Taking the primary residence from a 3 to a 4 bedroom, adding HVAC, new open floor plan, modern kitchen and bathrooms as as well as adding massive walk in closets in two of the four bedrooms.

From my view point there are a lot of people in our society that want a paycheck, but a lot less that want a job.

You make it sound like you're better than that and seem to think lot in society are.

Buy, refinish the floor, spiff up but don't modernize, then trot on down to the Huntington Collection and furnish with quality, durable antiques.The niche market I'd target is rich parents of out of state child actors coming out for auditions.

@Patricia Andriolo-BullI also like a clean light interior, with black - which makes it feel grounded and modern. 

This is the Old West End, a historical district in Toledo that has a very strict HOA/Historical Protection group that basically forbids you to use most modern building materials.

Portugal is a modern society.

Unfortunately, I think it just mirrors where society in general is, and my theory is that as societies becomes wealthier and life easier, it breeds a disincentive in the population to get off their *** and work for anything.

The Wealth of Nations, Adam SmithOne of the most essential economics texts, The Wealth of Nations forms the underpinning of much of modern economic theory.Capitalism and Freedom, Milton FriedmanMilton Friedman's iconic work argues that economic freedom is essential to a free and liberal society.

If you are looking for a more modern look, (as others have said) Hardy board is always nice.