The New Canaan Preservation Alliance and the New Canaan Historical Society will hold a special workshop on Saturday November 21 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Coffee and Donuts from 9:30 a.m.) at the Historical Society. It will feature several famous old houses that have been saved and several that are available. The focus is on how to keep the most authentic elements of a well-designed antique and turn it into a really livable home with modern features as well.

Some of New Canaan’s earliest homes will be on the program, showing options that may include keeping the old building as a stand-alone guest house, expanding the old building with a modern addition that looks as if it was always there, and/or improving a barn to serve as a user-friendly out building.

The formal program will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, aided and abetted by owners of restored properties and architects and builders, along with Wes Haynes, a well-known consultant who works with the CT Trust for Historic Preservation. Following a lunch break (lunches provided), there will be partial tours of homes that are featured, on Carter Street, Valley Road, Ferris Hill, Oenoke Ridge Road, and Old North Stamford Road.

The cost for the workshop is $15.00 per person. Pre-registration is suggested, either by phone to the Historical Society (203) 966-1776 or by email to the Preservation Alliance. ncpaprograms@gmail.com .

Information may also be found on websites at www.newcanaanpreservationalliance.org and www.nchistory.org .