When an offer that Jim Buhrer put in on a residence in downtown Andover fell through, he looked at the house directly across the street. A stately turn-of-the-century colonial, the home captivated Buhrer, principal of design/build firm Refined Renovations.

“It looked like it needed our help. It wasn’t for sale, but my wife and I went over and knocked on the door and started chatting with the owner,’’ says Buhrer.

As it turned out, the house — originally built as a dorm for Phillips Academy — had become too much work for the owner. Several months later, Buhrer purchased the home.

“While the exterior was in good shape, inside was a different story,’’ recalls Buhrer. A succession of owners and purposes had done a number on the home: The place hadn’t been updated in decades, parts were in disrepair, and it was poorly insulated.

Maintaining the original shell of the home, Buhrer set out to make the interior comfortable for contemporary living with period-appropriate detailing and as many original elements as possible. “I think people rip out too much during renovations today,’’ says Buhrer, who will open an Andover showroom, The Style Refinery, later this month. “The quirks and weirdness of homes should be embraced, not taken out.’’

For example, two of the second-floor bedrooms shared a closet. “I considered giving each room its own closet but decided against it because sharing one was part of the original design — it’s an interesting element,’’ says Buhrer.

New heating and mechanical systems were installed to make the house energy-efficient. The windows were replaced and some of the original glass panes were incorporated into a hutch in the dining room. Gracious millwork, moldings, and coffered ceilings were created to honor the original architecture.

“We wanted to keep the bones and most of the fixtures really traditional in style,’’ says Buhrer. “Everything that was rebuilt was done is the same way it would have been done in the early 1900s.’’

Modern artwork, a streamlined marble-clad kitchen, and spacious glass-enclosed showers are paired with traditional elements, including a beveled glass front door and antique mahogany vanities scored at the Brimfield Fair. “We’re very proud that the interior of the house lives up to the exterior now,’’ says Buhrer.

Jaci Conry can be reached at jaci@jaciconry.com.