They put their heart and soul into it, and it shows," says new homeowner Linda Carson. "It shows in the soul of the house." That's how one of Ben and Erin's clients described the finished home in this Home Town project. The house started out with little in the way of personality or substance and ended up as one of the most distinctive and transformative makeovers that Ben and Erin have pulled off thus far. The kitchen alone is one that Erin admits is her absolute favorite.

Scott and Linda Carson are newcomers to town, and ones with eclectic and discerning tastes. Attribute that, in part, to the fact that the couple has lived in cities all over the US —as well as locations throughout Europe that would make the most avid globetrotter envious — in Italy, France, Germany and Belgium. 

Scott is a retired serviceman who served as an Army chaplain for 30 years. He and Linda have seen the world, but have lived most recently in Huntsville, Alabama. They're eager to settle into quite small-town life. "We're looking to downsize from what we have right now. I just want a comfortable atmosphere, just something that fits our personality," said Linda. " I would love a French country kitchen that would give me the atmosphere of being in Europe again."

Following their usual protocol, after getting a feel for the preferences and tastes of their clients, Ben and Erin embark on a search for prospective homes and, based on a combination of objective criteria and pure instinct, narrow the possibilities down to a couple of prime candidates.  "The Jones House", built in 1900, comes with three bedrooms, 2160 square feet, a welcoming front porch and some interesting historic details, including pocket doors, transoms and a fireplace with tiger-oak mantel. Erin confesses that it's always been one of her favorite old houses in town. "The Cater House" has a cottagey Cape Cod feel but a notably lackluster exterior and a very small kitchen.

Once the decision is made, the renovation gets underway and work begins on a significant reworking of the exterior as well as assessing structural support in hopes of removing a wall to expand the existing kitchen. In fact, the bulk of the money and effort in this renovation went into completely re-imagining and reinventing a formerly bland a sad kitchen. The new kitchen, with its warm and homey vibe, is anything but sad.

Highlights include a custom built bakery table for use as a center island and prep space. Ben fashioned the sturdy table from heavy white oak to withstand heavy kitchen use and to last for generations. Other standout features include a coffered ceiling with reclaimed wood beams made from lumber that's possibly more than three centuries old. Patterned tile backsplash helps complete a look that blends classic and contemporary elements for a warm and European provincial feel.

In addition to new recessed lighting in the kitchen, Erin created a custom pendant basket-light using a basket she found at a salvage shop.

Exterior embellishments include an arched portico with a rolled copper roof and side trellises. The arch mimics an existing fan-shaped architectural accent above the original door. Other outdoor highlights include new shutters painted in soft gray and window boxes in natural wood finish.

New episodes of Home Town air Tuesday nights at 10p|9c. Be sure to check back here to see the full gallery of this makeover, additional web-exclusive videos and more.