Danielle and Kreg Jones, owners of Inscription Architects, decided to take on a new project with their son after he graduated from high school. They had a history of renovating homes and wanted to teach their son practical skills. After relocating from Montana to New Hampshire, the couple struggled to find a permanent home. Eventually, they came across a 19th-century schoolhouse in Weare, a small town near the state’s capital. The historic building had been used as a public school and a town meeting place before being listed for sale.
The Jones’ purchased the schoolhouse and embarked on an eight-month renovation project to turn it into a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom home. They aimed to preserve the historic nature of the property by keeping original details such as floors, ceiling, chalk rails, stairway, doors, storm windows, and even a wall with school children’s names carved into it. They also added color and life to the space while maintaining a sense of respect for the building’s history.
Throughout the renovation, the couple worked alongside their son, teaching him valuable skills in the process. The family focused on spending quality time together and creating a home that reflected their unique design tastes while honoring the building’s past. The Joneses have lived in the converted schoolhouse for over three years now and appreciate the abundance of natural light that comes into the space.
Despite their history of moving frequently from one project to the next, the couple feels content in their current home and has no immediate plans to move. They have found a sense of fulfillment in the process of renovating the schoolhouse and living in a space they rebuilt for themselves. The couple emphasizes the importance of being willing to try new things without being concerned about the opinions of others, as they believe that most decisions are ultimately reversible.
Looking ahead, the Joneses are open to future projects that may come their way, but for now, they are enjoying the unique experience of living in their converted schoolhouse. The couple’s journey of turning a historic building into a modern home has been a labor of love, combining their passion for architecture and design with a desire to create a space that is both functional and visually appealing.
