Penny Black House

This 1896 Italianate Victorian home in Portland Heights was all but derelict in 2017. We partnered with Look Construction LLC. to save this iconic home that sits atop a steep embankment—a huge challenge for the necessary new foundation. The house was lifted and new foundation poured adding 4 feet and a whole new floor to boot. It had been stripped of all its original interior character over the years, so the design replaced and added to what was there originally. We re-designed the home’s layout, reconfiguring the kitchen, moving the lower staircase, adding a staircase to the loft room and rebuilding the widows walk roof deck. All doorways were raised to 9 feet to add to the sense of space. Finally, we splurged on a selection of incredible wallpapers to add drama and romance to this stunning show piece of a home. The Penny Black House is featured in Gray Magazine #39, April 2018.