Ben and Erin pose for a pic with new homeowners Will and Courtney Edwards on their newly renovated porch. Courtney and Will were looking for a house in the town's historic district, and one that was rich in character and small-town charm. Will likes vintage features like tall ceilings and beadboard, and hopes to have a masculine den he can call his own. Courtney is drawn to homes with ornamental flair and "a little bit of fancy." Their all-in budget is $200,000.

The Pickering House was built in 1910, is 3350 square feet and comes with five bedrooms and three baths. One of its unusual features is an isolated room at the back of the house with a separate second-floor entrance. During World War II, the house had served partially as a boarding house for soldiers returning home. Boarders could come and go from the separate quarters via the rear entrance. "It's so grand," said Courtney, "but it's been let go. It just looks kind of unkempt."

New porch railing, contrasting shutters and trim and a front door restored to its original wood finish help redefine the front of the home.

Though the walls had been painted an unfortunate shade of pink and the window treatments were dated, the home's entry and living room offered historic appeal with high ceilings, substantial molding, pocket doors and original hardwood floors that were in good shape.