Posted at 05:30 AM ET, 03/01/2013 This week's featured house is a delightful blend of old and new. Built in the late 1800s, the Colonial in Kensington was originally home to a tinsmith who ran his business from the first floor while his family lived on the upper level. When it was first built, the house had two front doors. The one on the far right, which has been sealed off, led to the upstairs living quarters. In 1994, George Myers, principal of GTM Architects in Bethesda, bought the home. He gutted it down to the studs, putting in new electrical, plumbing, floors and walls. He carefully preserved the architectural details while modernizing the home. He expanded the house to nearly 5,000 square feet, finishing the attic and creating four levels of living space. The current owners bought the home from Myers in 2002. The unexpected nooks, as well as built-in cabinets and shelves throughout, give the house a distinctive charm and provide plentiful storage. The built-in desks and shelving in the upper-level bedrooms are a clever use of space. "His attention to detail is really exceptional," said listing agent Kathy Byars of McEnearney Associates. He did modifications without ruining the existing feel and character of the house. The six-bedroom, five-bath home has a screened porch that runs across the width of the rear of the house and a lower level in-law suite with its own kitchen, bedroom, living room and private access. The two-car detached garage with an unfinished second floor and separate access could easily be turned into an office or studio. The house is in the heart of Kensington, steps away from antique row, coffee shops and the MARC train station. "To be able to walk to everything is just wonderful," Byars said. The property is on the market for $1.149 million. Listing: 10409 Fawcett St., Kensington Previous House of the Week Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Do you have a home that deserves to be the house of the week? Send an e-mail to ortonk@washpost.com.