Tyler Bouldin: The Forge House

I'm writing this caption from the bottom of the well, please send snacks. But seriously, what do we do with this thing? #theforgehouse #ouroldhouse #metaldetecting #pa #oldwell #oldhouse #oldhouselove #demolition #historicalhouse #restoration

Fun fact: if you have a 4 year old, a project like this will guarantee 8 hours of rapt attention. Can't wait to hear what a bad decision you think this is! #poolcleaning #poolopening #poolremoval #custompool #theforgehouse #ouroldhouse #stonehouse #excavator #equipmentoperator #renovation #beforeandafter #pa

A lot of you were concerned about the pool not having a fence in our last video — and we totally get it. What we didn’t show was that we did have a removable fence in place before the renovation started. And we used our Smart Fold from Carry-On Trailer to help haul it away when it’s not needed. Safety is always a priority over here. 🖤 #PoolRenovation #BackyardMakeover #SafetyFirst #RemovablePoolFence #DesignWithKidsInMind #BeforeAndAfter #MoodyTraditional #HomeProjects #DIYBackyard #pooldesign #theforgehouse #carryontrailer #foldabletrailer #trailer #pa #ouroldhouse #renovation #DIY #Home #remodel #fence @Carry-On Trailer

These walls have seen some things… and by “things” I mean probably snakes, mice, and whatever else crawled in when no one was looking. 🐍🕷️ But fear not we’re giving The Forge Cottage a serious glow-up from the outside in. We’re talking full waterproofing and replacing every crumbly bit of mortar that’s basically held together by hopes and dreams. This is Part 1 of the process, and trust me, it gets messier before it gets better. 💬 What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever discovered during a home project? #theforgehouse #theforgecottage #OldHouseProblems #HistoricHomeRenovation #CrumblingButCute #WaterproofingAdventure #DIYGoneWild #HomeRepairHumor #FixerUpperLife #StoneWallSaga #MortarMakeover #OldHouseChronicles #BehindTheWalls #RenovationReality #pa #oldhouse #ouroldhouse #DIY #Home #beforeandafter #remodel #mortar #repointing #stone #stonehouse #history #historic

The amount of materials used to build something like this absolutely blows my mind! I did actually consider dropping a shipping container into it and turning it back into an underground structure, but ultimately chickened out. This has been one of the messiest projects we've done, but these guys did an awesome job. Up next: raised garden beds, a greenhouse, and a chicken coop! #greenhouse #chickencoop #raisedgardenbeds #containergarden #ingroundpoolremoval #oldhouse #ouroldhouse #theforgehouse #pa #pennsylvania

Watch us uncover a hidden fireplace in our parents home 🔥 This house has been through a lot once a duplex, then damaged by fire, and later converted into a single-family home. Somewhere along the way, this stunning stone fireplace was covered up to make space for a fridge. We knew it deserved a second chance. Now it’s on its way to becoming the centerpiece of the kitchen and living room—exactly where it belongs. Hope you agree it was so worth it 🙌 #FireplaceRestoration #HiddenDetails #HomeReno #BeforeAndAfter #KitchenInspo #HistoricHomes #StoneFireplace #InteriorDesign #RestorationProject #DIYRenovation #DesignReveal #HomeMakeover #FamilyHomeReno #oldhouselove #theforgehouse #pa #ouroldhouse #oldhouse #DIY #renovation #remodel #interiordesign #Home

We have some big news! It’s been so hard not to ruin the surprise over the last few weeks. People say you turn into your parents as you age…we’re doing this backwards! My parents are the proud owner of The Forge Cottage, an 1830s stone cottage right next to our house. It was built to house the families who worked at the iron forge our property is named after, but was subdivided from the property decades ago. We are quite excited to save more local history, and thrilled to have family so close by! My parents have been renovating homes for 30+ years, and I can’t wait to share more of what they have planned. Stay tuned for daily updates, and thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts to save these historic homes. We hope you’ve enjoyed our work as much as we’ve enjoyed sharing it! #theforgehouse #theforge #pa #ouroldhouse #oldhouse #renovation #DIY #Home #home #remodel #interiordesign #beforeandafter #interior #interiordesigninspiration #oldhouselove #historic #history #homestyle #homeliving #stonehouse #stone #reno

#ad Weve had things taken from our house (including gutters literally on the house) so every year we try to get more secure! It’s hard to get coverage in areas without power or WiFi coverage, and these eufy SoloCam E30 solar power cameras really made that problem go away! I’m a big fan of my @eufy US cameras for all the reasons I mentioned, and I hope this is helpful info if you have a rural property like we do! @eufy Security #eufysecurity #eufysolar #cameras #SoloCamE30 #theforgehouse #securitycamera

One of the main questions we got was: How did you know it was time to re-point the stone cottage? There were cracks in the mortar, spots where it was crumbling or missing altogether, and areas where water was starting to sneak in. That’s when we knew it was time to act. There’s something really satisfying about giving old stone a second life. We’ve been carefully removing the damaged mortar and hand-shaping every new joint to bring this wall back to life slow, detailed work, but so worth it. Appreciating every crack, every layer, every bit of history in these walls. #StoneRestoration #OldHomeCharm #Repointing #HistoricHomeLove #beforeandafter #theforgehouse #repointing #repointingstone #stones #stone #mortar #mason #stonemason #pa #ouroldhouse #renovation #DIY #Home #remodel #theforgecottage #facts #buildingmaterials #homedetails #historic #reno

Goodbye to the infamous Pittsburgh Toilet 🚽. This quirky basement fixture had to go after we discovered serious water damage, tree roots in the wall (!!), and a whole lot of mold. 😬 We’re reworking this space into a functional utility room plus a half bath. Goodbye damp + roots, hello practical + clean. Who else has one of these iconic basement thrones? 👀 #theforgehouse #pa #oldhouse #renovation #DIY

Let's s step back in time 🕰️ I found this old photo of our stairs, and it gives such a cool glimpse into what the original layout looked like. Let’s walk through it together—starting from the left: 👀 That door under the stairwell? It used to be an exterior door that led straight to the backyard. 🪞Above it, where we now have the mirror on the landing, there was once a window that brought in beautiful light—but we had to remove it due to water damage when we enclosed the deck to make our closet. 🚪At the very top of the stairs, you’ll notice there is no door. That’s because this photo was taken before the addition was built—what is now our primary bedroom (and the den below). 🧱And on the far right, see that wall? It once separated the stairwell and entry from the living room and kitchen. Everything has been opened up, but fun fact: the current pony wall sits exactly where that original dividing wall was. A few details I’m obsessed with: the carpet runner (so classic) and those brass stair rods 😍—wish they were still here when we bought the house! Now tell me… should I bring in striped wallpaper? Because I’m very tempted 👀 #BeforeAndAfter #StaircaseTransformation #OldHouseCharm #HistoricHomes #InteriorInspo #theforgehouse #theforge #oldphoto #stairs #stairdesign #interior #interiordesign #Home #homestyle #homedetails #oldhouses #pa #oldhouselove

Not all renovation projects are pretty and a lot of the most important ones go unseen. We’re digging a 12-foot trench around the perimeter of the Forge Cottage to waterproof the exterior stone wall that’s been buried underground for years. Decades of water damage led us here, and this is just the first step in mitigation. The work isn’t glamorous, but it’s absolutely necessary. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #Waterproofing #OldHouseLove #RestorationProject #BeforeAndAfter #ExteriorRenovation #TrenchWork #CottageRestoration #StoneWall #FixerUpper #RenovationReality #BehindTheBuild

#ad All of our flower beds are full of pumpkins! Apparently our four year old planted them as a surprise for mom. Of course they're the only plant thriving in this heat. Lauren is also thriving, but its because she stole the @SKIL POWER TOOLS misting fan to stay cool. #skil #skilsaw #mistingfan #heatwave #pa #gardening #parenting #theforgehouse

When we bought the Forge Cottage, we had no idea this beautiful double-sided stone fireplace was hiding behind the walls. 🔥 What looked like a standard wall separating the kitchen and living room actually held something so much better. A forgotten piece of the home’s original character. This little nook in the kitchen (where the fridge used to be) turned out to be the back side of the living room fireplace. We knew we had to uncover it and let it shine. The stone was dry-stacked and unstable, so we carefully repointed it with fresh mortar not just to make it structurally sound, but to turn it into the statement piece it was always meant to be. It’s now one of our favorite details in the entire house. When the house burnt down in the 1900s the stone walls and this fireplace were the only things that remained. ✨ Would you have uncovered it… or left it hidden? #theforgehouse #renovation #forgedetails #interiordesign #stone

We made a BIG announcement yesterday… Tyler’s parents bought the stone house right next door! 🏡💫 We are beyond excited to welcome them to the neighborhood — and to have a new renovation project to share with you! We are calling this home The Forge Cottage. A little backstory on this beauty: the home was built around the same time as ours (1830s) but we do not know the exact date and was originally part of the same property. Like our house, it was part of the Swatara Furnace community — these homes were typically reserved for “higher ups” in the furnace operations. Originally constructed as a double house in 1932, it later suffered a devastating stove fire that left only the four stone walls standing. Mr. Boyer rebuilt it shortly after as a single-family home. The house sat vacant for nearly five years before Tyler’s parents purchased it, and now it’s ready for some serious love — water-damaged windows, full exterior stone repointing, new kitchen, bathroom, flooring… the list is long, but the potential is huge. I wanted to share a few photos of what it looks like now. It has some really special features: a three-sided fireplace, beautiful exposed beams (you can see the second floor floors from below!), copper-plated door plates, and one of the most unique things — the second story opens right out to the backyard, ground level. The home actually backs up to the mountainside, making it feel incredibly tucked-in and cozy. 🌲🏠 We’ll be sharing their renovation journey right here, and we can’t wait to bring you along! #theforgehouse #StoneHouseRestoration #SwataraFurnace #HistoricHomeRenovation #BeforeAndAfter #familynextdoor #stonehome #stone #rénovation #reno #remodel #history #homehistory #pa #interior #interiors #interiordesign #oldhouse #oldhome #historic

This old house leaks like a sieve 🏚️ Phase 1 of waterproofing was re-pointing the entire townhouse exterior – almost complete. Phase 2 - Installing a French drain system around the entire perimeter. With underground springs and a high water table, we’re taking every precaution to keep water away from the stone foundation. Follow along to see how we tackle it step by step. What’s the biggest waterproofing challenge you’ve faced? #theforgehouse #drain #renovation #renovationproject #DIY

The Forge Cottage: 1830 bones, 1930 scars, and a whole lot of potential. 🖤 Once part of an iron furnace community, this cottage housed upper-level workers and withstood a massive fire in the 1930s that transformed it from a duplex into the single home it is today. Now owned by my in-laws, it’s full of character. From the original stone walls to the surprisingly spacious attic rebuilt to support a slate roof. But there’s still work ahead: waterproofing the foundation, sealing the stone, restoring floors, peeling back layers of old wallpaper, reworking the layout, and maybe even adding central AC. This tour captures it all past, present, and if you follow along you'll be a part of this renovation journey! Let's dive in. #ForgeCottage #HistoricHomeTour #RenovationPlans #1830sHome #BeforeAndAfter #StoneCottage #HomeRestoration #OldHomeLove #theforgehouse #theforge #pa #ouroldhouse #oldhouse #renovation #DIY #Home #remodel #interiordesign #interiors #interiordesigninspiration #removal #remodel #homereno #homedesign #homestyle #homeliving #history #historic

First interior project at the Forge Cottage: we’re taking down the little wall between the kitchen and living room to expose the original stone fireplace on both sides 🔨🪨 When this cottage was first built, it was actually a duplex. Meaning this fireplace was double-sided and used by both units. Where the fridge sits now is actually the inside of the other fireplace 😮 Can’t wait to peel back the layers and bring this history back to life! Do you think it's worth all the effort to expose the stone walls? #theforgehouse #ForgeCottage #BeforeAndAfter #HistoricHomeRenovation #StoneFireplace #KitchenDemo #cottagerestoration #renovation #reno #removal #remodel #oldhome #history #stone #stonewall #pa #theforgehouse #oldhouse #DIY #Home #interiordesign #interior #homedesigns

We renovated five bathrooms and not a single one looks the same. Each space has its own style, layout, and design story, and over the next few weeks, I’ll be walking you through every single one in a new series! 👇 We’ll cover: → What we picked (and why) → Tile, fixture, and layout decisions → Functional upgrades that truly matter → And a few splurges we definitely don’t regret ✨ → Plus, the mistakes we made along the way. What I’d do again… and what I maybe wouldn’t 😉 The styling in each bathroom isn’t fully finished just yet we still need art, shelving, and a few final touches but we’ll be working through that part together as we go! I can’t wait to show you how each one came together but you get to decide where we start! 💬 Which bathroom do you want to see first? Guest (Floral wallpaper), Kids (Black & white), Powder (brown moulding), Primary (sunken tub), or Third Floor f(marble walls) bathroom? Comment below and let’s kick it off with the most requested one! #bathroomrenovation #bathroom #designseries #interiordesign #Home

Let’s take a closer look 🛏️✨ From the moment we bought this house, we knew we wanted to have guest bedrooms for visiting family and friends. We’re lucky this space allowed us to create two bedrooms and a shared bathroom and today we’re taking a closer look at one of them. This room was bright yellow trim and all. Not exactly my color scheme of choice, but I’m sure the previous owners had a vision. Compared to other rooms in the house, this one didn’t need a total overhaul, but we still made a few important upgrades. We added a ceiling fan, an outlet, a closet with a pocket door, crown molding, refinished the floors, and gave it a fresh coat of paint. The finishing touches are what made it feel like home: vintage furniture (a mix of thrifted finds and hand-me-downs), pretty curtains, and little details like porcelain knobs on the windowsills. Is it perfect? Not yet. That chair isn’t really my style and will eventually get swapped out, different/more artwork, etc but for now, it does the job. Overall, I think it’s a pretty cozy space for our guests to land. 💤 Moulding: @ekenamillwork (amazing products!) Paint Color: @magnolia home Emmie's Room (JG-13) #guestroomgoals #beforeandafter #oldhouserenovation #historiccharm #moodyinteriors #traditionalstyle #renovationjourney #homewithhistory #vintagevibes #thriftedfurniture #interiorinspo #cozyspaces #pocketdoor #crownmolding #restorednotremodeled #guestbedroomdecor #porcelainknobs #oldhouselove #pa #oldhouse #ouroldhouse #renovation #DIY #Home #beforeandafter #moulding