ceilings in the future kids' room three inches to achieve much-needed headroom. Richard brings in well contractor Dave Hayes to test the flow and capacity of the existing well - with surprising results.