We just started building a New Old House, a 19th century New England farmhouse. The front portico (9ft x 9ft) and porch (10 ft x 25ft) will be cement slab which we will face with brick. We would like to surface with stone perhaps tumbled bluestone or sandstone, with sandstone steps. Does anyone know if there is historic precident for such a treatment? We prefer not to go with wood due to maintence issues.

In looking at older houses, you'll find many with wooded porch stairs and only a small number with stone. What you're describing sounds beautiful and since you're building new and not restoring, I would go with what you like. You're on the righ track to use aged stone if you want it to look old. One caution about the stone steps, however, is to make sure they are properly installed so you don't get uneven areas that might cause slips.