Old Silver Shed: A Cape Cod Folk Victorian Restored

In 2004, Sandra Cavallo and her family discovered an old, abandoned Folk Victorian home on Cape Cod. Perched on a bluff overlooking Old Silver Beach and the Herring River salt marsh, the house had undeniable charm, but it was in a state of total disrepair. Instead of walking away, they dismantled it piece by piece, carefully salvaging what they could. What followed was an incredible journey of rebuilding—a story of design, creativity, and family.

A Love of Design from the Start

For Sandra, design has always been part of her life. “I was the kid who couldn’t help but straighten the crooked pictures on the walls at the doctor’s office,” she recalls. Growing up in a tight-knit Italian community in Yonkers, NY, surrounded by extended family, Sandra’s creativity flourished. Her favorite childhood pastime was exploring her neighbor’s attic, a wonderland of discarded antiques and forgotten treasures.

Convincing her friends, “This will be fun,” Sandra transformed the attic into cozy little rooms, hosting pretend meals on mismatched tea sets scavenged from broken bar carts. Those playful moments sparked a lifelong passion for reimagining spaces and creating beauty.

Years later, Sandra studied graphic design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and became an Art Director. Her career took her to the world of iconic brands like Care Bears, Nike, and Mickey Mouse, where she honed her eye for detail and storytelling—skills that would come to life when rebuilding the Old Silver Shed.

A Labor of Love: Rebuilding the Shed

When the Cavallo family dismantled the house, they saved as much as they could: weathered wood, antique hardware, and even the tiniest details that captured its original charm. Rebuilding wasn’t just about restoring what was lost—it was an opportunity to blend the home’s historic character with a fresh, inviting design for modern living.

Sandra approached the project with creativity and care, thoughtfully combining salvaged materials with new elements that reflected the coastal setting. Every step was taken with the goal of creating a home that felt authentic, warm, and uniquely theirs.

Lessons in Creativity

The process of rebuilding the Old Silver Shed offered many lessons. Sandra discovered the beauty of imperfections in salvaged materials and learned the joy of combining old and new in unexpected ways. Above all, she found that the best designs come from trusting your instincts and embracing the story of a space.

A Home Full of Heart

Today, the Old Silver Shed stands as a beautiful reflection of Sandra’s vision and her family’s efforts. The home’s large windows frame stunning views of the beach and salt marshes, while its interiors showcase a thoughtful mix of antique charm, coastal elegance, and cozy, welcoming spaces.

The Old Silver Shed is more than a house—it’s a place filled with history, creativity, and memories waiting to be made. For Sandra and her family, it’s a reminder of how a little imagination and a lot of heart can transform something forgotten into something truly special.