post in victoria's cottage

[liteman]

Is there any way to eliminate the post in the kitchen of the VC, by either a larger beam, or re-orienting the second floor joists (beams) ?

[John_C]

The simple answer is yes it can be done.  BUT

It will probably involve using some steel in that beam.  The point loads at the ends would have to be adequately supported as well.  That beam supports the roof load as well as the floor joists.