Steve D'Onofrio (left), cameraman for "This Old House," films the owner of the property in front of a barn adjacent to the house in Essex.

Work began earlier this year on the original 1,700-square-foot cottage, which was built circa 1935 for Irene Hammond, wife of prolific inventor John Hammond.

The cottage later passed to family members, who lived there for many years. But it was sold to a third owner in the 1990s, and got a bit shopworn thereafter being used as a rental property.

They added special features, including geothermal heat for the cottage and a backup generator concealed behind a stone wall on the property.

Director Thom Draudt (left) gives instructions to cast member and master carpenter Norm Abram during taping.

The 11-episode Essex story will air on WGBH and other PBS stations beginning this month.

With thoughts of his in-laws getting older and facing mobility issues, Corcoran asked that the house be reconfigured so that they would have everything they need on the ground floor of the now-1,878-square-foot home.

Plumber Kevin Bilo installs radiant floor heat at a home taping.

A small addition has been built to host a new kitchen, and the walls inside the cottage have been newly plastered.

“You know from watching the show for years that they pull this off,” said homeowner John Corcoran, “but it’s amazing when it happens on your own watch.”

Clearing out brush and scrub around the cottage provided more air and light to the site and opened up the view toward Castle Hill on the Crane Estate.