This Tudor Home Embraces New and Old Design in West Chester

Holly and John Naughton loved the character and charm of their Tudor home. Built soundly of stone in 1928, it still had the opulent millwork and superior craftsmanship of the era, along with the undersized kitchen and dark interior. The Naughtons enlisted Hazley Builders to revitalize multiple spaces and expand the West Chester home’s cramped galley kitchen.

“We were intent on retaining the classic exposed wood beams, decorative stone accents, plaster walls, rich oak floors and steel casement windows,” says Michael Hazley, president of the West Chester-based design-build firm.

To broaden the kitchen’s footprint, the team relocated the basement stairs, moved the laundry room to the second floor and eliminated a powder room. That created space for a center island, pantry and custom appliance garage.

To broaden the kitchen’s footprint, the team relocated the basement stairs, moved the laundry room to the second floor and eliminated a powder room. That created space for a center island, pantry and custom appliance garage. White cabinetry, a patterned Carrara marble backsplash and milky quartz countertops brighten the space. The island is painted in a moody, blue-tinged charcoal (Farrow & Ball Down Pipe), and hardwood floors are set in a herringbone pattern.

The living room’s mahogany beams and French doors are original to the house. To complement the authentic vibe, pocket French doors were added in the dining area during the renovation.

The Naughtons also envisioned a less formal gathering space in the basement—and a spot where they could cheer on the Eagles, watch movies and entertain friends. With the low ceilings, Hazley wisely suggested leaving steam radiators and pipes exposed, embracing the home’s vintage aesthetic. “Michael also recommended that we expose and repoint the original stone leading to the basement,” says John.

With the basement’s low ceilings, Hazley wisely suggested leaving steam radiators and pipes exposed, embracing the home’s vintage aesthetic.

Stone walls around the fireplace and bar were paired with white wainscoting—a fresh twist on Tudor tradition. To ensure a bright look and feel, the team installed pale white-oak beams. Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers the look of wood with more durability and easy maintenance.

A happy marriage of old and new, this Tudor is ready for its next century.