Few could see the potential beneath the peeling paint of a gutted Victorian. But this Iowa couple bought the wreck for $1, moved it to save it from demolition, and rebuilt it using a creative mix of new products and salvaged materials.

Former Country Home Copy Editor Jen Irsfeld James and her husband, Larry, began work saving a historic 1880s Victorian house in Des Moines, Iowa, that was threatened with demolition. In July 2001, they moved it a few blocks away and began restoring the structure that had been virtually gutted (even the floor boards were gone). Jen and Larry are passionate about historic preservation but had to rebuild the house to new construction standards per city codes. In restoring the house, they combined the best of modern building systems, materials, and fixtures with as much architectural salvage as possible. With loving attention to detail, they have breathed new life into their home. Here Jen describes features in her home and gives advice for others interested in tackling a home restoration.