Modular Mountain Retreat Project

Adapting New Technology to Historic Properties Video

Bob Berle shows Bob Vila the bowels of the home and points out the decay that was prevalent but currently under repair. The 35,000 square foot basement was open to the elements prior to the Berles’ arrival and during the winter was buried in four feet of snow. Deep in the past a small town atmosphere existed in the basement, with a launderer, a butcher, and a baker to serve the Vanderbilts and their guests. At one point in time, over 120 people were seasonally employed by the house to maintain the grounds and serve the guests. Due to years of neglect and changing expectations, the entire communications and electrical systems in the house needed to be replaced using suspended channels for low voltage and commercial pipes for high voltage wiring. Even with the home’s immense size residential heating systems will be employed using nine boilers, which allow for individual zones for every one of the 109 rooms. To prevent fire, the boiler room is practically airtight and the boiler’s heating elements are vented directly outdoors, with an electronically controlled air induction system

Additional Bob Vila Showrooms
• Owens Corning - Basement Finishing System™
• LightingUniverse.com - Lighting for your Home
• Radiantec - Radiantec radiant floor heating: Experience, affordability, efficiency & service
• Intelligent Warmth - The Value and Benefits of Today's Oilheat
• WholeHouseFan.com - Cool Your Home with a Whole House Fan
• Radiantec - Radiantec Solar heating systems for home heat

Heat, Ventilation & Cooling
• Buderus - Gas Boiler/Hot Water Heater

Locations
• Elm Court - Elegant Overnight Accommodations and Events

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	Other Video Clips from this Episode

	A History of Elm Court Bob Vila meets with Bob Berle at Elm Court in the Berkshire Hills. Berle‘s great-great grandparents, Vanderbilt-Sloanes, had the home built in 1886. It expanded through several additions to become ... Watch video and view full description
	Elm Court Foyer and Fireplace Bob Vila greets Sonya Berle who shows off the large foyer and explains how she and her husband started with small restorations in New Orleans before beginning their grand plans ... Watch video and view full description
	NOW PLAYING Adapting New Technology to Historic Properties Bob Berle shows Bob Vila the bowels of the home and points out the decay that was prevalent but currently under repair. The 35,000 square foot basement was open to ...
	Elm Court's Library and Architectural Detailing Bob Vila meets with Sonya and Bob Berle in the library of Elm Court to discuss the interior design and preservation of this magnificent example of turn-of-the-century design and opulence. ... Watch video and view full description