The Art of Craft

In 1912, architect William L. Price designed a grand house for the crest of Chestnut Hill. Outside, the house was sand-colored pebbledash. Inside, it was a turn-of-the-century warren of rooms. It had asymmetric bones. It was a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design.

Three years ago, architect Courtney Crenshaw bought the house that Price built. Courtney’s family is young. Active. They ski. They skate. They loved the house. But its turn-of-the-century-ness did not suit their modern lifestyle.

Things had to change. The floors needed hydronic heat. All 54 windows had to become efficient. There was native vegetation to preserve. Moreover, the space had to open naturally in order to engage its always-in-motion owners. For this last job, Courtney gathered master artisans and designers that shared her respect for honest materials and clean, contemporary lines.