In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Daniel and Stacy start by revisiting their favorite takeaways from the Lustron House interview, including why metal walls are both brilliant and bonkers, in the very best way. Then, Stacy dives into the beautifully controlled chaos of preparing Blake Hill House for its next chapter. The only thing multiplying faster than boxes is the list of things left to do. Meanwhile, Daniel leans into the satisfying rhythm of repair and maintenance, restoring light fixtures for his resale shop, and chasing the elusive dream of the whitest whites with a new favorite cleaning product. Finally, they reflect on productivity and priorities, and the importance of staying connected when life feels like one big to-do list. This episode is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear and tidy, and that’s okay. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today. Mentioned in this Episode Napisan Laundry Disinfectant Rub n Buff Metallic Wax Finish
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32:58
166: Lustron House Love
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel tackle a relatable question: What's the deal with tiny closets in old houses, and how can homeowners maximize storage? They offer tips, commiseration, and a few creative workarounds. Then, if you've been waiting for a deep dive into Lustron living, this is the episode. Stacy chats with Laura, proud owner of a Lustron home. These prefabricated, all-metal houses were born out of the post–World War II housing shortage and designed as a modern, low-maintenance solution for families in need of fast, affordable housing. Laura shares what it's really like to live in one of these rare architectural time capsules. From magnetic walls and steel cabinets to the practicalities of maintenance, she has embraced "space age" living with appreciation and delight. Laura's experience offers a firsthand look at why Lustron homes still captivate preservationists, old house lovers, and anyone who appreciates the quirkiest house in their neighborhood. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales. Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order. Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership. Mentioned in this Episode Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake - Don't miss out! There are only three spots left. Ruby Space Triangles closet space savers Bonus Episode: Post-War Housing Solutions and Levittown Minisode: More About Lustron Homes and an Emotional Land Bank Story National Lustron Map - Find and Research Lustron Homes
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56:33
165: Two Deadlines and a Baby
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Daniel dives into the deeply satisfying experience of helping friends prepare their home for a new baby. Left unsupervised while his friends were at the hospital, Daniel organized the house with gusto—leaving the new parents a little more surprised than planned. He reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and why the whole experience might just turn into a book someday. Then, Stacy talks about gearing up for the big move, including renting a POD, packing up her historic house, and tackling the project mostly on her own. It’s a lively conversation about organized chaos, hard deadlines, and the universal truth that babies don’t care about your to-do list. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
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36:14
164: Demystifying Linseed Paint (Again!)
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Michiel Brouns of Brouns & Co. sets the record straight on linseed oil paint. From its surprising shelf life to why "thin to win" is the golden rule, Michiel unpacks everything you thought you knew—and didn't—about this traditional finish. Stacy, Daniel, and Michiel discuss proper application, ongoing maintenance, brushes that won't let you down, as well as how linseed paint stacks up against modern coatings in terms of cost, durability, and environmental impact. True Tales From Old Houses first explored linseed oil paint back in Episode #51, and now Stacy and Daniel are revisiting the topic with fresh insights, guided by listener-generated questions. It's a myth-busting, info-packed episode for anyone serious about preservation, sustainability, or just getting paint to stick. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS If you love True Tales From Old Houses as much as we love making it, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor our show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - Learn everything you need to know to restore your wood windows. For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales. Repaint Studios The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's air-tight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order. Old House Hub from My Old House Fix - An exclusive online community that connects passionate old house owners and enthusiasts with experts and service providers. Join for expert advice, valuable resources, and a supportive community. Use the coupon code truetales for a free one-year membership. Mentioned in this Episode Learn more about the Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake. Spotify Playlist: Frank Lloyd Wright's Record Collection Episode #51: Desmystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth + Flax Blog Article: Spontaneous Combustion Safety and DIY Brouns & Co (North America) website and Instagram Brouns & Co (UK) website and Instagram
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1:05:52
163: The Weight of Goodbye and What Comes Next
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy opens up about two major goodbyes, one expected, one not. After losing her sweet dog Millie, a constant companion through every renovation and recording, she shares what it's been like to grieve a friend who was always underfoot and forever part of Blake Hill House. Speaking of the house… Stacy also reveals her timeline for selling BHH. She and Daniel talk through the emotional layers of letting go, the weight of old house ownership, and what it means to start imagining a new chapter in a new, old house. There's also talk of kitchen redesigns, moving entire houses, and how a good yard sale can be weirdly therapeutic. WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS If you love True Tales From Old Houses, please consider supporting the small businesses that sponsor this show—they help keep these stories (and our old house shenanigans) alive! Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales. Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
True Tales From Old Houses is a light-hearted, entertaining, and educational show for lovers of old houses and buildings, DIYers, history buffs, and restoration and preservation junkies.
Available weekly, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
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