Renovations With Care

Purchased in 2022, we spent great time and care first restoring the Manor House. Originally without electricity, kitchen, or bathrooms, it was a challenge to bring in modern amenities. Imagine our surprise when we found original brick and hidden shelves behind plaster and, most stunningly, original wood floors underneath layers of laminate flooring. If you've ever restored an old house, you know that most surprises are not good. We've been blessed from the very beginning...like the farmhouse was just waiting for us.

Two years later, we began to tackle the other buildings, including the barn. Each floorboard in the barn was carefully removed, uncovering hand-hewn wood beams (likely two centuries old) so they could be sanded down and inspected properly. Our neighbor indicated that the floorboards were cut from property trees, information passed down. Like the Manor House, the barn was built on sandstone and it was tough carving out just enough room downstairs to create a space for mingling and restrooms. The stones were dug from the property. New stones were uncovered and used to build the foundation wall around the 40x60' patio.

The corncrib was in major disrepair and leaning to one side; we were told to tear it down. But, oh no, we had a vision of reclaimed wood, string lights, and a walkthrough bar area for mingling and conversation. The corncrib is a piece of property history and adds so much charm. We found many antique tools and have kept them for display. Unfortunately, we had to tear down a couple wooden buildings; however, their wood frames and metal roofs were reused in the barn renovations.