Classic Wood Georgian Colonial, Riverside, Connecticut – A Complete Renovation with Sensitive Addition

Located in Riverside, Connecticut, this Wood Colonial home has been transformed from a 1960s spec house into a meticulously reimagined Colonial Revival residence, and a welcoming family home for a young couple and their two daughters.

From 1960s Spec House to Classic Colonial Revival Home

Originally built in the early 1960s as a basic spec-house, the property had good bones but lacked architectural cohesion. The roof was shallow and the details too modern, exterior trim was minimal and poorly executed, windows and doors were worn, and overall detailing was thin. Inside, the layout was serviceable, but finishes were tired and circulation weak. Our renovation re-envisioned nearly every aspect, elevating the structure into a refined luxury home renovation that honors the traditions of built-to-last Colonial Revival architecture while integrating modern performance and comfort.

We completely removed and rebuilt the roofs, added a classically inspired portico, reworked the fenestration for balance and symmetry, and inserted a southern sunroom wing, all designed to reinforce the home’s new identity as a true Colonial Revival homestead.

Exterior Renewal — Portico, Cedar Roof, Sunroom & Balanced Façade

At the front of the house, we introduced a new entry portico supported by pairs of Doric columns, topped with a classical entablature and decorative railing, a signature element of Colonial Revival homes that immediately elevates the façade with stately presence.

We raised and rebuilt the entire roof structure with a steep 10/12 red cedar roof, replacing the shallow spec-house roof to provide proper proportions and visual weight. The new dormers, cornice, and rake trim articulate the roofline and give the home authentic Colonial character. New cedar siding, high-performance exterior windows and doors, carefully detailed trim, and a cohesive stucco-and-wood exterior envelope bring the home into the 21st century, while preserving the charm and symmetry central to the Colonial Revival style.

The southern sunroom wing, a thoughtful addition, opens the house to a new pool, terrace and landscape, creating a gracious connection between interior and exterior. The balanced arrangement of windows, improved cornices, and refined materials unify the new wing with the original structure, achieving both harmony and enhanced curb appeal.

Interior Re-imagining — Traditional Detail, Modern Flow, Elevated Comfort

Inside, the renovation is comprehensive. The original plan had several wasted or awkward spaces; we reconfigured circulation to connect previously dead-end rooms, improving flow and utility. The entire finish palette was replaced, giving the house a coherent and elevated aesthetic.

New custom-designed interior trim, classic moldings, and refined millwork run throughout the home. A new multi-level staircase in the entry hall creates a striking focal point, while upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, new living spaces, and updated children's bedrooms reflect modern lifestyle needs — all within the framework of gentle Colonial elegance.

The redesigned kitchen delivers both function and presence. Its layout, materials, and detailing elevate daily living in understated luxury. New baths continue the narrative of quality and refinement, combining durability and beauty with a timeless design sensibility.

Blending Symmetry, Proportion & Contemporary Utility

The core of the renovation lies in balancing historical reference and contemporary expectation. In line with defining aspects of Colonial Revival architecture, symmetry, classical portico, multi-pane windows, dormers, and balanced façades, we rearranged windows, added dormers, and detailed cornices to reestablish architectural order.

At the same time, new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems modernize the house for 21st-century living. The improved insulation, high-performance exterior enclosures, and updated systems ensure comfort, efficiency, and long-term reliability, hallmarks of responsible luxury renovation.

Creating a Home with Presence, Comfort, and Family Life

This renovation is more than a facelift. It is a full re-imagining of what the house could be, transporting a modest, aging 1960s spec home into a dignified Colonial Revival residence that combines historical references, architectural coherence, modern functionality, and family-oriented living. Rooms flow better, natural light fills formerly dark corners, and interior volumes have gained breadth and clarity. The exterior now presents a stately, balanced presence that reflects craftsmanship, proportion, and tradition.

For the homeowners, a couple with two young daughters, the house now supports both daily family life and long-term longevity. The improved layout, refined finishes, and thoughtful detailing create a home that feels rooted and resilient, yet comfortable and adaptable.

More Information 

If you are exploring a classic home transformation, Colonial Revival renovation, or a custom home addition, this example illustrates our firm’s dedication to historic-style renovation, residential architecture redesign, and luxury home remodeling. We invite you to explore more of our residential Renovations at https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/renovations, and visit https://www.hiltonarchitects.com/blog/colonial-style-homes-a-timeless-american-architectural-tradition to read more about our approach to Colonial Home design.