True Tales From Old Houses

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel answer a listener's question about original basement windows—save them or start fresh? They weigh the pros and cons of restoration versus replacement, and why there's often wiggle room instead of a clear-cut answer. Then, the tables turn as Daniel puts Stacy, and special guest Scott Sidler, in the hot seat to talk about their new boo...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Daniel and Stacy start by revisiting their favorite takeaways from the Lustron House interview, including why metal walls are both brilliant and bonkers, in the very best way. Then, Stacy dives into the beautifully controlled chaos of preparing Blake Hill House for its next chapter. The only thing multiplying faster than boxes is the list of things l...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel tackle a relatable question: What's the deal with tiny closets in old houses, and how can homeowners maximize storage? They offer tips, commiseration, and a few creative workarounds. Then, if you've been waiting for a deep dive into Lustron living, this is the episode. Stacy chats with Laura, proud owner of a Lustron home. These prefa...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Daniel dives into the deeply satisfying experience of helping friends prepare their home for a new baby. Left unsupervised while his friends were at the hospital, Daniel organized the house with gusto—leaving the new parents a little more surprised than planned. He reflects on what worked, what didn't, and why the whole experience might just turn int...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Michiel Brouns of Brouns & Co. sets the record straight on linseed oil paint. From its surprising shelf life to why "thin to win" is the golden rule, Michiel unpacks everything you thought you knew—and didn't—about this traditional finish. Stacy, Daniel, and Michiel discuss proper application, ongoing maintenance, brushes that won't let you down, as w...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy opens up about two major goodbyes, one expected, one not. After losing her sweet dog Millie, a constant companion through every renovation and recording, she shares what it's been like to grieve a friend who was always underfoot and forever part of Blake Hill House. Speaking of the house… Stacy also reveals her timeline for selling BHH. She and...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel share spring updates, answer a fireplace Q&A, and chat with new innkeeper Rod Whale about embracing history, Acadian heritage, and the adventure of old house ownership at one of Canada's oldest inns. Stacy and Daniel ease into the episode by chatting about the seasonal shift and sharing a few listener follow-ups from past episodes. Af...

Will Stacy and Daniel ever stop talking about Frank Lloyd Wright? Yes, but not this week! In this episode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after the Window Preservation Alliance conference and wade into the world of Usonian architecture through the story of the Gordon House—a modest, DIY-friendly home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stacy recently visited the Gordon House in Silverton, Oregon, which spa...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel return to  Taliesin West , Frank Lloyd Wright's winter hideaway and experimental desert lab in the Arizona desert. They swap stories from their trip, including nighttime escapades under the stars, a gift shop that seriously impressed, and a rare peek inside the archives, where Asian art and architectural treasures are waiting to be d...

Ever wondered what it's like to spend the night at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert hideaway? This week, Stacy and Daniel are on location at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona.  They share stories from their stay in the historic apprentice apartments and offer a behind-the-scenes tour of Wright's iconic desert retreat. From the rugged charm of desert masonry to the surprising quirks and organic flow...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , host Stacy Grinsfelder highlights the powerful work of the Descendants Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the heritage and environment of the Black descendant community in Louisiana's river parishes. Through grassroots activism and historic preservation, the organization works to protect their ancestral land and challenge the environmental...

How do you blend modern style with the soul of an old house? Can contemporary design coexist with historic charm without feeling out of place? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel chat with designer Amy Ilias to answer these questions.  First, during listener Q&A, Emily asks for guidance on recreating the look of traditional beadboard for her porch ceiling. Stacy and Da...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter celebrate a long-awaited victory as Stacy finally crosses the finish line on the never-ending staircase project. After six years of stops and starts, she reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of seeing the project through to completion. Then, they discuss boiler technology and the tough decisions that come with h...

What happens when disaster strikes a historic building? And how do you even begin to move an entire house to a new state? In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel explore the incredible efforts people make to save history—one building at a time. First, historic preservation specialist Robert Killion joins Stacy and Daniel to talk about FEMA's role in protecting historic bui...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back with fresh updates, big plans, and a tangent or two. First, Daniel gives an update on his ongoing duplex renovation , including the latest challenges and progress in the basement and foundation work—because structural integrity is kind of a big deal. Meanwhile, Stacy updates everyone on her staircase resto...

In this episode of  True Tales from Old Houses , Contractor and preservationist Brent Hull joins hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter to talk craftsmanship, good design, and why historic homes deserve better. Plus, learn how psychic realtor Josie Coleman clears homes of unwanted spirits. From hauntings to millwork, this episode has it all! Stacy and Daniel open the episode by catching up on p...

Stacy and Daniel kick off Season 12 with old house updates, product tips, and a lively conversation on preserving historical materials.  In this episode of  True Tales from Old Houses , Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter are back and ready to launch Season 12 with a bang! They dive into a fun-filled catch-up session, sharing what they've been up to during the break and correcting a few architectu...

In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel return with Part II of their spooky stories compilation. Following the eerie encounters shared in Part I, this episode brings even more spine-tingling yet light-hearted ghost stories from old house owners across the U.S. and Canada. In Part II, Caitlin Barrett recounts the strange disturbances in her 1890 home in Kerh...

It's spooky season! In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses , hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter take a break from their usual discussions of old house restoration and DIY to share spine-tingling, light-hearted ghost stories! Every year, listeners send in their eerie experiences, and this episode is packed with haunted tales from homes across the U.S. From Rebekah's un...

In today's minisode, the final episode of Season 11, Stacy and Daniel wrap things up with a lively discussion about their renovation adventures, funny experiences, and plans for the upcoming ghost story episodes, arriving in October!  First, Stacy and Daniel kick off the episode by announcing that this is the last episode of the season, but there will be bonus ghost stories and a merch run in Octo...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy and Daniel discuss practical solutions for damaged wood floors in a folk Victorian farmhouse and chat with preservation architect Christopher Brandt. First, Stacy and Daniel offer some personal project updates, including the mad scramble to complete outdoor tasks before the cold weather arrives. Then, During listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel explo...

In today's minisode, Stacy offers an update on her house search in Utah. She and Daniel discuss their current real estate situations and future plans. First, They begin by declaring their love for track shelving. They also recommend the podcast 'Beyond Reproach.'  Then, Stacy reflects on the shock value of Utah's high real estate prices and acknowledges her privileged position. She shares her desi...

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses , Stacy is wrapping things up at Silver Lake and getting ready for a new sleeping porch project. Meanwhile, Daniel is busy turning a dining room closet into a masterpiece—because even closets deserve a little love. Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy offers a happy follow-up from a previous question about exterior painting before weighing in on a kitchen...

In this conversation, Stacy and Daniel discuss their ongoing renovation projects. First, Daniel talks about his plans to use beadboard in the guest room and the challenges of storing salvage materials. Then, Stacy shares her experience renovating her sleeping porch and the serious structural issues she encountered during deconstruction.  Finally, they discuss their mutual love for Michigan and the...

This week's episode begins with the big announcement that Daniel is no longer the owner of Bluestone Cottage. The sale has been finalized.  Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about career paths in historic preservation that don't require a master's degree. With the help of Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation with the Preservation League of New York State, they discuss the impor...