Photography by John O’Hagan
Styling by Emily Thomas

Timeless Comfort

In June 2014, a mysterious parcel was delivered to Pat and Oliver Booth, who have lived in their classic postwar–style cottage for more than forty years. The package bore a postmark from Washington, DC, and the return address of a person neither of them knew. Intrigued, they opened the box and discovered a drawing of their house, created and signed by the original architects, Henry Sprott Long and J. L. Gatling. A note included with the drawing explained that the sender, a self-ascribed “lover of old homes, history, and fate,” discovered the historic memento at an estate sale and felt it should be returned to the current owners. Remarkably, the residence appeared much as it was conceived in 1947. Now, more than a decade later, the architectural integrity of the home remains intact, but the Booths have indulged in a few careful modifications to accommodate changing needs.

Timeless Comfort

In the kitchen, an induction range provides greater peace of mind when cooking, and new windows on either side welcome in natural light.

Timeless Comfort

Timeless Comfort

Located close to the banquette, an additional prep sink is perfect for arranging flowers.
“We wanted to renovate the house so that we were prepared for the next twenty years,” says Oliver. Of special importance was the addition of extra space for hosting family and entertaining grandchildren. To carry out the remodel, the Booths called in architect Taylor Davis, the principal and owner of TPD Architect. Not only did her firm’s expertise in modifying homes to support wellness and healthy aging make for a natural fit, but Taylor was also intimately acquainted with the neighborhood. “I grew up not far from here,” she said. “My best friend lived around the corner, and both my parents grew up within walking distance of this house.”

Timeless Comfort

Timeless Comfort

Laundry day is a breeze in a fresh space equipped with abundant storage options and a Sheila Maid drying rack installed above the washer and dryer. A window over the sink overlooks the backyard.
To begin, Taylor and former team member Landon Stubblefield (the project designer) tackled the kitchen and guest bath. Space was added to the corner of the home, and an underutilized side porch was appropriated to create an updated kitchen. Boasting a soft green palette that informs the rest of the abode, the new room affords Pat adequate space for cooking alongside grandchildren, while a custom banquette proves perfect for cozy breakfasts.

Timeless Comfort

In the primary bedroom, chinoiserie-inspired bed linens lend chic appeal while the coordinating coral coverlet and drapes complement sunny yellow walls.

TImeless Comfort

The updated vanity and cabinets in the guest bathroom are painted to match the kitchen and family rooms, creating a cohesive palette throughout the home.

Timeless Comfort

Timeless Comfort

Having successfully transformed two areas, Taylor returned to enhance the primary bathroom (with the help of architectural designer Chelsea Braden) and the family room. A curbless shower was installed in the bathroom, and the corner garden bathtub was replaced with a custom tub deck. In the family room, the floors of an existing porch were leveled for easier circulation, and new built-in cabinets increased storage.
“The owners were determined to renovate in such a way that they could continue to live in the space for years to come,” says Taylor. “That meant widening doorways, adding features to make the bathroom safer to use, and incorporating an induction range and touch faucet to make cooking with grandkids easier.” Taylor acknowledges that remodeling older cottages can be challenging, which is why many in the neighborhood choose to tear down the original structures and build larger, more modern homes instead. However, a renovation presents the opportunity for thoughtful consideration about how to more effectively utilize available space. As Taylor puts it, “Bigger isn’t necessarily better.”

Timeless Comfort

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