Taryn Delanie Smith’s 1791 Stone Manor Restoration Is a Study in Historic Realism – She Prioritizes History Over Her Own Taste
In this exclusive interview, 'The Unlikely Countrywoman' reveals how she balances 200-year-old heritage with modern realities
There is an undeniable romance to inheriting a piece of early American history, but as Taryn Delanie Smith quickly discovered upon purchasing her 1791 stone manor in the Hudson Valley, storied walls often come with a few unexpected roommates.
Documenting her transition from New York City to the Hudson Valley, 'The Unlikely Countrywoman' has never shied away from the less glamorous realities of historic preservation. It's precisely this candid approach to estate ownership that makes her partnership with Raid's The Other Tenants campaign such a natural fit. For Taryn, managing the practical maintenance of country decor (and rural life as a whole) is simply part of a larger, deeply felt duty to architectural custody.
'I asked myself first, "Does it fit with the home?" and prioritize that question over "Do I like it?"' Taryn explains in an exclusive interview with Homes & Gardens. 'I know that may sound odd, but I’m finding that sometimes my knee-jerk reaction in taste is reflective of the fact that I’m a 29-year-old living in 2026! So the filter of "Do I like it?" has to come after it passes the test of "Does it fit within the home?"'
This strict historical lens is currently being tested in the manor's first major project. While the original 1791 structure survived the centuries beautifully, later decades weren't quite as kind to the estate's heritage.
'The historic side of the house was actually in beautiful condition, minus some black mold in a closet that needed to be remediated and lead paint that needed to be sealed,' Taryn explains.
'The kitchen, however, was a 1992 add-on that was an eyesore – with teal tile and cherrywood cabinets straight from the era. It took away from the overall character of the home and is the first major renovation we are tackling, aiming to create a colonial-inspired kitchen with salvaged and antique pieces at its center.'
Peeling back those layers, however, has proven that the path to authenticity is rarely a straight line. In an antique home, demolition often uncovers more than just architectural history.
'We've opened up walls thinking we were solving one problem and ended up uncovering several more,' she reveals. 'Sometimes that meant discovering bugs or black mold; other times I discovered years' worth of hidden mouse droppings. I think deciding where to allocate funds was extremely overwhelming in the beginning – what needs to be done right now for our safety and what can wait a few years? You get good at parsing that out.'
It is this unvarnished look at country living that Taryn’s followers have come to love, providing a more honest antidote to the often overtly perfect world of video home tours.
'Social media gets the highlight reel, but anyone who owns an old home knows there's a lot happening behind the scenes,' Taryn shares.
'Historic homes require constant maintenance, and occasionally that includes dealing with some unexpected 'other tenants.' That's one of the reasons I connected with Raid's The Other Tenants campaign. The series takes a very real homeowner experience and turns it into this hilarious reality-TV universe. But IRL, when bugs decide they've moved in, I'm absolutely reaching for my Raid Ant & Roach Killer [available at Walmart] immediately.'
A must in Taryn's home, this ant killer is a go-to solution for keeping unwanted pests at bay. It kills a wide variety of insects, and continues working for up to 13 weeks.
This long-lasting formula kills more than 15 types of insects and creates a protective barrier around your home, helping to keep ants, spiders, mosquitoes, scorpions, and more at bay for up to 18 months.
These balls offer a discreet way to keep unwanted ants under control. Designed to target a variety of household ants (including carpenter ants) they work behind the scenes to eliminate infestations at the source.
Made with essential oils and other thoughtfully selected ingredients, this spray quickly kills ants, roaches, spiders, and other crawling insects on contact, while leaving behind a fresh scent
The quick and easy solution for keeping buzzing pests out of your space: This is specially formulated to kill flies and mosquitoes (and more) on contact, it delivers fast protection both indoors and out.
Perfect for countertops, tables, and other areas where fruit flies tend to appear, this trap provides up to 21 days of continuous protection and is safe to use around kids and pets.
However, managing a historic estate isn't just about playing defense against unexpected pests; it is also about knowing exactly where to invest for a beautiful, authentic aesthetic.
For anyone embarking on their own historic remodel, Taryn swears by one timeless architectural upgrade that transcends temporary decor trends.
'Wainscoting and deep crown molding are so elegant and instantly elevate any room,' she advises. 'Investing in wood detailing during your renovation is transformative.'
For Taryn, the realities of old-home ownership are simply part of the experience. Between preserving original details and dealing with the occasional unwelcome guest, she's proving that the most beautiful historic homes are the ones that are truly lived in.
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