The Percy Grainger Home & Studio is both a historic house and a place of interpretation, memory, and scholarship. We are continually working to preserve it.
The Society’s first Strategic Plan (2016) provided a road map for prioritizing long-delayed maintenance and updating of basic systems. A new HVAC system provided air conditioning for the first time, and plumbing repairs included a new main water line. Interior renovations have been completed for the repair of walls and ceilings on the entire1st floor including the 1920’s kitchen, complete with the green and white porcelain enamel stove. Past projects were funded through royalties from Grainger’s compositions, generous donations and legacies, and grants.
The goal of our current restoration project (NYSCA Capital Projects Grant 2025) is to secure the exterior envelope by addressing the problems causing deterioration. The main objective is correcting gutters and drainage as water is causing damage to the exterior woodwork, cedar shingles, and foundation.
Peeling paint in the upstairs bedroom was evidence that moisture was getting into the house. The initial photos below detail the steps taken to determine the problem and the needed replacement of deteriorated step flashing.
As the preservation work on the historic house proceeds, we will continue to update this page with photographs and information about our preservation efforts.
Grant total: $88,000
This exterior restoration project addresses the most immediate needs to prolong the life of the building
Main priorities: Roof and facade protection, drainage, carpentry repair, masonry repair, porch stabilization
Project status: In progress
Exterior painting of woodwork and staining of cedar shingles
Interior restoration of 2nd floor: Percy’s bedroom, Rose and Ella’s rooms, the guest room, bathroom, and hall