Search Results for: "old house renovation story"

The Gardens: Old House Renovation Story

Over the past few weeks, I've shared with you our Old House Renovation Story. You saw the rebuilding of the front porch – and the house itself. You saw the garage/Mudroom addition. If you missed any of the tour, you'll find links listed at the bottom of this post.   Today, I'll show you the back patio and some of Renaissance Man's gardens. Fortunately, our century-old house came graced with several beautiful trees (oak, white dogwood, redbud, magnolia) and a few pretty plants (Lily of the Valley, holly, old roses). Beyond that, virtually everything in the yard was added over the past seven years. Plantings... Fencing... Brick patio... We're told there was once a brick mill behind our house, and we found evidence ... Keep Reading...

The Mudroom: Old House Renovation Story

What's the next chapter in our Old House Renovation Story? The Mudroom   It's not a very glamorous topic, I don't suppose, but the addition of the Mudroom to our old house was actually inspired – if I do say so myself.   The conversation began because the house was built in 1907, and in the 99 years thereafter, no covered parking was ever added. As much as my Renaissance Man travels, he wanted an attached garage to add another layer of peace of mind for himself and Yours Truly. I really appreciated that – and staying out of the rain and cold!   Fortunately, there was plenty of room at the back of the house to add a 2-car garage.   It sounds like an easy enough project, but what I've never told you is ... Keep Reading...

Upstairs Bedrooms: Old House Renovation Story

Welcome to My Place to Yours™ and the continuation of our Old House Renovation Story. We've already seen the downstairs rooms and the mid-level bathroom. If you missed any of those parts of the story, the links are added below this post. Today we're headed the rest of the way upstairs.   In reality, I'm listening to the roar of the surf and sitting in front of a fire at the most wonderful villa in Puerto Varas, Chile! More about that soon; just wanted to mention it now so Mom and Dad will know we actually did make our flight out of Bogota'!   When I first laid eyes on the upstairs landing, it was wrapped in very old flocked wallpaper. Renaissance Man said it looked like a bordello and should go. But I loved it – ... Keep Reading...

Upstairs Bathroom: Old House Renovation Story

Welcome back to the next chapter in our Old House Renovation Story. So far, you've seen all of the downstairs except the mudroom; I'll show you that later when we head out to the back yard. If you missed previous posts, they're all listed below this one.   Once again, let's start today in the Living Room where you've just stepped in the front door. The staircase in this 1907 house is straight across the room in front of you. ... Keep Reading...

The Master Suite: Old House Renovation Story

As we pick up our ongoing Old House Renovation Story, we're once again standing in the Living Room near the front door. Renaissance Man's Study is to your right. Across the room, to the left of the stairs, is the Master Bedroom. The Master Bedroom Even in these poor excuses for pictures, you can tell: This room was a mess! I'm not exactly sure the original function of the space, but it contains the house's only existing fireplace – and it's still coal-burning. We don't use it. The (too) dark wood fireplace surround with its stained glass doors would not have been added in 1907 when the house was built, but it is quite old.   The floral wallpapered ceiling, 1970s paneling, and cheap "Tiffany" lamp left a lot to be desired ... Keep Reading...

The Kitchen: Old House Renovation Story

It's said the kitchen is the heart of the home.   When I first saw my old house, she needed a heart transplant... and Renaissance Man and I were blessed to provide it.     In fact, the Kitchen was the first room we tackled. Have I ever told you demolition is perhaps my favorite part of a renovation? Why? Because only then do I know the project is really going to happen. Love it!   As for the surgery...   We couldn't clear out the mess fast enough to suit us! The horrid old cabinets and countertops The five layers of old vinyl and linoleum – with water puddled between each layer The rotted floor and subfloor The drop-down ceiling with its translucent panels and fluorescent lighting The ... Keep Reading...

The Dining Room: Old House Renovation Story

Welcome back to the next chapter of my walk down Memory Lane as Renaissance Man and I prepare to put our old house up for sale. *sniff*   Just because we're choosing to downsize doesn't mean I'm not human. After all, I did pour my blood, sweat, and tears into this place, so an occasional melancholy moment is allowed, don't you think?  Thank you.   I believe I left you sitting on the couch in the Study reading a book. (You were a little tired from your whirlwind tour of the Front Porch and the Living Room – and all the "tricks of the trade" I shared with you.) Let me remind you of one of them...   Remember me telling you that the crown moulding for this bookshelf was originally the plate rail in the Dining ... Keep Reading...

The Study: Old House Renovation Story

Welcome back for the continuation of my old house renovation story. When last week's chapter ended, I had welcomed you into my home, shown you the Living Room, and we were standing right here in front of these century-old pocket doors. They lead to Renaissance Man's study. Sometimes I call it his Trophy Room.   If you have a problem with hunting wild game, you might want to skip this part of the story... but you'd also miss one of the best renovation decisions we made. Your choice.     The first time I looked behind these doors, I saw a very dark room with a great old light fixture and filthy–once pretty–draperies. You can't see it in this poor excuse for a picture, but there was ... Keep Reading...

The Living Room: Old House Renovation Story

Brrrr! It has been soooo cold here the past few days... It seemed only fitting that, while going through a file, I would come across a forgotten picture of my old house in the snow.   It's the picture on the left. I'll tell you one day how it is I happen to have it – and who the Witts were. But today, before I open the door and invite you in where it's warm, I want to tell you one more thing about the exterior. I forgot to mention it last week when I wrote the rest of the front porch story. Look closely at the front porch in the two pictures. (Enlarge it if you like.) What's missing in the first one? Yes, I know you with "eagle eyes" saw it immediately. Just be patient a second and let everyone else catch up with ... Keep Reading...

Old House Renovation Story: In the beginning…

The first time I scoped out my old house, it was with an eye to "fix it and flip it." You see, the designer in me had a dream of giving a boost to some of the neglected old homes in town. Fortunately, my local banker friend liked the idea–and my business plan–and so an offer was made on the house... and accepted.   The old gal had some issues, but as far as I was concerned, she was entitled to them. After all, it was September 2005, and she had been standing in that same spot since 1907. She'd experienced a little "remuddling" but nothing substantial, so mostly I was facing original elements. Usually that's fantastic, except original knob-and-tube wiring doesn't fall in that category. But I'm getting ahead of ... Keep Reading...

SUPPORT: Five Minute Friday

When I first saw the almost century-old house, there was a significant sag in its porch roof.   We bought the house—and began a renovation.     The house was built with two support columns on each side of the front door. But when we found the ol' gal, between those two columns, the porch roof sagged.   It didn’t have to be that way.   Underneath the porch, each side had three brick support columns. You see, the house was properly designed to stand straight and tall, but at some point in the building process, someone decided to leave off the two upper support columns. The visible ones that would have supported the roof.   I suspect that "someone" was simply living in the moment, ... Keep Reading...

A Place at the Table

Within walking distance of my old house is a beautiful old church, its members part of our community since before its official founding in 1867.     The church stands stately just a couple of blocks up the hill from the Mossy Creek Historic District we're working so hard to revive.   Unlike some churches of longstanding, this church makes intentional efforts to be welcoming... even if all that's needed is a quiet place to sit and reflect or pray.     But a few weeks ago—in the middle of cold, snowy weather—neighbors around the church received their invitation.     Their invitation to the table.   Every family living within a mile radius of the church was ... Keep Reading...

A New Day for the Historic Mossy Creek District

You've heard the saying...   The devil is in the detail.   A few short blocks down the hill from my old house is the historic district of our small town. It's full of architectural detail!     Unfortunately, there's also a whole lot of What the devil happened... and why?     Our once-bustling downtown, graced with stately old buildings, was pushed aside by false illusions of progress. Back in the 1950s, a new four-lane highway was added on the south side of town—and one by one, downtown businesses were drawn away. Don't blame me! I didn't live here when the downhill spiral began...   It's really quite a painful sight...   It is in dialogue with pain ... Keep Reading...

Looking for Springtime tablescape inspiration — and finding it!

Anyone besides me getting stir crazy?   Today the Country Girl side of me kicked in, and I stole Renaissance Man away from the office long enough to take a quick drive out to the farm where we're (still) planning to build a new-to-look-old farmhouse. Someday... this will be our snowy-day view from the porch.   This farm is only about a 10-minute drive from the century-old house we renovated—and currently live in—but the minute I step onto the property, it's like stepping into an entirely new world.   My spirit calms... and time stands still.   I'll have to remember this flat rock come Springtime. It's the perfect place for a tablescape, don't you think?   It reminds me of ... Keep Reading...

A Snow Woman Tablescape: Silver and Gold

Snow fell for a lot of us this week. Still falling for some of you? We only got a dusting, but I sure did love watching it come down. Snug inside my old house, it seemed the perfect time for a Winter-themed tablescape.   Silver and gold and *icy* clear glass with touches of white set the stage atop a simple linen tea cloth.   I chose a favorite snow woman from my collection to anchor the "centerpiece" spot on the table...   ... and chunky swirl-design candles (that mimic the swirl on the dinner plates) add a warm glow on an otherwise gray day.  The little Lenox "Hanover" demitasse cups and saucers were an afterthought, but a tiny taste of something warm seems just the thing to break the chill on ... Keep Reading...

Christmas throughout the house…

Just a few pictures today to document Christmas 2014 and what we presume will be our last Christmas in our old house. I added a few simple touches in every room. Thought you might like to see a few of them: ornaments and vintage "Made in Japan" gift boxes garland in the Dining Room angel guardian and little drummer boy in the Living Room poinsettias in front of the Master Bedroom fireplace the Reason for the Season — front and center   This year, stockings are hung very simply along the banister using festive red tulle ribbon. Did you notice the vintage ornament wreath (aka my newest obsession)? Hundreds of vintage ornaments hang on our "first REAL tree in a long time" Fraser Fir... and we are loving it! ... Keep Reading...