After an extended hiatus, Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter return to True Tales From Old Houses to kick off Season 13 with personal updates, a major announcement from Daniel, and two ghost stories to celebrate a belated version of spooky season.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

Many thanks to the sponsors who help make this show possible. When you shop at the websites and use the codes below (where available), you're directly supporting their small businesses and the podcast, too!

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code TRUETALES26.

Brouns & Co. Linseed Oil Paint - Flax plant-derived linseed oil paint and stain. Anti-mold with only trace elements of VOCs. Wicks moisture from wood. Prevents metal from rusting. Brouns & Co. is trusted by preservation professionals and homeowners who value authenticity.

Heritage Supply Co. - Heritage Supply Co. (formerly The Craftsman Store) is the same trusted company you know for window restoration supplies and more. Use code TRUETALES10 for 10% off your entire order. Spend $250 or more, and shipping is free.

Repaint Studios - The Repaint Tray from Repaint Studios is the first reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid. The Repaint Tray's airtight lid keeps your paint fresh for weeks. Use the coupon code TRUETALES10 to save 10% off your order.

A quick announcement from Stacy: Season 13 kicks off in February! Listen in to hear why the show is extending its hiatus and how you can connect with True Tales From Old Houses in the meantime.

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

In today's episode, Stacy and Alex discuss how they would handle the renovation of their old houses if money were no object. And later, Stacy chats with Nick Slavik, owner of the Nick Slavik Painting and Restoration company and the host of a weekly online social media show called Ask a Painter Live. Nick is also a business innovator and one of the most energetic and passionate people Stacy has ever hosted on the show.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite wood repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com

Limeworks.US Plaster and Masonry products: Visit LimeWorks.us to learn more about their products and services for your next historic restoration project.

In today's episode, you'll meet Melissa & Matt Dunphy. Melissa and Matt are privy diggers, amateur archaeologists, and hosts of The Boghouse Podcast.

Also, during Q&A, Alex offers some excellent advice about updating the heating and cooling systems in your old house.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite wood repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

In today's episode, you'll meet Jaya. He and his wife bought an abandoned farmhouse house in Japan that he is bringing back to life. 

Also, Stacy and Dianne talk about the Scotland and Northern Ireland tour that Stacy is hosting in summer 2022.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

In today's episode, Stacy talks to fire chief Roger LeBlanc about how long we really have to get out of a burning house, plus he shares his best fire safety advice for old house owners.

Also, Stacy chats with Natalie Heneghan, the education manager of Rethos: Places Reimagined, a non-profit dedicated to supporting homeowners through DIY education and reimagining old buildings.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron manufacturers two of Stacy's favorite repair products, WoodEpox and LiquidWood. Use the coupon code truetales10 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

During this final episode of season six, Stacy welcomes Dave Mertz, program chair of the Building Preservation Program at Belmont College in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Also, Stacy offers several end-of-season updates, including the season seven listener question and a big travel announcement. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

Do you need to hire an architect? In today's episode, Stacy talks to Katelyn Parker from Bungalow Roots in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Katelyn explains how architects can help owners of old houses make sympathetic changes for modern life. Furthermore, she describes how architects, engineers, and designers differ. 

Also, Stacy and John Rodgers discuss their favorite paints and stains. Spoiler, John's favorite isn't paint at all. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

In today's episode, Stacy enjoys a conversation with Joe Peterson, longtime listener, first-time guest. Joe is at the tail end of restoring his childhood home, an authentic farmhouse in New Brunswick, Canada.

Also, Stacy talks to Aaron, founder of the Plunjr app. They discuss ways to avoid plumbing disasters, especially during the holidays. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

On today's show, recorded in front of a live audience in Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy chats with Susan and William Brinson from House of Brinson. Eight years ago, Susan and Will left New York City and bought Stony Ford, a large country estate with a rich and colorful history.  

Also, Devyn Caldwell is back for another Listener Q&A. He and Stacy discuss when and if the layout of an old house should be changed to better suit modern life. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

On today's show, the first in front of a live audience in beautiful Hudson Valley, New York, Stacy talks to the always hilarious Daniel Kanter about revitalizing his community through the Kingston City Land Bank.

Also, Stacy meets her previous co-host Devyn Caldwell, in person for the first time, and they answer the listener question together.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

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.

In today's episode, you'll meet artist Leisa Collins. Leisa traveled across the United States, creating paintings of old homes and buildings along the way. She turned her art into a beautiful coffee table book filled with love and reverence for history and architecture. 

Also, Stacy and Alex share some resources for hard-to-find hardware and supplies. 

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

In this episode, Stacy wonders, If you inherit a ghost, do you have to keep it? Guests Denise, Molly, and Brianna, share three different paranormal experiences that pique Stacy's curiosity about that moral conundrum. October is ghost story month, so get ready for some goosebumps.

Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy discusses plaster repair basics with Alex from Old Town Home.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

For 10% off The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog, use the coupon code truetales.

Download the Plunjr App to solve your plumbing problem with a licensed professional plumber via a face-to-face video chat. Mention our secret word FLAPPER to get your first call for only $10.

In this episode, Stacy welcomes Architect Keith Stachowiak from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Three years ago, Keith and his wife Elisa bought a former funeral home to convert into their primary residence. Keith's story is the first of two spooky, fun October shows.

Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy admits her greatest fears about buying Blake Hill House.

In today's episode, Stacy is thrilled to welcome back Elizabeth Finkelstein from the wildly popular Instagram Account and recent HGTV and Discovery+ TV Series, Cheap Old Houses.

Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy and John discuss managing expectations with contractors.

On today's episode, Stacy enjoys a conversation with Greg, a fun-loving Brit best known as Man with a Hammer, on Instagram. 

Also, during listener Q&A, Stacy welcomes back John Rodgers. Stacy and John discuss ways to find a good contractor. 

In this episode, Steve Jordan, preservation specialist, author of The Window Sash Bible, and longtime contributing editor to Old House Journal, talks about a lifetime of work in the building trades and offers helpful do-it-yourself advice too. 

Also, Stacy and Christopher Hewitt share plumbing tips during listener Q&A.

In this episode, Stacy chats with Christopher Hewitt. Christopher started My Old House fix, a blog, website, and Facebook group to offer a place for old house owners to find the answers to their DIY questions and dilemmas.

Also, Stacy discusses spontaneous combustion and safety.

Stacy is away for the long holiday weekend. So, for today's episode, she's sharing previously recorded content that never aired, including more information about writing historic register nominations, the importance of documenting your projects with notes and photos, and what it's like to be a kid growing up in an old house. 

In this episode, Stacy chats with Amy, who now lives in Detroit, Michigan. Amy and her husband relocated to the US from Toronto, Canada, and she talks about the triumphs and hurdles of falling in love with an old house and pursuing homeownership in a new country. 

Also, during listener Q & A, Stacy and Alex discuss some different ways to acquire DIY skills.

For today's special field trip episode, Stacy travels to historic St. Joseph, Missouri, to visit John Rodgers of Phoenix Preservation. Stacy and John chat about his path to the trades, what he wishes old house owners would stop doing, and the special camaraderie within the old house community.

Also, Ashley Goldman and Stacy revisit a past listener question about simple and inexpensive ways to increase property value.

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel share spring updates, answer a fireplace Q&A, and chat with new innkeeper Rod Whale about embracing history, Acadian heritage, and the adventure of old house ownership at one of Canada's oldest inns.

Stacy and Daniel ease into the episode by chatting about the seasonal shift and sharing a few listener follow-ups from past episodes.

After that, they dive into a fireplace-themed question from Amanda, using their own real-life experiences to weigh the pros and cons of gas versus wood-burning setups—highlighting safety, maintenance, and what works best for different types of old houses.

Later in the episode, Stacy and Daniel chat with Rod Whale, the new owner of the Bailey House Inn in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Rod shares how he went from crunching numbers and restoring antiques to running one of the oldest inns in Canada. He talks about the building's condition and the rich local history that drew him in. Rod is incredibly passionate about honoring the Acadian story and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. As he prepares for his first full season, his excitement is contagious, and his love for the Bailey House and its place in the community is unmistakable.

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

• Early bird pricing for the Wood Window Workshops at Silver Lake ends April 15, 2025. Learn more and sign up.
• Ep 155: Built Different - The Printmaker's Inn
• Ep 99: Rebecca Hunter - Sears Kit Homes and Other Kit Houses
• Ep 156: The Never-Ending Staircase Project
• Lustron Home For Sale in Syracuse
• Learn more and book your stay at the Bailey House

One of the most popular old house questions is, "What color should I paint my house?" Kristine Teno from Teno Interiors is here with some tips and ideas for choosing an exterior paint color you'll love.

Also, Alex from Old Town Home is back to help answer a listener question about the first steps of project planning. 

In this episode, Stacy learns about Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest residential street, which is located in Philadelphia. She chats with Ted Maust, director of the Elfreth's Alley Museum, and long-time residents of the alley, Rob and Sue Kettell. 

Also, Bill from Enon Hall is back to help Stacy answer a listener question about adding modern amenities, such as kitchens and baths, into old houses. 

In this episode, Stacy chats with Karyn Norwood, an architectural historian and teacher. Karyn founded the popular Instagram account, What Style is That? an educational and fun side-project where she photographs, identifies, and labels the defining features of old American architecture. 

Also, Stacy and Ashley discuss when, and if it's ever ok to "fake" historic features using modern replacements.  

In this episode, Stacy asks Natalie Yon-Eriksson from Earth and Flax all the linseed oil paint questions she's been wondering about over the years. Is it easy to use? How is it made? What are the benefits and limitations of linseed oil paint? Natalie has the answers to all of those questions and plenty more.

Also, Stacy and Alex from Old Town Home discuss the best first project to tackle when you buy an old house. 

In this, the 50th episode, Stacy is on location visiting Robert Goller, historian for the town of Aurora and village of East Aurora, New York. Stacy and Robert discuss methods for researching the history of an old house and how local lore often becomes the last word even when the stories are incorrect. Additionally, Robert talks about the importance of documenting and sharing uncomfortable history with accuracy and sensitivity.

At the beginning of this episode, Stacy and Bill from Enon Hall discuss managing anxiety and old house ownership.

In this episode, Stacy welcomes back long-time friend of the show, Scott Sidler, from The Craftsman Blog. Stacy and Scott discuss the high-quality formulas hidden behind the paint store counter and best practices for a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Scott wraps up the show with info about his new self-paced window restoration course for DIYers.

Stacy and Lindsay from Blind Eye Restoration also discuss their favorite modern products compatible with old house projects. 

In this episode, Stacy and Bill from Enon Hall discuss momentum and maintaining enthusiasm for long-term projects.

Later, Stacy is on location at The Tool Library in Buffalo, New York. The city of Buffalo is comprised of around 90% old house inventory. Guests Darren and Maddie explain The Tool Library's origins and how the sharing economy benefits renters, homeowners, and communities. 

In this episode, Stacy and Ashley from The Gold Hive discuss oddball additions to historic structures. 

Later, Stacy welcomes Lindsay Jones from Blind Eye Restoration, a woman-owned architectural conservation company in Columbus, Ohio. Lindsay shares about preservation from a construction perspective.

In this first episode of Season five, Stacy is flying solo. Feeling lonely, she invites a past podcast guest to join her for listener Q&A.  

Later, she talks to Laine and Kevin Berry of Our Restoration Nation about their preservation projects and life post-Louise, the Big Little House in Louisville, Georgia.  

In Devyn's final episode as co-host, he and Stacy discuss their house goals for 2021. 

Later, they welcome Stephen and David St. Russel, owners of a Boston-area Victorian. Driven by boundless energy and curiosity, Stephen and David talk about adding character back to the shell of a house they bought, the One Room Challenge, and beekeeping. 

Will Stacy and Daniel ever stop talking about Frank Lloyd Wright? Yes, but not this week!

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel catch up after the Window Preservation Alliance conference and wade into the world of Usonian architecture through the story of the Gordon House—a modest, DIY-friendly home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Stacy recently visited the Gordon House in Silverton, Oregon, which sparked the conversation about Usonian design. The episode also takes a detour into Daniel's yard sale prep and the Goodwill treasures they found while thrifting in Scottsdale.

From radiant floors to hidden front doors, this episode is definitely the last time they talk about Frank Lloyd Wright (unless it isn't).

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

• Ball and Claw Antiques
• Grab a Ready-to-Ship True Tales From Old Houses t-shirt 
• Window Preservation Alliance and the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative
• Ep #51: Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth and Flax
• The Gordon House
• Oregon Garden
• Blog Post: Stacy's photos from The Gordon House, an authentic Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

In this episode, Stacy and Devyn discuss how they determine which work to DIY and which to hire out. Safety first!

Later, they welcome Karolyn Fuller, also known as Lady Dukart, on Instagram. As a child, Karolyn biked the backroads around her rural home, exploring abandoned old houses and daydreaming about restoring one of her own. Now, her dream has come true. Through her camera's lens, Karolyn sees beauty in the process, not just the glossy after photos.

show notes & transcripts

In this episode, Stacy and Devyn discuss their favorite features of their old houses. 

Later, they seek common ground with Ward Schraeder, co-host of HGTV's Bargain Mansions. Can they find it? Will you? 

show notes & transcripts

In this episode, Stacy and Devyn discuss building products and techniques they'd bring back to the mainstream as well as modern construction materials they happily use instead.

Later, they welcome Richard Cann from the UK. Richard rescues stained glass windows from the dump and sells them as art pieces. He offers insight into salvaging stained glass from British houses and discusses the modern beliefs that lead people to replace British history with "plastic toy windows." 

At the end of the show, Devyn makes a big announcement.

Big news! Today kicks off the fall fundraising merchandise event. True Tales From Old Houses, tees, and hoodies are available for a limited time. Visit TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com for purchase information as well as show notes and transcripts from this episode.

In this episode, Devyn and Stacy revisit past projects to report on how they've held up over the years. 

Later, Stacy finally shares the experience that converted her from a total skeptic to "maybe sort of a believer, but let's not talk about it too much." Also, Devyn and Stacy welcome Chelsey and Susan to tell their own stories of the unexplainable.

In this episode, Stacy and Devyn talk about their favorite DIY tasks related to old houses. 

Later, guest John Harrington kicks off the October ghost story series. His story is a tale of items lost and then found in the most serendipitous ways. 

For more information and transcripts, visit the show notes on TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com.

In this episode, Devyn and Stacy talk about how their families feel about their dedication to old houses. 

Later, they welcome Bill Chapman. Known as the "Granddaddy of the house blog movement," Bill and his wife Gay have been restoring and rehabbing Enon Hall for over 20 years! 

This episode is part two of two, and today's focus is on Bill's favorite projects and burnout.

In this episode, Devyn and Stacy offer advice to a listener about her window restoration dilemma. 

Later, they welcome Bill Chapman. Known as the "Granddaddy of the house blog movement," Bill and his wife Gay have been restoring and rehabbing Enon Hall for over 20 years! Bill's story is one of trust and vision. Although we cannot change history, we can shape the future. 

Today's episode is part one of two.

Stacy is on vacation. So, this week's episode includes bonus content plus an "Everyone Loves Cheap Old Houses and Elizabeth Finkelstein," reprise.

What the heck is a rathskeller? Fan favorites, Alicia and Zach, from episode #35, share a fun story about this very German and Milwaukee-specific room. 

Episode #11: Everyone Loves Cheap Old Houses and Elizabeth Finkelstein first aired July 15, 2019. Today's version has been re-engineered. 

show notes & transcripts

In this episode, Stacy and Devyn talk about what they wish they'd known before they bought their old houses. They also offer practical advice to house hunters. 

Later, Stacy talks to Lee Ann, lover of all things Victorian and flow blue pottery. A wealth of knowledge about flow blue, Lee Ann explains the origin of the style, learning how to spot fakes, and some resources and tips for starting a collection. 

show notes & transcripts 

In this episode, Stacy briefly discusses the basics of homeowner's insurance as it relates to old houses. Riveting!

Later, Stacy and Devyn welcome guests, Alicia & Zach. After Zach found the blueprints of their old house tucked away in a built-in cupboard, the pair went down a rabbit hole of serious research. As we listened to their story, we couldn't help but wonder what we, as old house owners, should be leaving behind for future generations.

show notes & transcripts

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright's winter hideaway and experimental desert lab in the Arizona desert. They swap stories from their trip, including nighttime escapades under the stars, a gift shop that seriously impressed, and a rare peek inside the archives, where Asian art and architectural treasures are waiting to be discovered. They also dive into the quirky, communal lifestyle Wright fostered at Taliesin West and share how visitors today can still experience its one-of-a-kind charm.

Later, Daniel and Stacy sit down with Fred Prozzillo, the Nord McClintock Family VP of preservation and collections. Fred has a special connection to Taliesin West as a former architecture fellow. Fred offers an insider's perspective on what it was really like to live and work on-site and discusses the complexities of preserving a place that may not have been built to last. Together, they explore why Frank Lloyd Wright's daring designs and unconventional ideas continue to captivate architects, historians, and old house enthusiasts worldwide.

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

• Buy the book - The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows by Stacy Grinsfelder and Scott Sidler
• Learn more about the Wood Window Workshop at Silver Lake (July 2025)
• Taliesin West Photo Scrapbook: Behind-the-scenes photos
• Ep 140: Behind the Scenes at Taliesin West (Pat Evans) 
• Book: The Fellowship: The Untold Story of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Fellowship by Friedman and Zellman
• Book: Tales of Taliesin by Cornelia Brierly
• Fred Prozzillo 
• Unesco World Heritage Sites

In this episode, Devyn and Stacy, who both live in the Eastern US, answer the question, "If you moved to the west coast, would you still seek out an old house?" 

Later, Devyn and Stacy enjoy a conversation with the always lively and endearing, Daniel Kanter. The interview ranging from hilarious to serious, discusses topics such as the highs and lows of DIY, the sometimes caustic comments from invested readers, and the zen of folding your underwear into tiny little pastry shapes.

Show Notes & Transcripts

Welcome to Season Four of True Tales From Old Houses!

In this episode, Stacy and Devyn answer the listener question, "How much hands-on work do you do?"

Today's guest is Alex Santantonio from the popular blog and Instagram account, Old Town Home. In 2003, Alex and Wendy bought a row house in Old Town Alexandria, and they've had a love affair with restoration and DIY ever since. With seventeen years of old house experience under his belt, Alex is well-acquainted with success, catastrophe, and the myth of the eight-week project.

Show Notes & Transcripts

In today's episode, Stacy and Devyn answer a listener's question about design regrets. 

Also, what protections and benefits, if any, do national, state, and local historic designations offer for your old house? We asked preservation professional, Melissa Mortimer, to give us some answers. 

Show Notes & Transcripts