A sneak peek at the new house from ‘This Old House’

This 3,000-square-foot home in Essex is the most recent project of the venerable “<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/" shape="rect">This Old House</a>” TV series.Photo by Kevin O'Connor/This Old House

”This Old House” director Thomas Draudt points out a problem in a shot as the kitchen cabinets are installed back in December. The segments on this project will air on WGBH (Channel 2) beginning on Thursday, March 31, at 8 p.m.The Boston Globe

Host Kevin O'Connor talks about a shot during filming. Also pictured, general contractor Erik Kaminski and Kaminski’s dog, Merlin. The home is a “panelized” house, meaning as many parts and pieces were built in a shop as possible. The design and shop work were done by Connor Homes of Middlebury, Vt.Lane Turner/Globe Staff/Globe Staff

O'Connor (right) and Kaminski, whose company, Kaminski Construction Management of Newburyport, served as the builder and general contractor, look over blueprints during a rehearsal before a take. With an off-center entry, the new Essex house is an informal version of the early 19th-century Federal style. It has four bedrooms and three full and two half baths.Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Director Thomas Draudt watches rehearsal with Merlin.Lane Turner/Globe Staff

Sconces from RH are perched over windows above the kitchen sink.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Six-over-six double-hung windows have black sashes, bringing contemporary zing to historic accuracy.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe

The shelf brackets and boards are from Connor Homes. The subway tile is from Roma Tile.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

The curving railing lends a historic look to this newly built home.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe

The downstairs powder room is clad in custom wallpaper from White Light Visual in Beverly. The company helped with the research and the layout, too, interior designer Kristina Crestin said.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe

This porcelain basketweave tile in the downstairs powder room is from Roma Tile.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Daughter Sophie’s bathroom features a “Brockway” wash sink and “Cannock” faucets, both by Kohler.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

The master bath features Cararra marble counters.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

The paint on the stairs and trim is Benjamin Moore’s “White Dove.”Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe

The “Brinley” sconce from Kichler lights the hallway outside daughter Sophie’s bathroom. Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

The custom fireplace mantel in the den was painted with Benjamin Moore’s “Black Pepper.”Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Emanuel Pacheco, owner of EP Masonry in Hampton, N.H., levels a granite lamppost in front of the home.The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Pacheco cuts the slab with a saw.The Boston Globe

O'Connor helps masons level the lamppost.The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

An electrician installs a light on the post. Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Landscape designer Kimberly Turner of Newburyport inspects the work.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

A closeup of the custom columns on the front porch.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe

The cupola above the garage has a copper roof.Mark Lorenz for the Boston Globe