A Haunted Victorian Transformed: Jess Cooney's Berkshire Home
Jess Cooney's 6,000-square-foot Victorian residence in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, has a story as rich as its architectural details. Her connection to the home began over two decades ago when she and her husband, Joe, moved into an adjacent carriage house and formed a deep bond with the then-90-year-old owner of the main house, Norma. Norma, who had resided in the Shingle-style Victorian since the 1950s, often expressed her wish for Cooney to care for the house after her passing. Upon Norma's move to a nursing home, the grand nine-bedroom Victorian, built in the 1870s by inventor William Stanley, faced an uncertain future, burdened by years of neglect including a leaky attic, sagging ceilings, and smoke-stained wallpaper. Despite its deteriorated state, Cooney recognized the home's inherent charm and potential, eventually acquiring it through foreclosure at a significantly reduced price after an initial failed sale to another buyer.
With the house now her own, Cooney embarked on a comprehensive, two-stage renovation to breathe new life into the historic structure. The initial phase focused on essential structural and functional upgrades, ensuring the home was livable for her growing family. This included modernizing plumbing and electrical systems, and creating a functional kitchen space that, while not adhering to a strict historical footprint, laid the groundwork for future enhancements. More than a decade later, with her children older and a more substantial budget available, Cooney initiated the second phase of renovation, shifting her focus to refined interior design. This stage saw the original formal dining room transformed into a light-filled, contemporary kitchen, strategically relocated to optimize natural light. The renovation thoughtfully blended the home's original architectural elements, such as moldings, with modern design choices like sleek walnut cabinetry and concealed appliances.
Cooney’s design philosophy, which she describes as being a “marriage counselor” between a house and its inhabitants, guided her in adapting each space to meet contemporary needs while preserving its unique character. The former kitchen became a cozy den, and a walk-in pantry was re-envisioned as a games area. The mahogany music room was enhanced with shimmering gold wallpaper, giving it a jewel-box feel, and the nine bedrooms were reconfigured into six, including an expanded primary suite. Even the once-leaky attic, rebuilt and transformed, became a whimsical retreat, reminiscent of Wes Anderson's cinematic aesthetic. The home, now vibrant and inviting, thrives on social gatherings, hosting numerous parties and family events. Cooney acknowledges the house's lively spirit, including the presence of benevolent 'ghosts,' particularly Norma's, which she views not as a haunting, but as a comforting reminder of the many lives the house has embraced and continues to welcome.
This thoughtful restoration exemplifies how preserving historical structures can create living spaces that are both deeply personal and functionally modern. It demonstrates that with vision and dedication, even aging properties can be revitalized to serve new generations, fostering a sense of continuity and creating cherished memories within their walls. Such endeavors highlight the beauty of blending old and new, ensuring that homes remain dynamic characters in the unfolding stories of their inhabitants.