Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Survey, restoring an old home



What an odd picture for a post to begin with...right, isn't that what you're saying? Here's what I'm saying. Every morning when I get up, I go to my front porch with a cup of coffee and this is what I see. This "farmhouse" was built in 1853 and has seen more memories than all of us put together. However, now it sits empty and needs a savior. There is a carriage house in the back as well as a wonderful smoke house. It sits on 1 and1/2 acres of land. Our community treasures the house. We fear someone will buy it and tear it down because it is on a corner lot in our town. However, the lady that owned it passed away and left it to her daughter. The daughter had helped her mother "work" on the house for ten years. (Note the scraped walls) They put so much TLC into the place. But, the daughter was diagnosed with cancer and passed away nine months later. She has a husband but no children. The mother has two other sons that live in Boston. To make a long story a little shorter, I Love This House! It calls my name. I have had the pleasure of going inside and could actually fill the LOVE from the walls within. The ladies had the house rewired, replumed and some structure work done inside. It is 4 big rooms with a "dogtrot" down the center. The staircase was torn down from the hall by a previous "restorer." My family would think me crazy if they knew I am considering biding on it next month when the auction is held. As you know, I love old things and this house would display my collection so well. What do you think? How crazy would a retired 62 year old single woman be to buy this "Money Pit?" My financial advisor had me to watch Tom Hanks' movie The Money Pit when I told her my dream! LOL Be thinking of what I should do and post a yes or no. Thanks

15 comments:

Sue said...

Definitely YES!!!! I can see the potential and YOU need to go for it. You have spent your life helping others....do something for Tricia....something YOU enjoy.

samarcela said...

I can pour your driveway. :-)

Mimi Sue said...

Thanks for coming by my blog today. Looks like you girls had a great time in AZ. The mister and I drove down to Phoenix in May and we had a great time too. I say you should listen to your heart. You know what they say, at the end of your life you regret the things you don't do not the things you do.
Mimi

The Berry's Patch said...

Yes, yes & yes! Go for it! I see you visited AZ recently. We have a lot of cowboys out this way. ;-)

TupeloLove said...

Oh my, DO IT!! You will be so sad if some builder buys it and tears it down, you should definitely buy it. You obviously have such respect for this home and all the important things it represents, you need to save it!

Thanks for stopping by my blog, I will be checking in on yours!

-Molly

Kristen, pajama mama said...

oh, there is so much potential there...you're not by any means crazy! good luck!

thanks for visiting my blog,
kristen

Amy said...

Yes, yes, 1000 times YES! This is so totally YOU! I can see you in this place, and me there eating and laughing. DO IT! You can do anything, you are the most creative person I know. You've gotta get this house! PS, I want to come and see it!
LOVE YOU!
AGM:)

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

Yes! Yes! Yes! I know it I ever had the opportunity and means to buy and restore an old gem, I'd do it. There aren't many around here anymore, and the ones that are left are way out of my price range. It's a lovely home. I see it's potential.
Oh, thanks for stopping by and saying "hi". I've put swimming "noodles" along the creases of the couch and it's keeping the slipcovers in place with rather minimal slips. I'm loving it! Enjoy your day. I'll be back! I just love your blog!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Well, easy for me to say but I say YES! I would feel the same way you do...how can you resist? I can't wait to see what you do. Thanks for visiting me today, too!
Carrie

Anonymous said...

A resounding YES! We bought a money pit too, in fact, for six months before moving in while we were "working on the house" I kept a sign in the kitchen that said the Money Pit. (loved that money....I can still hear Tom Hanks laughing). Ten years later we are still "working" on the house but we love it. ~ Lynn

Mrs. B said...

Well, I can totally understand wanting to save that old home and love her up! However, make sure it's something you'll be able to take on. When you buy from an auction like that do you still have the option to do inspections and all that type of thing? If not, then I think I'd be a little scared! But sometimes our hearts get the best of us, and it's all worth it!

linda t said...

Oh YES! YES!
So much history, character & charm.
I would SOOO buy that house in a heartbeat!
What a treasure... go for it!
If it's meant to be, you'll win the bid.
Can't wait to hear what happens!

DaNella Auten said...

Where is it at in Columbiana?

BamaNana said...

As long as I'm up for a last minute trip to anywhere - I'm up for helping restore a money pit. and you've looked at it, as well as wanted to do this for a long time. Jump in with both feet!

Nikki via The Scarlett Rose Garden said...

YES!!
I love it... reminds much of the old house I did with my ex. The hip roof, ect.

Most of the people who will tell you no just don't get the "old house" thing. Tell them to read Rue's post about old stuff and that book she talked about!

Thanks for the comment today, too funny! Making money...
I guess you just saw a glimmer in the commode one day and realized your son had swallowed a dime? LOL!