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Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

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“S” is for Saltbox Project

June 6, 2013

This is our home.  A classic Saltbox style farmhouse with a few additions and we are so blessed to be the new owners.  A true gem and the oldest home in a Westchester County town about 45 minutes north of New York City.
saltbox project

A first glimpse into our 1740 Saltbox style farmhouse upon moving in. Welcome to our primitive, historical, antique home where projects await!

The property was originally purchased by Samuel Brown sometime after 1715 upon which he built this saltbox style farmhouse.  It’s estimated the house was built about 1740 but no original deed exists.
samuel brown homestead
This house was the center of a large farm covering at least a half mile down the main street.  The original 1740 portion is the larger center piece with the classic characteristic saltbox 1 1/2 stories in front and the transom window above the door.
This collection of panoramic pictures below is my attempt to show the whole house including additions made on both sides:
historical primitive saltbox farmhouse
1. Street view: left portion is garage/laundry and kitchen addition
2. Front patio view: kitchen behind umbrella
3. Main original house
4. Great room on right side with playroom below.
5. Pool view of right side with great room addition.
The official plaque out front dedicated in May 1967 by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Our home has not been registered as a historical landmark only marked by the DAR so we are free to make changes.
daughters of the american revolution plaque
They say it’s in the details and this house is no exception.  There are little snippets of history every where you look.  Roman numerals carved into the support beams marking where the cross beams and pegs connect.
roman numerals carved into wood beams
One of those original pegs is clearly visible in the loft area.
post and beam construction in loft area
It’s a quaint home with 2400 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 staircases, and 3 fireplaces (all connected to one central chimney).

Dining Room fireplace:

dining room fireplace

Living Room fireplace:

living room fireplace
Check out the original floorboards and brick work:
living room fireplace surround
And lastly the Master Bedroom fireplace:
master bedroom fireplace and mantel
Moving on to the staircases.  There are 3 and they are all original.

Front Staircase

  • butterfly style twisting staircase
  • super narrow and twisty
  • steep rise but easy to navigate
front butterfly staircaseprimitive farmhouse original steep staircasesteep stairs to second floor
At the top of this staircase is the coolest loft space complete with window.  My kids absolutely love reading in this space.
front stair well looking down loft space on second floor

Back Staircase

  • original and clearly the most used
  • well worn foot path on treads
  • see the updated version here
worn stair treads
The entrance for the back staircase is behind the door on the far left picture below.  A truly unique stairwell situation with two doors on either side.  I stripped the front door and you should see the beautiful turquoise blue paint I found under many layers!
pass through hallway to upstairs
If you open the door you can barely see the first step in the middle picture and the door on the opposite side.  Finally in the picture on the right with the second door open you can see the family room addition.  I prefer to keep both doors open, it makes the space flow much better, feels larger and more open but I do love having the ability to close the doors at night.

Attic Staircase

  •  original
  • movable access to the attic
  • well worn which leads me to believe the attic (third floor) was used often
original staircase to attic
For more photos of the upstairs hallway space click here.
Moving on to the bathrooms.  As you can imagine none of the bathrooms are original.  There was no indoor plumbing in 1740.  We will start with the downstairs hall bath which was once a birthing room.  Upon moving in there was dark red toile wallpaper on the walls, a beautiful antique wash basin area and aged farmhouse door.
antique farmhouse bathroom sinkrustic farmhouse bathroom door
I gave this bathroom a makeover to brighten up the space and make it our own.  See the updated version here.
antique farmhouse bathroom makeover
The master bathroom is small but we recently renovated the space for more functionality.
master bathroom before and after
Lastly is the full bathroom upstairs for the kids.  Again I performed a makeover to freshen up the space and we love it now.
kids upstairs bathroom

Bedrooms

The Master Bedroom is on the first floor complete with the original wood planks and fireplace.  This photo was taken immediately after we moved in and had just the basics set up.
master bedroom original wood floors
A few years in and I built a poster bed, ripped down the drop ceiling, made roman shades and more.  It’s much more put together now.
master bedroom with exposed wood beams

Kids Bedrooms

The other two bedrooms are upstairs and still have the original wide wood plank floors as well.  There was a lot of work to be done with all that wallpaper and heavy window treatments.
upstairs bedroom windows at floor
This is the girls bedroom before we moved in any furniture.  This space has been completely changed for two young tween girls but the original wide planked wood floors remain.
original 1740 wide planked wood floors
My son’s bedroom had a similar look with wallpaper and heavy window treatments.
boys bedroom before
This space has been completely transformed and I recently installed built ins and a sliding barn door.
bedroom built ins after
We can’t forget the kitchen.  There’s tons of cabinets to be painted but loving this countertop and sink!
kitchen sink
kitchen cabinets before and after
And we found this wallpaper in a nook under the front staircase:
historical wallpaper bits under front steps
This collection of items below are things found in and around the Samuel Brown Homestead throughout the years.  If only these treasures could talk!  I wish I knew all the stories behind these bits and pieces.
historical finds in keepsake box
This little card is pretty neat as it has the name ‘Merritt’ written on both the back:
(The Merritt Parkway is about 1 mile down the road.)
written names in script
And front:
merritt written on calling card
The transom windows above the front and back doors let in so much light while allowing for a solid door mostly for security and heat.
back foyer transom
I have since updated the back foyer space for a more welcoming look.
Moving outside this is the back door from the exterior.
exterior back door
This back portion was added on at some point enlarging the dining room and creating a small foyer at the back entry.
There are blueprints from a 1943 renovation which clearly depict the front elevation and it looks like they lowered the roof line on the left extension.
front elevation blue prints
blueprints with year
The front door is hidden behind a very crude storm door typical for primitive farmhouses.
farmhouse front door
But the front door has the most simple and understated antique hardware pull.
exterior primitive front door hardware
This house has copper gutters and the previous owner added all these beautiful exterior sconces:
exterior copper sconces
They even added the most perfect copper sconces on the fence posts at the front patio.
copper exterior sconce on fence
The front patio view from the kitchen doors, it’s the perfect place to eat dinner on warm summer nights.
front fence in patio area
The backyard is complete with the original well hiding under this giant rock.
well in back yard
And slate patio, pool and koi pond with lots more green space not pictured.
back yard fenced in pool and patio
And so the Saltbox Project begins.  I am constantly working on our home making it fit best for our needs.  Most of the projects featured on my site and for our home and I truly love the evolving process.
Looking forward to gallons and gallons of paint, lots of furniture building, tons of landscaping, installing new light fixtures and on and on.  Thanks for following along with me!

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Filed Under: SALTBOX PROJECT28 Comments

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    June 6, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    WOW! it's a dream come true, jaime! so happy for you!

    Reply
  2. Katiebugbows says

    June 6, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    You're going to be a busy bee this summer. Put all orders on hold for now!! Congratulations!!!!

    Reply
  3. Megan Vaughn says

    June 6, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    It's so amazing, Jaime! I am so happy to see what you've got up your sleeve this summer. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Kat says

    June 6, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    I recently saw this house on an episode of HGTV's Househunters. It looks like a house with lots of original character still left. Best of luck fixing it up to be home sweet home!

    Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    June 6, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    What an amazing house! I had no idea you were getting something so spectacular. What a great journey this will be; I look forward to tagging along!

    Reply
  6. Danielle Bartran says

    June 6, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    It is amazing! What a beauty! I can't wait to see what you do with it!

    Reply
  7. Traci Creel says

    June 6, 2013 at 4:18 PM

    What a lovely house, I really enjoyed the tour.
    Traci

    Reply
  8. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    June 7, 2013 at 1:08 AM

    Jaime it is absolutely gorgeous! So many original beautiful pieces… I love the beams with the roman numerals on them! Best of everything in your new home!
    Susan

    Reply
  9. Maureen says

    June 7, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Be still my heart! This is the most amazing house and I'll be sitting in front of this computer, with bated breath, waiting for every post on it!

    Reply
  10. DaiseyJayne.com says

    June 7, 2013 at 10:21 AM

    AHHHHHHH! I'm screaming at 6am looking at your beautiful antique house!!!!!!! Jaime, it's stunning! I'm so excited for you and your family and for ME as I follow you make this your home! That house has a soul 🙂

    Reply
  11. Stacey says

    June 7, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    Absolutely amazing! It's hard for my brain to comprehend a home that old. 🙂 The Roman Numerals and other pieces of history you showed us are incredible. My dad's house is 103 years old. I'm going to send him to your blog so he can watch what you are doing. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Gina Luker says

    June 7, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    Oh my gosh! That house is so full of charm to start with – I can't wait to see what you do with it!

    Thanks for joining the Summer Tour of Homes ♥

    Reply
  13. Trish @TheOldPostRoad says

    June 7, 2013 at 2:36 PM

    And I thought our 1850's home was old! WOW! What a beautiful house! We have a box of 'found' items, too- not nearly as cool as yours – ours is here; http://theoldpostroadblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/styling-my-bookcases.html
    Love your house – and your patio in the back. Beautiful.
    -Trish

    Reply
  14. Miss Charming says

    June 7, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    Such a charming old home! Love a house with so much history and original detail.

    Reply
  15. Cheryl says

    June 7, 2013 at 2:51 PM

    Be. Still. My. Heart.

    I cannot wait to see what you are going to do with this gem of a house! I am drooling…on my way to follow your blog.

    Reply
  16. SemiCleanSlate...In Progress says

    June 7, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    What a wonderful piece of history you and family get to share together. I look forward to seeing how you make your mark on this lovely home.Enjoy

    Reply
  17. [email protected] says

    June 7, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Oh so amazing!!! You will have so much fun makign this your own! Congrats!

    Reply
  18. Marie Blackburn says

    June 7, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    Oh my gosh…mouth dropped to knees! How cool it must be to live in such an old home with so much history. Love love love Thank you Jaime for sharing it with us today!
    [email protected] Frugalista

    Reply
  19. Vicky says

    June 8, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    Congratulations. Your kids are going have some great memories growing up in that house.

    Reply
  20. Finding Home says

    June 14, 2013 at 12:57 AM

    Wow, I am in love. I can not wait to follow this new journey with you guys. What an amazing project and a fun place for your family to live! Take care, Laura

    Reply
  21. Vickie @ Ranger 911 says

    June 18, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    What a wonderful piece of American history you've purchased! I can't wait to see what you do with your fabulous old house. Congratulations and enjoy!!!

    Reply
  22. Lauren Lanker says

    September 22, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    As someone who grew up in an old Victorian house (from the 1800s) in Westchester County, I'm so intrigued by your saltbox farmhouse. Thanks for the tour! I don't know what thrilled me more – – those roman numeral marking or the seeing the Merritt signature! Truly, you have found a gem here. Congrats!

    Warmly,
    Lauren
    The Thinking Closet

    Reply
  23. Monica says

    July 27, 2017 at 1:38 AM

    just came across and read–how interesting, beautiful, the history..by now i'm sure you have made this house your home. thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • jcprime1 says

      July 28, 2017 at 7:54 PM

      Thanks Monica, yes it's been 4 years now and so much has changed. A great reminder to do a before and after collection soon – before it all changes again ;).

      Reply
  24. Leah says

    July 5, 2018 at 9:53 AM

    Hi there: could you please tell me the color of the exterior paint?

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      July 6, 2018 at 6:22 AM

      Sure. It’s Benjamin Moore cottage red exterior matte.

      Reply
  25. Ken Sadler says

    July 30, 2020 at 7:26 AM

    HI Jaime, I was in our local Lowe’s in Lewes, DE and found your picture in a STRONG-TIE DIY brochure. I opened up your website and was rewarded with a tour of your beautiful home. As an avid Instagram follower of yours (Strangecargo1437), I love your work as you are truly talented, creative and inspiring in all of your posts. Thank you for what you do!
    Ken

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      July 31, 2020 at 2:06 PM

      Thank you Ken, you just made my day! So nice to hear from appreciative readers. I’m happy to share my home and projects, it keeps me busy that’s for sure!!

      Reply

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