An 18th century structure in a Historic District on Boston’s South Shore, the Levi Lincoln House has undergone centuries of incremental modifications that amounted to a choppy maze of dark spaces that fall short of contemporary energy performance and code standards. This surgical renovation and addition leaves the original 18th century portion of the house intact while opening up and expanding the spaces of a later, rear addition. The ground floor is reconfigured to create a graceful entry sequence with a generous passageway between an enlarged eat-in kitchen and the historic formal dining room. Expansive windows on three sides of the kitchen provide abundant natural light and views to where the children play outside as well as a new al fresco dining terrace. A sunlit open stairwell leads to an open seating/study area where centuries-old timbers intermingle with new built-ins. A new primary bedroom suite has expanded views on three sides and a vaulted ceiling that contrasts with the typical low, flat historic ceilings of the house.