The Hartwell House: Featured On Max’s Breaking New Ground

Robert Hartwell, Founder and Artistic Director of The Broadway Collective, began a renovation journey on a 200-year-old Massachusetts home with a complicated history in MAX’s original series Breaking New Ground. The 6-episode series follows Robert as he faces challenges throughout renovating his plantation-style home that honors his ancestors. Oprah Winfrey’s OWN produces the show and Drew and Jonathan Scott’s Scott Brothers Entertainment.

The Hartwell House began as a labor of love, undergoing a complete transformation under Robert’s vision. Room by room, he meticulously designed each space, infusing it with his personal touch while honoring the legacy of his ancestors. This was more than a renovation—it was a tribute to the past and a foundation for the future. With every decision, Robert vowed to fill the home with warmth and love, blending respect for tradition with his unique style to create a space that would stand as both a family haven and a lasting legacy.

Episode 5 details Robert’s dream to create a dance studio using the original elements and flooring of the home to make it a one-of-a-kind space. When it became apparent that it was not possible to restore the original flooring, Harlequin Floors recommended Harlequin Liberty® LatchLoc sprung panel system coupled with Harlequin Cascade™ in the color white to create a perfect harmony for the “white box” studio Robert lovingly dedicated to his friend, Darius Barnes, who tragically passed during Hartwell House’s renovation. The dance studio was finished with Harlequin Studio Series Ballet Barres for the final touch. This was an entirely customized room and installed completely by the Harlequin Floors team.

The entire series is available to stream on MAX as of July 25, 2024.