Daryl Hall's Other Calling: Restoring Historic Homes
Singer and musician Daryl Hall is passionate about more than just music. Let the famed blue-eyed soulster introduce you to his latest project — the architecturally correct restoration he's undertaking on a 1780s Connecticut cottage.
Related To:
Serious About History
Daryl Hall has a thing about old homes. Very old homes. His restoration projects to date include, among others, an 1860s farmhouse in Millbrook, N.Y., a home built in the early 1700s in Kittery Point, Maine and an estate in Amenia, N.Y. Now he's ready to take on yet another historic restoration.
No Small Undertaking
In his last project, Daryl bought two houses built in 1700s, relocated them to Amenia, N.Y., restored them and and joined the structures together to create a single large home.
Performance Space
Daryl stands in the room in his Amenia, N.Y. home where his series Live From Daryl's House was shot.
Stately Manor
Daryl stands atop the stone fence in front of his restored historic home in Amenia, N.Y.
A Jewel in Connecticut
THE NEW PROJECT: For his latest restoration, Daryl purchased a beautiful 30-acre estate in the Connecticut countryside, the site of this home built in the 1780s.
A Diamond in the Rough
The house, located in Sherman, Conn., has been vacant for decades, so the restoration task ahead is considerable. DIY Network's series, Daryl's Restoration Over-Hall will follow the home's restoration from start to finish. These photos give a sense of some of the home's spaces prior to restoration.
Exterior, Before
This deteriorating fence and gate leads to the main entrance, currently located at the side of the house.
Exterior, Before
The original granite steps at the home's main entrance
Period Detail
Some of the home's original fixtures, like this door pull and latch, remain intact.
Period Detail
The metal door knocker is another original piece that will be preserved in the restoration.
Step Inside
Daryl leads us on a tour of some of the home's interior spaces. His plans are to completely restore the home with materials that are historically consistent with the period in which the house was built.
Front Hall, Before the Restoration
This original front hall is located just inside the home's main entrance, now located at the side of the house.
Ballroom, Before the Restoration
This second floor ballroom is located on the home's west side.
Ballroom, Before the Restoration
Daryl shows off the large space that, in the original home, was dedicated to formal entertaining.
Kitchen Details
Back on the first floor, Daryl points out some of the home's original kitchen fixtures and wood cabinetry.
Kitchen, Before the Restoration
The original kitchen, with its wide plank floors and huge fireplace, is located on the northeast corner of the home.
Kitchen, Before the Restoration
Detail showing the original brick hearth in the kitchen
Library, Before the Restoration
The library is located on the northwest corner of the house.
Basement
Daryl tours the home's basement with contractors Joe Interlande (left) and Steve Wilson (right) to assess damage from wood rot.
"You can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!"
— Jay Gatsby
Self-confessed history buff Daryl Hall takes a moment to soak in the centuries-old ambiance in his historic, but yet-to-be-refurbished, Connecticut home.
Greener Pastures
After several successful historic home restorations, Daryl Hall is set to take on yet another ambitious project. Check back in coming weeks to see the results. Back to Daryl's Restoration Over-Hall main page.
