The Incredible Transformation of a Charleston Craftsman

In Restoring Charleston, Trent Fasnacht goes to pain-staking lengths to save this 1895 Charleston Craftsman that has been abandoned for decades. Get a sneak peek of the house's unbelievable restoration, here.

By: Jessica Galliart

Show: Restoring Charleston

Charleston Charmer

It may look stunning now, but this 1895 "Queen Anne Craftsman" in historic Charleston was once the epitome of an eyesore.

BEFORE: The Outside

Once contractor Trent Fasnacht got into the nooks and crannies of the house's exterior, he discovered live termites, among other critters.

BEFORE: The Outside

Trent calls houses like these -- delapidated, condemned -- "pig's ears." They're worse than fixer uppers and usually require more work to restore than to simply tear down.

AFTER: The Outside

The outside of the home was practically rebuilt from scratch with new balisters, a new roof and a pop of color on the siding.

AFTER: The Outside

The porch was also newly constructed but in line with the house's former (glorious) wrap-around.

BEFORE: Foyer

The house's grand entrance is in the style of classic Charleston Queen Anne homes and badly in need of repair.

AFTER: Foyer

Preserving and restoring the foyer was key in making it a focal point in the home as it was originally meant to be.

BEFORE: Foyer

There are wood floors somewhere under all that dust.

AFTER: Foyer

New drywall was installed, but the original wainscoting and floors in the foyer were restored.

BEFORE: Front Door

The original pine door was in excellent shape, but the casing needed a bit of TLC.

AFTER: Front Door

Trent was able to restore the finish of the original door and even repair its original doorbell.

BEFORE: Bathroom

The original porch bathroom was not exactly in usable shape.

AFTER: Master Bathroom

The brand new bathroom features a handmade vanity made from salvaged cupboard doors

AFTER: Master Bathroom

One of six restored fireplaces in the home is in the master bathroom, which also has repurposed beadboard walls.

AFTER: Master Bathroom

The master suite now has a walk-in closet off the bathroom for ample storage.

BEFORE: Guest Bedroom

With walls you could see through and more enough mysterious junk to fill an apartment, the potential of the guest bedroom wasn't quite clear in the beginning.

AFTER: Guest Bedroom

New drywall, windows and a fresh coat of yellow paint make the new bedroom a place anyone would be excited about staying the night in.

BEFORE: Guest Bedroom

Can you see a promising fireplace mantle just beyond the stray toilet?

AFTER: Guest Bedroom

The restored fireplace didn't need much more than a bit of polishing.

AFTER: Guest Bedroom

Trent was able to restore and repurpose pocket doors found in the house for the guest bedroom's entryway.

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Photo By: BMF Images

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Restoring Charleston

The Incredible Transformation of a Charleston Craftsman

Charleston Charmer

BEFORE: The Outside

BEFORE: The Outside

AFTER: The Outside

AFTER: The Outside

BEFORE: Foyer

AFTER: Foyer

BEFORE: Foyer

AFTER: Foyer

BEFORE: Front Door

AFTER: Front Door

BEFORE: Bathroom

AFTER: Master Bathroom

AFTER: Master Bathroom

AFTER: Master Bathroom

BEFORE: Guest Bedroom

AFTER: Guest Bedroom

BEFORE: Guest Bedroom

AFTER: Guest Bedroom

AFTER: Guest Bedroom

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