Built in 1911, this stone-and-timber boathouse sat unused for years and fell into disrepair. Its chestnut roof framing and ceiling and oak post-and-beam framing were rotting, and its foundation was crumbling. The boathouse was purchased a few years ago by an avid yachtsman who was determined to return it to its former grandeur. Located on the coastline of Newport Harbor, R.I., it was in the perfect spot to get the attention it needed from the restoration specialists at Kirby Perkins Construction. Using a satellite tracking system, they tagged all of the beams, removed and transported them to their shop, and restored each one that could be salvaged. An antique-lumber dealer provided replace ments for those beyond repair. When the foundation was secure, the beams were reinstalled. With the foundation and beams repaired, Kirby Perkins carpenters and finishing specialists turned their attention to the interior. Designed in the trademark style of Capt. Nathanael G. Herreschoff, a famous Rhode Island naval architect, the second-floor living space features white paneling with cherry cabinets and trim. To obtain the perfect gloss on the wood, the finishing team hand-applied eight to 10 coats of Epifanes UV gloss varnish, hand-sanding between each coat.

Boathouse restoration, cabinetry, and finishing: Kirby Perkins Construction, Middletown, R.I.; kirbyperkins.com
Architect: Mark P. Finlay Architects; markfinlay.com
Interior Design: Kim Kirby, Kim Kirby Interior Design, Middletown, R.I.; kimkirbyinteriordesign.com
Photographs: Warren Jagger Photography, warrenjagger.com