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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks [https://noonancraftworks.com/truetales] - 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 [https://amzn.to/4kbEc0P]
 * Rub n Buff Metallic Wax Finish [https://amzn.to/4dgj5Z2]

167: Progress, Priorities, and Other Wins

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course [https://thewindowcourse.com] 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 [https://www.repaintstudios.com] 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 [https://www.oldhousehub.com] - 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 [https://www.blakehillhouse.com/window-restoration-workshops] - Don't miss out! There are only three spots left.
 * Ruby Space Triangles [https://amzn.to/4iGFGPy] closet space savers
 * Bonus Episode: Post-War Housing Solutions and Levittown [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/bonus-post-war-housing-solutions-and-levittown]
 * Minisode: More About Lustron Homes and an Emotional Landback Story [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/more-about-lustron-homes-and-an-emotional-land-bank-story]
 * National Lustron Map [https://lustronresearch.com/lustron-national-map] - Find and Research Lustron Homes

166: Lustron House Love

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks [https://noonancraftworks.com/truetales] - 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.

165: Two Deadlines and a Baby

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course [https://thewindowcourse.com] 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 [https://www.repaintstudios.com] 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 [https://www.oldhousehub.com] - 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. [https://www.blakehillhouse.com/window-restoration-workshops/]
 * Spotify Playlist: Frank Lloyd Wright's Record Collection [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6UshRb2Gvap93B624KFATz?si=BMAnz7hHRaCG3Tk8XcrI4w&nd=1&dlsi=ba33bc7e9c49485c]
 * Episode #51 [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/demystifying-linseed-oil-paint-with-natalie-from-earth-and-flax]: Desmystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth + Flax
 * Blog Article: Spontaneous Combustion Safety and DIY [https://www.blakehillhouse.com/spontaneous-combustion-safety-and-diy] 
 * Brouns & Co (North America) website [https://linseedoilpaint.com] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/linseedoilpaint]
 * Brouns & Co (UK) website [https://linseedpaint.com] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/linseedpaint]

164: Demystifying Linseed Paint (Again!)

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks [https://noonancraftworks.com/truetales] - 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.

163: The Weight of Goodbye and What Comes Next

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course [https://thewindowcourse.com] 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 [https://www.repaintstudios.com] 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 [https://www.oldhousehub.com] - 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 [https://www.blakehillhouse.com/window-restoration-workshops].
 * Ep 155: Built Different - The Printmaker's Inn [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/155-built-different-the-printmakers-inn]
 * Ep 99: Rebecca Hunter - Sears Kit Homes and Other Kit Houses [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/rebecca-hunter-sears-homes-and-other-kit-houses]
 * Ep 156: The Never-Ending Staircase Project [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/156-the-never-ending-staircase-project]
 * Lustron Home For Sale in Syracuse [https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/121-Manor-Dr-De-Witt-NY-13214/31667905_zpid]
 * Learn more and book your stay at the Bailey House [https://baileyhouse.ca]

162: From Spreadsheets to Bed Sheets - An Innkeeper's Tale

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks [https://noonancraftworks.com/truetales] - 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 [https://www.ballandclawhv.com]
 * Grab a Ready-to-Ship True Tales From Old Houses t-shirt  [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/blog/ready-to-ship-t-shirts]
 * Window Preservation Alliance [https://www.windowpreservationalliance.org] and the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative [https://windowstandards.org]
 * Ep #51: Demystifying Linseed Oil Paint with Natalie from Earth and Flax [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/demystifying-linseed-oil-paint-with-natalie-from-earth-and-flax]
 * The Gordon House [https://www.thegordonhouse.org]
 * Oregon Garden [https://oregongarden.org]
 * Blog Post: Stacy's photos from The Gordon House [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/blog/frank-lloyd-wrights-gordon-house], an authentic Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

161: Help! We Can't Stop Talking About Frank Lloyd Wright

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course [https://thewindowcourse.com] 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 [https://www.repaintstudios.com] 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 [https://www.oldhousehub.com] - 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 [https://thecraftsmanstore.com/product/the-case-for-historic-windows] - 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 [https://www.blakehillhouse.com/window-restoration-workshops] (July 2025)
 * Taliesin West Photo Scrapbook: [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/blog/taliesin-west-photo-scrapbook] Behind-the-scenes photos
 * Ep 140: Behind the Scenes at Taliesin West [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/140-behind-the-scenes-at-taliesin-west-and-the-impact-of-ivy-on-old-houses] (Pat Evans) 
 * Book: The Fellowship: The Untold Story of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Taliesin Fellowship [https://amzn.to/41SbcUn] by Friedman and Zellman
 * Book: Tales of Taliesin [https://amzn.to/4hxmiEd] by Cornelia Brierly

160: Wright in the Desert Part II - Taliesin West

Ever wondered what it's like to spend the night at Frank Lloyd Wright's desert hideaway? This week, Stacy and Daniel are on location at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

They share stories from their stay in the historic apprentice apartments and offer a behind-the-scenes tour of Wright's iconic desert retreat. From the rugged charm of desert masonry to the surprising quirks and organic flow of the campus, Stacy and Daniel reflect on what life might have been like when Wright and his third wife, Olgivanna, called Taliesin West home.

Be sure to check out the companion blog post for photos from this memorable field trip.

Today's episode is part one of a two-part series recorded on location. Don't miss out—subscribe to True Tales From Old Houses and catch part two next week!

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks [https://noonancraftworks.com/truetales] - 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

 * Taliesin West [https://franklloydwright.org/taliesin-west] - Scottsdale, Arizona
 * Cornelia Brierly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Brierly] - The first female fellow of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West
 * John Rattenbury [https://franklloydwright.org/johnrattenbury] - Frank Lloyd Wright Apprentice
 * Arizona Biltmore  [https://www.arizonabiltmore.com]

 

159: Wright in the Desert - Taliesin West

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, host Stacy Grinsfelder highlights the powerful work of the Descendants Project, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the heritage and environment of the Black descendant community in Louisiana's river parishes. Through grassroots activism and historic preservation, the organization works to protect their ancestral land and challenge the environmental injustices that threaten their community.

Later in the episode, Stacy revisits a 2020 interview with Bill Chapman. Bill is on a deeply personal journey to uncover the names of enslaved individuals connected to his family's historic property, Enon Hall. By giving them back their names, he seeks to honor their memory and acknowledge their humanity. 

This special episode of True Tales From Old Houses is part of Podcasthon, a collaborative effort bringing together podcasters to highlight nonprofits and charitable causes. Learn more at Podcasthon.org [https://www.podcasthon.org].

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 [https://www.sutherlandwelles.com] - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

The Window Course [https://thewindowcourse.com] 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 [https://www.repaintstudios.com] 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 [https://www.oldhousehub.com] - 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

 * Podcasthon.org [https://www.podcasthon.org]
 * The Descendant's Project (website [https://www.thedescendantsproject.org]) (Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thedescendantsproject])
 * The Descendant's Project (in the news [https://www.thedescendantsproject.org/in-the-news])
 * The Descendant's Project NPR [https://www.wcbe.org/npr-news/2024-07-09/louisiana-plantation-where-historic-slave-revolt-started-now-under-black-ownership]
 * The Descendant's Project Good Morning America [https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/twin-sisters-buy-former-plantation-preserve-protect-black/story?id=109341308]
 * Ep #39: Enon Hall Part II [https://www.truetalesfromoldhouses.com/enon-hall-in-it-for-the-long-haul-part-ii/]
 * Enon Hall (Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/enonhall/])

158: The Descendant's Project + Enon Hall

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 bi-weekly, host Stacy Grinsfelder shares personal project updates, listener Q & A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.

Stacy Grinsfelder

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