Last updated on April 20th, 2014
LAST WEEK, I had great fun telling you about the 185-year-old house (above) that my partner and I saved from certain ruin. I also enjoyed showing you one of the rooms we restored. Here’s a bit more history about the place, along with a few pictures of its now-restored entrance hall and staircase.
When you open the front door, you enter a long, wide hall. Just imagine this room with beige shag carpeting, and holes in the plaster walls. For that’s what we encountered on our very first visit here.
Straight ahead, behind the closed door, is the kitchen, where all kinds of magic occurs. On the left is a set of pocket doors which open onto the parlor. I’ll photograph the parlor for a future post.
To the right is an alcove, produced by a late 19th century addition to the hall. My apologies for the poor photograph — the shifting light makes this alcove very difficult to capture.
The alcove is framed with a black-walnut arch. I designed the hangings, which are a sage green, and trimmed with gold, to reflect what I thought would be appropriate for a Victorian bay of 3 windows. The curtains are so long they “puddle” on the floor. The ghosts in this house approve of such extravagance.
The pocket doors opposite the alcove are mahogany. We keep them closed for the sake of privacy, and also to keep heat in the room when the fireplace within it is in use.
Detail of the brass hardware on the pocket doors. Notice the key on the right — the doors can be locked to keep the servants out. Would that I had servants.
View of the hall, when standing at the kitchen door. Normally I’d have Boston ferns on each of the Victorian plant stands which flank the double front door. But those ferns have been divided and they are now lounging in window gardens elsewhere in the house.
If you turn the corner at the end of the hall, a sweeping staircase greets you. One look at this staircase back in 2002, and I was a goner. We removed the previous occupant’s shag carpeting from the steps, and replaced it with red wool. Red is a great color to use on a staircase, for it draws the eyes upward. The door at the end of this hall leads to the dining room — yet another space in this ancient house I shall photograph for you.
Lighting the staircase at night is a spelter conquistador. Although Janice, the original owner’s great-great grandaughter, told me the lamp was acquired in 1870, it is actually much older. My friend Michael,an expert in historical lighting, found this very lamp in a catalog from 1850. The lamp was originally lit with gas.
I can tell you that this house, like all large 19th-century residences, relied on a staff to keep it functioning. Janice told me the last of the original owner’s descendents — two sisters, both of them widowed — employed a staff of 10! And after cleaning this place, I can understand why. From the ornately carved archway in the entrance hall to the spindles on the staircase and the huge mirrors over the mantels, each and every detail must be cleaned. But cleaning them all by myself just makes me appreciate the features even more. You haven’t lived until you’ve climbed to the top step of a ladder in order to polish the mahogany frame of an 11-foot tall mirror!
If you enjoy historic houses, by all means let me know. Click the “like” button and leave a comment. I love hearing from you.
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Related Posts:
House Tour Part One: The Music Room
An Old-Fashioned Shrub: Deutzia scabra
The Entrance Hall: Before & After Papering
Marie says
Enjoyed the second tour very much – keep the tours coming!
Valerie C. says
What a beautiful sketch and photos! You and your partner obviously are very talented and are taking great care of your home. I’m a long time real estate broker and my brothers are antique dealers here in CT. If we ever saw this , I’m sure we would all marvel at it’s beauty 🙂 Happy Holidays!
trillium says
You live in an amazing place! Yes, it’s truly historical, but warm and inviting, friendly. The spelter conquistador is stunning, and must be priceless for many reasons.
I hope you have help cleaning. Otherwise it seems like that would take a full time job.
A very sincere thanks to you and your partner for literally opening up your doors to us! I can’t help but ask myself if there is anything that you do NOT excel at!
grumbling off to figure where to hang pictures up in the house… 🙂
Terry says
Beautiful! I suspect the alcove would be my favorite spot if I lived in the house, all the windows, and sage green which is my favorite color, and lace curtains.
Kim says
GORGEOUS
Eilza J says
Absolutely gorgeous! I love the curtains you designed, love the woodwork (…and I would never, ever, ever suggest painting that!), the artwork, furniture…everything you and your partner have done to restore this home is breathtaking. My husband and I are in the process of “restoring land”, clearing, planting gardens and fruit trees. We often think his grandfather is smilling on us for doing so. I would say that the prior residents of your home are smiling on you for all your caring hard work. Thanks so much for sharing.
Broken Barn Industries says
Okay, now I’m just gonna have to ask you to come over and fix up my place!
John says
Extremely beautiful and thoughtfully decorated. You might consider using another popular Victorian plant to frame the doorway…the cast-iron plant. They can live in near dark and grow slowly, yet are graceful with deep green foliage. Much less messy than ferns.
despina says
There is so much work that has gone into making this home look so incredible. Not only historic, but makes you feel welcome. Wonderful.
Pamdemonium says
Kevin, You really are the Master of the Universe (well, at least your universe). How you do it, I do no know. I suspect your restorations are a labor of love and it shows. Stunning!
Alice says
It’s really good of you to let us glimpse the wonderful details your house is full of. It’s a lovely home. Thank you so much for sharing these photos.
prairiecactus says
Magnificent house…thank you for continuing the tour. I can spend a lot of time viewing these photos…look forward to the next part of the tour.
sara swift says
kevin
Loved the historic photo of the music room last week
AND savoring the detailed tour of each room
Can’t wait for more next week
Joann says
Hi Kevin….I volunteer at a local museum and the building dates back to the 1800’s. It
was originally a tavern and has some of the beautiful wood and a lovely staircase like
yours. Maybe there is a ghost there ….who would want to leave!!!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Marie – More rooms soon. I promise.
Valerie C. – The sketch of the house is from a book called History of Columbia County, NY. It was published in 1878.
trillium – Regarding cleaning…My dear Margarita helps with cleaning for 2 hours each Friday. That’s enough time to wash and fold laundry, and to vacuum the entrance hall, parlor, stairs and dining room. All other cleaning is presently accomplished by me. I won’t say it’s “fun” work, but you really get an intimate “feel” for the house when you clean it. And in the process, you burn off lots of calories!
Terry – You’d enjoy the company of two cats in that alcove. It is their favorite spot, too, especially when the sun strikes the table.
Kim – Why, thank you!
Eliza J – Good luck with your garden restoration – what a great way to honor the memory of your ancestor.
PPPatty says
I really am enjoying the tour of your wonderful house, not to mentionyour recipes and your delightful gardening blog. Thanks so much for bring such pleasure!
Brenda Johnson says
I think you’ve captured the alcove beautifully- shifting light and all! That staircase is indeed grand…. love it!
cara says
Wow… that’s dedication — cleaning and maintaining all that Victorian detail without a flock of servants! (Wonder whether the unemployment rate was a lot lower in those days?)
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
John – yes, cast-iron plant is a good idea for this thankless role!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
PPPatty – So glad you enjoy the ever-increasing topics here at A Garden for the House!
Brenda – You can’t descend the staircase here without feeling like Scarlet O’Hara. Or Carol Burnett.
cara – Cleaning this house takes dedication, alright. But that’s how I manage to eat all the yummy food I write about, and still stay (reasonably) slim!
Cary Bradley says
Fabulous tour of gorgeous home. Kevin, is the staircase at end of hallway to the left? I don’t think I’ve ever seen an entry staircase not visible from front door. Very interesting!
Tell us, did you both embrace this jewel in the rough with plaster falling? How long did it take to convince you that this place had to be yours? Thank goodness you chose to rescue this old girl! Congratulations on an amazing job! Thanks too for letting us peek :)!
alma simmons says
Yours is my favorite garden blog and I love the extras like how to make your own cheese, etc., but these pictures of your hallway and stairs simply overwhelmed me. So beautiful and hard to believe possible in today’s world unless you have tons of money. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Cary – Back in 1826, the staircase was in the entrance hall. In 1870, when the original owner’s son inherited the place, he enlarged the hall by adding the alcove (which forms a turret at the top of the house). And to provide mystery, he moved the staircase around the corner to the left.
For me this house was love at first sight. The hardest part was convincing my partner that the house could, in fact, be restored to its former glory.
Alma – I’m so glad you like this site, and thought to tell me so. The house was in horrendous shape when we bought it. Think of Herman and Lily Munster’s house (if you remember that TV show from the 60s). Cobwebs everywhere, falling plaster, water damage, and rotted porch. Hence the price of the house, which included 4 acres of property, was very low. It took a little money, a lot of time, and TONS of creativity to tackle the project. But what an education I received in the process!
James Lambert says
I love historic homes – you have done a beautiful job – thanks for sharing – Seattle has some lovely historic homes in the Harvard-Belmont area of Capitol Hill and I recently went on a 2 hour tour sponsored by the Seattle Architectural Society – we were not able to enter any of the homes, but the walking tour of the neighborhood and the history of the homes was spellbinding. Really enjoy the website – thanks again for sharing.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
James – So glad you like this site. I used to visit Seattle regularly, and know the neighborhood you are referring to. Also worth visiting is Charleston, SC — the Federal and Greek Revival architecture there is breathtaking.
Rosemary Watson says
I went through your tour backwards, but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever experienced on the internet. I have always been drawn to historic buildings and houses, no matter what state of disrepair. I’ve always just wanted to go stand in each room and soak up all the life that transpired there. This is a true treat, and I am so glad that you rescued this beautiful old home! I would love to see more photos, past and present! Oh….and when I think about how those mirrors and floor to ceiling windows traveled from where they were made and withstood all the abuse of the “remodel”…..it just boggles the mind….
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Rosemary – Glad you enjoyed the tour, and thought to tell me so. More rooms/pictures coming.
Debra says
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT ALL! So totally understand your passion for this home and I hope you will restore the kitchen wing back to it’s original design. Shame on the previous owners who did not appreciate what they had! I grew up in a 1920’s farm house which was haunted with a friendly old ghost. Do share more photos and stories.
Crystal says
Kevin, your home is simple amazing! The detail and hardwork you have put in to it is inspirational. I am currently looking to buy my first home and this is what I am looking for, and all old that I can restore to its original grandeur piece by piece. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am just speechless at how beautiful it is…great job!
Deborah says
Thank you (and your partner) for sharing. Outstanding job and KUDO’s for restoring to period era. Just seeing the pictures gave me a warm, homey feeing. Can’t wait to see the Kitchen! You guys are amazing!!!!! 🙂
Jennifer says
This house is soooo Beautiful!!!!!
lisa says
Stumbled upon your tour…and am thoroughly enjoying it. Your pictures are wonderful,
and I enjoy your wit. I can truly appreciate a person who saves something so lovely from the salvagers!!
Where I live, the oldest home in the area is from the 1960’s…would die to be able to do what you are!
Joan says
I love the fact that you and your partner have saved this wonderful old home. It’s so beautiful and I so enjoyed getting lost in your photos. The green “puddling” drapes remind me of those in Gone With The Wind. Thank so much!
Sharon says
I completely understand the passion and labor of love you describe. I bought a 1920s Mediterranean Revival house on South Beach designed by the great H. George Fink. The prior owner, a realtor and the cheapest guy who ever drew breath, had actually done little to the house and what he had done was all wrong and done cheaply to cover over problems. It is now, after 21 yrs of slow painstaking repairs, close to what it would have looked like originally. Like you, I feel that the ghosts in my house approve of the work I’ve done and are now happy here.
Juanita says
I”m glad I”m not the only one who started the tour backwards. I just want to see more detailed pictures, of the lighting fixtures, the woodwork, the gorgeous mirrors, crown molding. You are doing a wonderful job in preserving this piece of history. I know how hard you work. My husband and I bought an unlivable I house (built 1839) in 1989. Our family of 3 (young 2 yr. old boy) lived in a camper for 4 mos. (July – Nov.) until we had one room we could all sleep in. We had to hurry November was cold in Ohio. I would do it again in a heart beat.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful home with us.
Becky says
I am new to your site and am completey capitivated. The house is spectacular and one senses it is smiling at the care you are giving it. So more about the ghost???
Frances says
What a wonderful house. The open concept and stainless steel appliance crowd have no idea what they are missing.
susan says
Another “farm house” I was reminded of has 2 staircases, front and back, servents rooms, a pantry to die for and a huge pourch on 2 sides of the house. It was built in 1912 and has pocket doors.
Carin says
The two of you have done a remarkable job on your treasure of a home. As a lover of all things previously appreciated, I am grateful for your investment in the past. How will we ever have any example of where we have come from, if we always tear it down? The staircase is amazing, though I might feel compelled to dress to the period! The music room is lovely and how wonderful that you have a link to the orginal family! I particularly like your selection of colours and the design of window treatments. Well done.
We are now on our second house restoration, the first built 1932 was purchased from its original owner and all that was required was some fresh lipstick, there were no bad decisions to undo. Our second is a bit different in many ways, it was built in 1963 and the builder/owner was an older gentleman from South Africa, the house had been abandoned for quite sometime and took a months work just to make it inhabitable. Now that we are in and getting started I sure would appreciate a staff of 10 to help! Keep up the great work, the journey is such a joy…
Jeniren says
Beautiful restoration, wonderful to be able to view it on this misty Sunday morning here in Australia. Facebook and the internet hold wonderful jewels that I am sometimes lucky enough to find when I have time to browse from link to link. It was your great idea for vinegar as a weedkiller that attracted me to your page. I will definitely use that idea. I love your furniture , pocket doors, front alcove, windows, fireplace, lamp,everything. I wonder what the normal pattern of life is like in the house now, and what it was like at various times in the past, from the most vibrant to quietest times. Thank goodness the people who bought the house in 1979 kept all (most ?) of the features, including the hall lamp, and found ways for many people to enjoy the house by making apartments. Obviously that didn’t work as well as they may have hoped, but better than knocking it down, or stripping it of all its features. So pleased it was available when you were looking to buy. It seems like it was just treading water until you were ready to buy and restore it.
Hazel says
Thank you so much for posting pics of your lovely home. There is not much in western Canada like it. For that reason, and the obvious beauty that you so painstakingly maintain, I thank you for sharing your home.
BjTreants says
May I just tell you – what a pleasure it is to enjoy your beautiful home and gardens along with all the other people who you have made lust after all of it ! Now, look ashamed Kevin. NO, don’t you dare look anyway but bursting with pride for all you and your partner have accomplished at your home. From the sharing you do, we see the love of beautiful things, the joy of what you have done to make this your own grand palace. Would that I were able to accomplish a small part of all the things I see you have done around our place down here in our North Carolina home. My lazy southern way of life now that we have retired is so lacking in the knowledge or will to make things happen for us. My lust for grandeur is still with me but not strong enough to bring it to life. With your permission, I will live through your work and enjoy you as you accomplish what I will not take the time or money to get finished. I most sincerely thank you Kevin.
BjT
Angela Hedgepeth says
I love old homes and would love to live in one. I would have been “a goner” as soon as I saw all the beautiful wood and the marble fireplaces! What pains and artistry were taken in the design of this home–and what expense! How did the original owners make their money? Oh, and tell me about the ghosts! You have many talents from gardening to curtain design! I want to see this house in person!
Penster47 says
If I was young enough to manage all the stairs in this home, I would volunteer to be your live-in maid for free!! Just to live in this glorious old home! We used to own one that was built by a doctor in 1894, it had a two story entry way with a handcarved formal staircase that was brought over from Europe when the house was built. It had 34 door and windows, on the outside!. There was a beautiful peony “tree” planted on the north side of the house that he had planted for his wife when the house was built, but people didn’t know what they were dealing with and it wasn’t cared for like it should have been so it was only about 4 ft tall. Still had beautiful blooms though.
Bev Hastings says
Loved your tour. This website was sent by our garden club president. I love old homes and live in a home built in 1797 or before. It’s the opposite of yours, a former tenant house but very much loved and with so much character. My husbands family has been here for generations.
I will check your website often, thank you.
CRA_Boss_Queen says
O.M.G. What a gorgeous house. You’ve done a fabulous job restoring it. Thank heavens YOU bought it, instead of the greedy twit who was going to sell it for salvage, basically. Love the stories of the things in the house – it’s so exciting to have the original owner’s great-grand daughter to give you history. SWOON at the house, the restoration, and my jealousy!
Jodee says
I absolutely LOVE your home! We are currently trying to buy a historic home and I cannot wait to be able to restore it. I do have a lot of research to do on it still. Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your beautiful home. You are a huge inspiration!
Patricia Mountsteven says
You have a way with words, houses restoration, culinary delights and gardening which makes catching up with your web site a real delight….Thank you.
Cheryl says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. The tender love and care you put into it is amazing. The attention to detail is breath taking, I’m so glad you have saved it from being sold away in bits and pieces.
Angelique Lloyd says
I am in absolute agreement with all of the previous posts. Your home is an absolute stunning masterpiece of design, thoughtfulness, and passion for classic beauty. It beckons with warmth and hospitality and whispers of stately elegance. I am currently drowning in an emerald sea of envy 🙂
Pat says
Having just had a power failure for 10 days, after getting into a groove cooking outside with a portable BBQ, heating with a wood burning stove, listening to the radio , reading and walking here & there, it didn’t seem so awful. Having a fireplace in different rooms – what a luxury..
Your house is just beautiful but but consider what the notable raconteur, writer Quentin Crisp had to say as to why he didn’t worry about cleaning: “After the third year, the dust doesn’t get any worse”.
Hope you don’t spend too much time worrying about it all and instead enjoy!
Brad says
Excellent job on the home!
Riley says
Absolutely gorgeous. Please keep us all updated on your progress.
theresa says
I have just discovered you and your spectacular home moments ago. I am riveted! Thank you for sharing your Herculean efforts to restore and respect this Grande Dame of Early American architectural and design. Such luck that you found it! We live in a suburb of San Francisco and our home was once my Grandparents home for just under 50 years. A simple Mid(20th)-Century California Ranch, but loved just the same! Old homes have a life and charm like no other. The amount of work required pales in comparison to the joy they give and the memories kept alive in them~! Thank you!- Theresa
Mary says
I just stumbled upon this site.
I do love to see old historical homes restored and I really love what you have done.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Mary
Georgia Fuentes says
What a grand and beautiful home you are making out of this long ago grand and beautiful house.
Donna says
Your historic home is beautiful! I lived in a century old house for 25 years and now live in a l999 ranch style. I like the wainscoting in your entry hall and would like to know if it is simply a continuation of the wall topped by a chair rail or is it some sort of paneling? I wish to add wainscoting (faux) to my living room and hall walls. Thanks for your reply
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Donna – It’s paneling.
Ava lansbery says
Kevin, you are so blessed t be the caretaker f this home. Even though it so much work. I thought I wanted an open concept retirement home so built a log cabin with “great” room…sure wish know that I had more than just 4 walls to play with. I would love to have smaller, independent rooms to deal with. Please keep giving us more, I live vicariously in your home. (I might be one of those gosts)
Anne Beckes says
When I was a little girl in the 1950s, we would go every summer to my grandparents’ home in Salt Lake City. It was huge, ornate, and beautiful in many of the ways your home is, though not as old. By that time, it, too, had been divided into apartments, though my grandparents were the original owners of the home (they raised their 8 children there). My wealthy maternal great-grandmother, the first female attorney in Utah, built homes for both her daughters.
I fondly remember the solid hardwood pocket doors, 3-story stairway and carved bannisters. Their parlor had a huge picture window out of which they could watch us play croquet on a vast side lawn. In back of that was their huge garden, which at 6 I just knew was the model for the Garden of Eden.
Although the building remains, it has all been repurposed and the grounds changed to parking lots. I am so glad I am able to “see” parts of it again through your website.
Karen Vilandry says
Beautiful job and done with class! Do you have radiators? If so, what color did you paint them? I have a 1908 Greek revival where the radiators in the center hall were painted brown. Was it customary to have chair rails in these houses for that era? My home was also abused so little by little I’m trying to restore it. Thank you in advance for your response.
Mary Ann Z. says
This is my first visit to your site and I took a tour of your hall tonight. I love old houses with history and stories to tell if only they could talk. Three years ago, my husband and I bought a farm in the Midwest which has a small 1901 Folk Victorian house and a dairy barn plus a newer machine shed. I am trying to learn about Folk Victorian houses and Victorian houses in general. I will enjoy reading your newsletters about your progress with your home.
Ron says
Kevin — you’ve done a fantastic job preserving your house. Thanks for sharing.
Ardelle says
How beautiful – and to realize that you saved this house from a salvage dealer! I am an interior designer/remodeling contractor. I originally intended to build new homes but after the first one I realized the creative challenges required when working on renovations was food for my soul. I actually consider myself a restoration company. Even the simplest bungalow can/should be restored and loved. Accommodating modern living necessities, however, must still be a priority. I love my work and would love to see more of your solutions to an old house.
Diane Amick says
Hi Kevin…I’m a relatively new “Kevin” fan and while enjoying many of your older posts I was thrilled to find your home tours. I was even more excited when I saw your spelter conquistador by the beautiful staircase. I purchased a pair of these at auction in Berryville, VA several years ago (for $85 for the pair!). They are missing their shades/globes, but otherwise are stunning. The detail on them is amazing. I had no idea what they were until I saw your photo – always wondered why their arms were extended over their heads – I do have a large bird of prey that goes with one hand but is broken off. I now must do some research to find out more. Mine are quite large at 36″ and currently reside on tall plant stands on either side of a picture window. Thanks so much for your blog…love everything you do.
Patricia says
Hi Kevin, what a beautiful thoughtful job you are doing with this project. l
congratulations to you and your partner for a great and interesting job. Thank you to for sharing the project.
Judy P says
I absolutely adore this old house. I lived in one for several years that was built in 1894 by a Dr.
It too had a gorgeous curved and carved staircase that the good Dr. had brought over from Germany when he built the house. It was a beautiful old home that still had many lovely features left, but had been cruelly treated over the years, a fireplace in the formal dining room that had been closed up, the floors were in dreadful shape, the plaster was rotted and crumbling all over the house. A wall of cabinets that reached from ceiling to floor was still in the kitchen and in the pantry room that had screen wire in the doors to protect the food that could be kept in them. A basement/cellar had a monstrous coal furnace with the ornate wall and floor grates that heated the whole house. the upstairs had 3 bedrooms (one down) that had been turned into an apartment with bathrooms added up and down onto the back corner of the house. I wish I could have had the money needed to restore that old beauty to it’s former self, but was unable. Had to sell it when my husband and I divorced.
Jacqueline Roberge says
Love old historical homes. Yours is beautiful. Thank you for showing it to us and hope to see more.
Jaysa Dermody says
Thanks for sharing. Love it!
Jeanne Jacob says
I have a weakness for old architecture too! Lovely!
Julie R says
Thanks for sharing the before and after details and photos of restoring your beautiful home. You and your partner did a wonderful job of bringing your older home back to life. One thing that stands out about older homes to me, is all of the attention given to the woodwork. Being the daughter of someone who used to make furniture and all kinds of things from wood, I have a great appreciation for it.