Owning a historic home is a dream for those looking for a property filled with rich history, unique charm and character. The William Whitridge house in Tiverton, a historic mid-nineteenth century home set on 22 acres and recognized as one of Tiverton’s finest properties, was purchased five years ago by its current owners who were determined to retain its history and integrate updates for comfortable, contemporary living.  

“The Whitridge estate is one of the most interesting historical properties I’ve had the honor of representing,” said Cherry Arnold, sales associate at Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. She went on to say,“The home has been lovingly maintained and offers a fabulous window into our local architectural history.”  

Because of the home’s historic layout, no major walls were removed so the design had to work within the existing footprint which required creative strategies. Focusing on the over 3,000 square feet of the first two floors, the owners worked with Architect Laurie Keene of Keene Architecture based in Wakefield who understood their vision. Throughout the home, custom millwork, historically appropriate paint colors, wallpaper and carefully sourced antique fixtures were added to ensure design cohesion, according to Laurie.    

Antiques and wallpaper  

“The homeowner is a lover and collector of antiques, which drew her to the home and became a major part of the design throughout,” said Laurie. “She also wanted wallpaper to be a big element and her choices were gorgeous, she did a great job in thoughtfully choosing them,” she shared.  

Front hall 

The front entry with its grand central hall staircase featuring a gracefully curved, intricately carved banister still stands and remains untouched. “We didn’t want to do anything that would overshadow the grandeur of the staircase, it was important to let it continue to shine,” said Laurie.  

Powder room under the stairs  

Tucked under the stairs sits a small powder room with its original vanity and antique brass taps, a honed marble countertop and a botanical print wallpaper (Mansfield Park, Netherfield from Osborne & Little). “It’s a tiny room but when the door is open the bold wallpaper just draws you in,” said Laurie.  

Back hall 

Through the front hall to the rear entrance and a back staircase, underutilized wall space was opened up with the removal of a closet and the addition of a built-in bench with custom paneling, creating a more appealing connection to the front entry and kitchen. The custom walnut wine bar, also used as a coffee bar, is flanked on one side by a wine fridge and the other a freezer. The wallpaper is Countryside Morning from Schumacher.

Kitchen 

Honed black granite sits on the countertops and island in this lightened up and reimagined kitchen. With custom cabinetry and a soft-color palate, the layout was reoriented, including rotating the island to make for improved flow and circulation through the room. The walnut island, tying back to the wine bar’s natural dark wood, has brass pendant lights above, seating and room for some storage.

Integrating high-performance appliances, including a Lacanche range was a special nod to the homeowners who enjoy cooking and entertaining. “We wanted it to feel updated as well as balanced and symmetrical,” said Laurie.  

Dining room 

Connected to the kitchen, the dining room features a restored fireplace and a distinctive wallpaper, bringing a richness into the room. The wallpaper is Penelope Pearl Gold from Wallpaper from the 70s. 

Primary bath 

The only wall moved in the house was in the second story primary bedroom where a non-structural wall behind the fireplace was shifted, which gave more room in the bath for a clawfoot tub, the two pedestal sinks on either side of the window, a tiled shower and a semi-private commode. The light fixtures add a touch of ornateness. The wallpaper is Chestnut Tree from Perigold. 

“Everybody involved in renovating this home, including the homeowners, worked together for the best interest of the house, to try to bring it back to life so it can continue to be enjoyed, and I think we all succeeded,” said Laurie Keene.