This Old House Hour — Season 4
## The Arlington House: Season Overview Step inside a world of secrets and simmering tensions at The Arlington House, a prestigious London townhouse harboring far more than meets the eye. This season plunges viewers into the lives of its residents – a complex tapestry of families bound by history, ambition, and carefully concealed truths. We meet the enigmatic Eleanor Vance, recently returned to claim her inheritance amidst whispers of scandal and long-buried family secrets. As she navigates the intricate dynamics of The Arlington House, she finds herself entangled with the charming but guarded Julian Blake, whose own connection to the house runs deeper than he initially reveals. The arrival of new tenants, the ambitious and seemingly perfect Sterling family, further disrupts the delicate balance within the building’s walls. Their polished facade masks their own struggles and desires, creating a volatile atmosphere ripe for conflict. Each resident carries a burden – a past regret, a hidden motive, or a desperate longing – that threatens to unravel the carefully constructed order of The Arlington House. As alliances shift and loyalties are tested, Eleanor begins to uncover a web of deceit stretching back generations. Can she untangle the truth before it consumes her, or will the secrets of The Arlington House ultimately claim another victim? This season promises a captivating exploration of family, legacy, and the enduring power of hidden truths within the elegant confines of London’s most exclusive address.
The host guides us through a tour of their latest endeavor: a three-story Greek Revival farmhouse in Arlington, Massachusetts. Over the following twenty-six weeks, he and his team of skilled artisans will reimagine the 1850s structure, tran…
The prospect of renovating the old house occupied much discussion between our host, architect Jock Gifford, and landscape architect Tom Wirth. The sheer number of possibilities presented a daunting question: where to even begin?
With the arrival of the crane, the dismantling of a section of the old farmhouse commences. Afterward, the hosts speak with a slate contractor regarding the historic roof, exploring the potential benefits of sandblasting.
The host and his team hoisted the garage, carefully moving it to a new location. They contemplated transforming the structure into a workshop and garden shed. Furthermore, the crew performed an energy audit of the windows and doors.
The farmhouse, a Greek Revival structure from the 1850s, gains a modern addition with the framing of its new wing in 1982, a task undertaken by the owner and skilled carpenter.
The team and their host set to work insulating the newly added wing of the farmhouse.
The farmhouse, steeped in history, underwent an assessment of its electrical systems. Our team then modernized the wiring to meet the demands of contemporary living.
The crew and their host worked to clad the new addition with shingles, while inside the older section of the 1850 farmhouse, they applied plaster to the ceilings.
The host and his crew undertake the task of waterproofing an outdoor deck. Afterward, he delves into the intricacies of electrical wiring within both new and existing walls, followed by a conversation with restoration specialist Dr. Judy Se…
The host methodically assesses the lighting requirements of the aging house, examining each room with careful attention. Afterward, they visit a lighting showroom, exploring the available choices. Returning to the farmhouse, the master carp…
Seeking inspiration for the renovation of the old house, our host visits a prototype exercise room. There, he explores possibilities for the new spa and weight room, discovering the appeal of a steam shower, sauna, and hot tub. Afterward, h…
The host and his team then proceed to install the whirlpool tub within the master bedroom's bathroom. Following this, they turn their attention to insulating the attic space.
The host toured a prototype wine cellar, examining storage methods, lighting solutions, and climate regulation. Afterward, he journeyed to Walpole Woodworkers to observe the craftsmanship involved in fence construction.
The host made a trip to Weston Nurseries to procure planting stock for the Arlington property. There, he selected shrubs, trees, and flowering plants intended to enrich the landscape and harmonize with the character of the farmhouse.
The journey takes us to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, where we visit the workshop of master cabinetmaker Jack Cronin. He guides us through the intricate process of crafting kitchen cabinets for a farmhouse-style kitchen.
The host journeys to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to explore El Dorado, a community designed in harmony with the sun. He details the development's innovative use of both passive and active solar heating and cooling systems, alongside photovoltaic …
The host details the initial groundwork and assembly required for a redwood hot tub. Subsequently, the team proceeds with the physical placement of the tub.
The host addresses the issue of roofing repairs needed for the recently expanded dining space. Following this, he journeys to Aurora, Illinois, to a home built with exceptional insulation, speaking with its builder, Perry Bigelow, about the…
The host converses with landscape architect Tom Wirth regarding designs for the farmhouse grounds. Subsequently, the team commences the installation of kitchen cabinets within the apartment designed as a secondary living space.
The host greets interior designer Bob Ditmer of Better Homes and Gardens, who then guides us through Arlington House, offering suggestions for its adornment. Subsequently, our master carpenter commences work on the sauna's construction.
The host and crew labored outdoors, assembling the redwood gazebo and stockade fence that would frame the farmhouse. Inside the apartment kitchen, Richard Trethewey detailed the process of installing a sink and hot water heater.
The host and his team proceed to install Palladian windows on the garage before turning their attention to equipping the apartment kitchen. Richard Trethewey details the process of installing both a sink and a hot water heater.
The host and their team fitted a Palladian window to the garage, followed by equipping the apartment kitchen with essential appliances. Subsequently, the master carpenter constructed and installed a passive lock system.
The evening's itinerary included an assessment of the newly installed projection television system in the media room, followed by a look at the tiling in the main kitchen. Down in the wine cellar, renowned sommelier Phillipe Pascal offered …
The host led us through the Arlington farmhouse once more, assessing the lighting in each room before turning to the mirrors and equipment planned for the exercise space. Later, German wine expert William Steifensandt shared his insights a…
The host offers a final tour of the meticulously appointed home, a vivid snapshot of 1980s aspirations. Beginning on the second floor, he leads viewers through the exercise room, the master suite with its bedroom and bath, and a self-contai…
