Wood flooring contractor Michael Purser loves working in old homes-really old homes, to be more precise. On his résumé are jobs restoring wood floors in James Madison's Montpelier, as well as floors in a 170-year-old plantation with slave quarters. Recently, one of Purser's latest projects-restoring wood floors in am early 1800s home in the Old Town district of Alexandria, Va.-was featured in the real estate section of The Washington Post.
Purser, owner at Rosebud Co. (Atlanta), told Hardwood Floors that the oldest portion of this home-a two-story portion in the back-was built in 1815. Then in 1856 the three-story front part was added. All of the home's wood floors, except for one in the kitchen, are original. "The floors in the home are stunning with their intricate patterns and variety of woods. The parquet floors in the double parlor are a mix of oak, walnut and mahogany," The Washington Post wrote.
The wood floor in the library has a recessed portion in the middle intended for a carpet pad and carpeting. In the kitchen is a reclaimed antique heart pine floor.
To complete the work, Purser used his own Passive Refinishing process. Developed in 1990 by Purser, the technique does not incorporate any aggressive sanding. To complete the work, Purser applied an oil finish on the floors.
The home, which is on the market for $3.45 million, features a plethora of other original components, including marble fireplace mantles, decorative molding and gasoliers. In the yard stands a 225-year-old magnolia tree.
For more on Purser's restoration techniques, see this 2010 article he wrote for Hardwood Floors. Following are photos Purser took before work started at the home.
And here are a few photos Purser snapped while work was ongoing.
For even more photos of the home, see The Washington Post.
