House in Town: Historic Maine Residence Reimagined by ElliottArchitects

ElliottArchitects has masterfully transformed the historic House in Town, originally built in 1849 by Henry Austin, into a harmonious blend of 19th-century charm and contemporary functionality. The residence, formerly the home of Moses Perkins, embodies the characteristic rural Maine architecture of the era, comprising a main house, an unfinished barn, and a connecting ell. Over the 20th century, previous owners modified the ell’s first-floor kitchen and added an extension to the barn, creating an eclectic yet disjointed layout.

Phase One: Integrating the Barn and Enhancing Outdoor Connection

When new owners acquired the property in 2006, they envisioned functional upgrades while preserving the historic character mandated by the local district. The first renovation phase focused on transforming the underutilized barn into a modern kitchen space and strengthening the home’s connection to the terrace at the rear, a favorite summer gathering spot.

The architects’ approach carefully distinguished the new work from the original 19th-century architecture while respecting its historic essence. A gallery space was introduced on the barn’s second floor, featuring a dramatic vertical opening linking the gallery with the kitchen below. A subtle skylight channels natural daylight into the kitchen island, enhancing the sense of openness. On the street-facing side, steel-framed glass panels are concealed behind sliding wooden doors, revealing themselves only when opened. A newly inserted stair provides seamless vertical circulation across three levels, and at night, the illuminated openings animate the otherwise reserved façade.

Phase Two: Attic Conversion and Modern Expansion

Several years later, Phase Two focused on converting the attic into a functional office and sleeping area. This required creating new vertical circulation and modifying the hall and bathroom below. ElliottArchitects installed a refined steel and wood staircase, connecting the two floors efficiently while infusing the space with natural light via strategically placed skylights.

A large shed dormer was added to expand the attic’s floor area and ceiling height. This design move not only offers panoramic water views but also extends the contemporary architectural language established in Phase One. On the rear façade, modern interventions are most prominent, contrasting yet complementing the historical structure.

Inside, the interiors embrace a clean, modern aesthetic that distills the home’s historical details into elemental forms. Warm wood, natural light, and careful spatial planning ensure that the renovation feels both contemporary and respectful of the property’s heritage. The result is a 21st-century residential renovation that seamlessly integrates modern living requirements while honoring the integrity of a 19th-century Maine home.

Architectural Highlights

• Preservation of historic façade while integrating contemporary interventions
• Barn transformation into a bright, functional kitchen
• Vertical connection between gallery and kitchen using skylight illumination
• Strategic steel and wood stair insertion for efficient circulation
• Attic dormer addition for enhanced space, light, and views
• Harmonious blend of historic materials with clean, modern interior design

All photographs are works of  Trent Bell