Tradtional Plaster Repairs at the Historic Sir Willam Keith House

Restoration Artisans is proud to have contributed to the preservation of the historic Sir William Keith House, now part of Graeme Park in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Originally constructed beginning in 1722, this remarkable stone residence is one of Pennsylvania’s most significant surviving colonial homes and remains the only standing residence of a Provincial Governor of Pennsylvania.

Our work focused on performing traditional plaster repairs throughout portions of the interior of the building using preservation methods appropriate for a structure of this age and significance. Historic plaster is much more than a decorative finish—it is an integral part of the building’s performance. Proper repairs require materials that are compatible with the original construction and allow the historic masonry walls to continue breathing naturally.

Unlike modern drywall or hard cement-based patching materials, traditional lime plaster is flexible, vapor permeable, and designed to work in harmony with historic stone and masonry. Using the correct materials helps preserve the building’s original fabric while reducing the potential for future moisture-related deterioration.

The Sir William Keith House itself is an impressive example of early Pennsylvania craftsmanship. Built of locally quarried stone, the home features the warm earth-toned masonry that has become characteristic of many eighteenth-century Pennsylvania buildings. Originally known as Fountain Low, the estate was named after the natural springs found on the property and has remained an important part of Pennsylvania’s architectural heritage for more than 300 years.

Projects like this demonstrate why traditional building knowledge remains so important today. Every historic structure presents unique challenges, and successful preservation depends on understanding how the original materials were intended to function. At Restoration Artisans, our goal is always to preserve as much historic fabric as possible while making repairs that will serve the building for generations to come.

Today, Graeme Park is open to the public and serves as both a historic site and a beautiful venue for weddings and special events. Visitors can tour the estate, experience one of Pennsylvania’s finest colonial homes, and appreciate the craftsmanship that has allowed the property to endure for more than three centuries.

At Restoration Artisans, it is always an honor to help preserve nationally significant landmarks like the Sir William Keith House. Every project allows us to play a small part in protecting Pennsylvania’s architectural heritage for future generations.

Highlights of the work completed on this historic structure.