Welcome! We're Alex and Wendy Santantonio, owners and insane DIYers of not one, but two fixer uppers: an 1880s row house in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia as well as a 1908 foursquare, a short drive from DC but what feels like miles away from Beltway life.

Having bought our first house in early 2003 just months after getting married, we purchased our row home in a "bachelor pad" state, having no idea what we were in for. After years of blood, sweat, and tears, not to mention most of our free time and savings, we've decided to share our story of do-it-yourself adventures, in hopes that others can learn from our successes and failures, and be entertained along the way. 

After 12 years of homeownership, we were itching for a new project and more space. While the natural thing to do would be to move, we simply couldn't leave behind the home we've lovingly renovated for over a decade. Therefore we decided to take on a new and second project with a completely different feel. Only a year in, we've been faced with more challenges than we bargained for (frozen pipes and toilets throughout the house, nearly six months without running water or HVAC, tick borne illness, tornado scares, and more), but we're not giving up.

Even though we began our renovation journey in 2003, we're somewhat new to the blog scene having started Old Town Home in April of 2011. In this short time, we consider ourselves fortunate to have met so many fellow DIY and design enthusiasts, and have even been lucky enough to have been featured on Apartment Therapy, and in The Washington PostOld House JournalNorthern Virginia Magazine and The Washington Post Express. We were even a winner of eCollegeFinder's Top DIY Blog Award, a finalist in Apartment Therapy's 2013 Homies for Best Home Projects & DIY Blog, and were named one of the 17 Best DIY Blogs in 2014 by Domino Magazine.

Is it your first time here? Check out our Welcome Page or learn more as we answer FAQs and talk about why we DIY.

Our Crew

Alex

Alex

"General Contractor, House Nerd"
alex@oldtownhome.com

From his keen woodworking skills to mad plastering abilities, Alex can do it all. Well, everything except deliver on time and under budget. A computer programmer by day, he's sure to go way overkill on the technology aspect of any project.

Wendy

Wendy

"Principle Designer, Project Manager"
wendy@oldtownhome.com

Responsible for the major decorating decisions as well as keeping projects forging ahead, Wendy has an eye for detail like no other. She is also a licensed realtor in Virginia and DC, and specializes in Old Town as well as the other neighborhoods of Alexandria.

Lulu

Lulu

"The Apprentice"
lulu@oldtownhome.com

The newest member of the crew, Lulu, our eight year old Ori Pei (Shar Pei Pug mix), is quickly learning the tricks of the trade and has been eager to help paint and observe whenever possible -- with or without a permit.

When the kids aren't working, they're usually fighting:

In Loving Memory 

Mel

Mel

"The Home Inspector" - 2000-2017

When not slinking away to sleep on the job, Mel, our old Scottish Fold, served as our home’s chief inspector, anxious to examine every ongoing project, tool, dust pile and demolition zone.

Oliver

Oliver

"Director of Safety and Security" - 2008-2010

In his all too brief time as a member of our renovation crew, our Daug (Dachshund Pug mix) Oliver ensured that the proper safety gear was worn at all times, as well as provided perimeter security of the property. His side hobby was redecorating replastered walls and refinished baseboards...with his teeth.


Mel

Mel

"The Home Inspector"
mel@oldtownhome.com
When not slinking away to sleep on the job, Mel, our 15 year old Scottish Fold, serves as our home’s chief inspector, anxious to examine every ongoing project, tool, dust pile and demolition zone.
Mel

Mel

"The Home Inspector"
mel@oldtownhome.com
When not slinking away to sleep on the job, Mel, our 15 year old Scottish Fold, serves as our home’s chief inspector, anxious to examine every ongoing project, tool, dust pile and demolition zone.
Comments 37

Comments

Marlene
6/12/2011 at 11:39 PM
Love your gardening proyect...last year we built a small box and planted tomatoes...I was lazy and it was late in the season, so I just drop the bags of soil in the box sideways and poke holes on it; then just "planted" the small plants in the holes. Everybody made fun of my "technique" and said it was going to fail and what do you know? I had a bumper crop of tomatoes all the way through the fall! Beginners luck? I prefer to think I have a green thumb!
Wendy
6/13/2011
That's hysterical Marlene. Sounds like you showed them! We're so glad you liked our gardening project and thanks for visiting.
Lindsay
6/28/2011 at 4:39 PM
Hi Wendy and Alex,

I'm a house tour contributor for Apartment Therapy and would like to discuss the possibility of setting up a photo tour of your place. I couldn't find an email address on your website, so I'm sending it through here. If you are interested, please email me at lindsayrwood@gmail.com.

Thanks so much,
Lindsay
bu2fulday
7/27/2011 at 7:55 PM
dang, guys...

you have been busy on the website. I love the new treatments of your home for the header? Gesh, I am not a tech guru. ALEX... what are those things called? they are cool.
9/28/2011 at 2:25 PM
Here's the video link of my journeys enjoying the quaint Old Town Alexandria, Virginia community. Thank you for sharing your site. Link to a 2 minute video I did for my Master's class: www.thankfulrevolution.com/2011/09/28/old-town-alexandria-virginia-convenient-cozy-and-a-quaint-small-town-thats-a-stone-throw-away-from-washington-d-c/
Joan D
3/29/2012 at 7:33 PM
Wendy and Alex, I love your blog! As fellow residents of OT, I challenge you to find our Alley House in Hammonds Ct in the historic district. It's a reno'd 1850-ish cart house for an ice house that stabled it's carts and horses in what is now our kitchen and dining room and stored hay in our upstairs bedrooms and bath. As the first two-legged residents, we had a blast renovating it and love showing it to people who discover us. Alley living is the best kept secret in Old Town. thanks for your great coverage of our extraordinary community. Joan
Wendy
3/30/2012
Thanks so much Joan! Hmm, we'll definitely have to set out on a trek to find your adorable-sounding alley house. That is just too cool that your home once housed carts and horses!! Who knows, maybe we'll bump into you some day and you can give us a tour? ;-)
2/6/2013 at 10:29 PM
LOL.. I just stumbled onto your site via the Victoria Elizabeth Barnes link. Must tell you that I enjoyed reading your crew bio's - sounds like my crew, hubby and me = contractor & designer. I love your design sense! Girls rock.
Andrew
12/20/2013 at 8:46 PM

I appreciate all you wrote on http://www.oldtownhome.com/2012/6/7/Ask-OTH-Dusty-and-Dripping-Basement-Walls/, relevant to my similar basement today in Lancaster, PA. I'm wondering if you or any of your readers have any thoughts about this product and the claims for it: http://www.sanitred.com/basementform.php

I just happen to have grown up in Alexandria (uptown, near the Seminary), by the way. Amazing what has happened in Old Town since the 1960s.

2/13/2014 at 6:09 AM

I just watched the video of the cat/dog fight. Hilarious! As a dog/cat owner I totally relate. The sound effects were a hoot!

Betsy
7/28/2014 at 11:51 AM

Would love to know what if any research you have done on the cost of adding a gas line and lamp. I have also wanted to do the same and am curious on where to get an estimate for the work. Fellow Old Town neighbor...

Jeanne
8/24/2014 at 4:02 PM

We just bought a house on n. Columbus and totally are interested in what the cost of your cast iron step project.

Wendy Smith
9/2/2014 at 1:11 PM

Thank you so much for your post about buying your Volvo. My husband and I are planning to go abroad to do this as soon as I can order the hybrid XC90. I was going to order a 2015 model tomorrow but when I read about the hybrid I felt I had to wait. It was so nice to read about the trip experience and I can't wait to go! So cool you got to keep the plates.

Jayme
10/14/2014 at 3:08 PM

I just stumbled upon your blog while dealing with the loss of YoungHouseLove. I am from Cleveland, Ohio and also a Miami University alum! Your home is absolutely stunning. I'm so excited to start reading all of your archived posts! I can't believe I've been missing out.

Wendy
10/14/2014

Welcome, Jayme! We're so glad you found us, and love to hear from fellow Clevelanders/Miami Alum.Alt smile

Sharon Raven
11/26/2014 at 12:30 PM

I am looking for the large rusty initials. Can I get the contact info for the vendor that has them?

Vic Carbone
2/4/2015 at 10:50 PM

I'm glad I found youse..I live in Nassau County N.Y. My uncle lives in Queens. He got a cracked & sagging bathroom plaster ceiling. But it looks like its only th'top finis'layer ov plaster that's separated. th base or Brown coat layer seems to be still "keyed" in.
Do I tear th' loose material & skim over th' firm base coat? & if so, what product shud I use? regular pre-mixed j.c. OR a "mixed"plaster product? OR do I RIP it down to th'lath & sheetrock?

Jean Carol Stone
2/5/2015 at 5:47 PM

We are building a small cabin and are thinking about having the kitchen and bathroom counter tops made of cedar. We will be cutting our own seasoned cedar logs. Can you tell me if I need to use the same procedure to condition them as you did with the butcher block wood?

Remie
2/22/2015 at 9:22 AM

Dear Alex,

I just read your article "Window Restoration: How To Re-Rope Sash Cord." I am so grateful for it. You have a way of making people laugh and getting the main point across with clarity.

I purchased a 1925 Pier & Beam Houston house. It has tons of windows just like the ones in your pictured article. Just like you, I discovered the website "smith restorationsash.com." My main question is "how do you clean and remove these heavy round weights?" Houston is a very humid place.

Respectfully & thankfully,

Remie

sj
4/12/2015 at 6:25 PM

Just read your NVM article and your comment that the master bath would be completed by end of 2012. Proof that the "best laid plans"... But considering all the work and challenges, not too bad on time. Still had to chuckle though.

Kevin
6/23/2015 at 10:22 PM

I found your site when investigating butcher block finishing.
We just had a kitchen island built for us with a maple butcher block top. Someone told me I should use mineral oil, so I applied one coat prior to thinking things through. We don't plan to use it as a cutting surface just a food prep area with the use of cutting boards to cut on. after thinking things through I plan to use a polyurethane sealer on it so if we spill anything the wood will not absorb it, Now, i'm not so sure if I can do this as I did apply the mineral oil. Should I wait a certain amount of time, sand it good and then start over. How soon could I do something like this?

thanks,

Kevin Schmidt
Hales Corners, WI

tony
1/21/2016 at 6:18 AM

hi

I have been researching online and ran into your website

I have a simple question hope u can help out

I replaced 11 interior doors at my house, the doors I purchased were primed already and paid extra to get smooth finish

I used Sherwin Williams high gloss door and trim white paint primer to paint the doors

I used foam roller and some brush

after painting the doors I noticed now that all the doors surface is not smooth and very rough, I purporsely paid extra money to get smooth doors and the paint ruined all my doors

why is that

http://www.painton.com/paint-products/ovation-trim-paint

the link above is the paint that was recommended to use ovation by Sherwin williams

how can I get a smooth finish on the doors

please help

joe dono
10/7/2016 at 12:26 PM

in your site on installing spring bronze weatherstripping you mentioned installing weather stripping along the meeting rails.

where can I find that instruction.

thank you

SH
10/8/2016 at 9:57 PM

Cool site on many weather aspects. Thought it might be of interest. Great during hurricane; sorry I didn't think to send sooner.
https://www.ventusky.com/?p=30.9;-79.2;4&l=gust&t=20161008/18&w=0xIAb9A9A

John P McGlynn
3/19/2017 at 3:14 AM

Hi -

Thanks for your great article on window sash restoration. I've just gone through a similar effort on my house in SF, Calif.

One suggestion - you may want to add a section to your article about the old window weights. I got through restoring my window, hung it up, and the upper sash promptly lowered itself - hmmmmm.

After weighing the restored frame I discovered that its weight was 17 lbs. I had not changed the weight - still single pane glass - what was wrong?

It seems the original weights from 1892 were never adequate (7 lbs each) and I never noticed because the window was so painted shut it stayed that way.

Well off to the salvage yard for adequate weights - where I made the discovery that the weights that have markings (and not many do) - DON"T WEIGHT WHAT THEY SAY THEY DO. Lots of 8 lb weights weighed less than 7.5. Bring a scale and take a tranquilizer. And get ready to spend some time.....

Well, I found 8.5 lb weights, but then on returning home discovered that the side openings to the interior sides of the window frame - WERE NOT BIG ENOUGH TO ACCEPT THEM!

Anyway, after some jigsawing and other maneuvers to widen the openings, the new weights went in, and work fine.

Have you ever heard of such a nightmare before?

Regards,
John
San Francisco, CA

Harimad
7/11/2017 at 7:49 PM

Have you hear of the blog "Baltimore Brick by Brick"? They deconstruct decrepit homes in Baltimore. They have a store, Brick + Board, http://www.brickandboard.com/.

In case you, somehow, haven't heard of this place.

Raef
1/2/2018 at 7:21 PM

i saw your article in old house journel. I have a question - the walls in your home are they plaster in metal lathe? I have to renovate my bathroom in my 1912 gerogian home and im stuck before the project = for any advice of how to get tile set in cement walls and metal down...
help
also - on your site I saw your wall of doors for closets in the bedroom. Any more details of this project?

Wendy
1/2/2018

Hi Raef. Thanks for getting in touch. The walls in our home are actually plaster on wooden lathe, much easier to remove than those made of metal. (Although we work to preserve the original plaster wherever possible.) We had friends demo a bath with plaster/tile on metal lathe. It was weeks of intense demo with a sledgehammer/hammer/chisels, but eventually they were able to remove it all.

And here's some additional detail on our master bedroom closets: https://www.oldtownhome.com/2013/1/28/Master-Bedroom-Closet-The-Big-Reveal/

Good luck with your project!

Kathy
1/28/2018 at 12:29 AM

I love the yellow bathroom ! It's fabulous
Where did you get the yellow drapes in the bathroom ?

Jake
4/26/2018 at 1:19 PM

Hello I am restoring an old 100 year old farmhouse in western PA. I also have heart pine floors throughout. I really like the floor finish that you guys chose. Can you tell me what sealer you used for your floors and how many coats? Did u stain at all? How are they holding up? Thank you so much for your feedback -Jake

Ryan Kearns
9/27/2018 at 10:49 AM

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if ya'll could give me some insight as to how you went about connecting the corner joint and cutting the corner sink for your butcher block counters? I'm doing the same thing myself at the moment. I'm assuming Miter Bolts at the junction in all areas where the sink will NOT be (at the corner angle).

Ann
3/29/2019 at 2:42 AM

Have you stopped your blog? I'll miss you. Hope you are both okay.

Alex
4/1/2019

Not to worry, we're still here. Don't have a ton of time to blog lately, but we're making lots of posts and updates on Instagram. Though we got inspired to make a post today. We'll hopefully have more frequent updates going forward, just gotta find a few more hours a week to write. Alt smile

richard luan
5/7/2019 at 3:46 PM

Hi Alex,

just wonder if you can provide outdoor teak furniture restoration services? I am in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Sue
7/9/2021 at 6:52 PM

Fellow Alexandrian here planning to paint our townhome, and loved the color of your house. I read through your old posts, but couldn’t find the color or type of paint used. I’d so appreciate if you would be able to share that info with me!

Grace Arndt
7/20/2021 at 2:04 PM

Hi! I just found your blog, and I'm excited to see what you've done and what you plan to do next.

My husband and I just bought, July 7th, a 1890's home. The previous owner lived there 65 years!! Which is amazing, but they also appreciated the history of the home. We look forward to continuing what they started.

  • Grace
RITU
12/7/2021 at 5:39 AM

Dear Valuable Customer

We are Manufacturer & Exporter of the same commodities of your deals like Builders Hardware & Handicrafts products for Home Decor and construction, furnishing and renovation of all types of Buildings. And Light Fittings, decorations and furniture.

Relevant to these items if you have any other specific product which would like to develop. Please share your requirement to us.

Awaiting your valuable reply.

Best Regards
Ritu Singh
RH Crafts India
Email : rhcraftsindia@gmail.com

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