Kevin Lee Jacobs

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House Tour Part 3: The Dining Room!

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | September 13, 2017 117 Comments

Last updated on September 17th, 2017

There’s nothing to learn from this video. Zero. Zip. Nada. I simply wanted to show you the dining room here at Clover Hill. As you will soon discover, the room has been restored to its early-19th-century countenance.

The dining room is where Mrs. Johnson, our affable live-in cook, serves multi-course dinners to me and The Silver Fox each evening. Precisely at eight o’clock.

Confession: There is no Mrs. Johnson in this house.  The live-in cook answers to the same name I do.

So just watch the video!

Are you a fan of old houses, too? You can let me know by leaving a comment. As always, your words are the sunshine of my day.

xKevin

You may also like:


  • House Tour Part 2: The Parlor

  • House Tour Part 1: Entrance Hall and Staircase

  • Blender Corn and Herb Soufflé (GF)

  • A Walk in the Mid-April Garden

  • Easy Zucchini Appetizers
House Tour Part 2: The Parlor
Farmer’s Casserole

Comments

  1. 1

    Linda says

    September 13, 2017 at 10:47 am

    Love the colors and what you’ve done. I have an old gilt rococco frame that would be beautiful in that room. It is quite large.
    One question: Do you have any problem with critters in your wood pile on the porch?
    Looking forward to the redesigned apartments.

  2. 2

    Nell says

    September 13, 2017 at 11:11 am

    It’s really beautiful, and I love the red!

  3. 3

    Marilyn says

    September 13, 2017 at 11:20 am

    I wondered that, too, about critters in the wood pile. Yes, it’s convenient but awfully close to the house. In Texas it would likely be home to several unwelcome guests, including snakes, depending on how long the wood supply lasts.

  4. 4

    Zola says

    September 13, 2017 at 11:54 am

    Thank You, for caring for Old Historical Things, and sharing with us !

  5. 5

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    September 13, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Linda and Marilyn – No pests in the stacked firewood, save for the occasional chipmunk. And a chipmunk is no trouble at all.

  6. 6

    Lucretia (Lucie) Pollard says

    September 13, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Very nice! I am sure the room is delighted to be brought back so beautifully! That was inspiring. Thanks!

    Lucie

  7. 7

    cynthia lanzetta says

    September 13, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    You are doing something I’ve always wanted to do – but now realize I will have to be content with the dream. I am living vicariously through you! Thank you for sharing…

  8. 8

    Denise says

    September 13, 2017 at 3:25 pm

    Mr Fox and you ( Kevin) have done a wonderful job bringing back this home to its grandeur. Is the kitchen I saw on your tomato pie video the kitchen to this home?

  9. 9

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    September 13, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Hi Denise – Yes. The kitchen you see in my cooking videos is the kitchen in this house. Hope you enjoyed the Tomato Pie!

  10. 10

    Patricia Torrice says

    September 13, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    Old homes require endless hours of work to restore them to their original splendor. i see that is exactly what you have been doing. The pride you have in your work shines through your smile! Please keep sharing your videos, they are so entertaining!

  11. 11

    susan gortva says

    September 13, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    I love the mulberry walls. I have my grandmothers mirror, but the gold is mostly gone. yours is so lavishly handsome. even through the computer it feels so warm and comfy. great films

  12. 12

    jaywalk says

    September 14, 2017 at 5:26 pm

    am loving this “series” ~ have always so enjoyed watching the renovation of historic long forgotten about jewels. thank you so much for sharing ~ looking forward to more 🙂 🙂 🙂

  13. 13

    Marcia Zerance says

    September 14, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    Kevin I laughed out loud when you commented about your woodpile conveniently by the window. My husband looked over and wanted to hear what I was laughing at. I truly wish you were my neighbor, but I am satisfied being able to peek in your blog weekly!

  14. 14

    Becca says

    September 14, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    Love these videos of the house! If you have them, would you please add some “before” pictures to future videos? I would love to see what you started with, especially for a transformation that sounds as extensive as this room was. As others have implored, please keep up the house and garden videos! I have much less space, and a lot less time with three small children at home who constantly destroy what little I get done, so seeing your corner of the world is a lovely escape. 🙂

  15. 15

    Kay in Neb says

    September 14, 2017 at 10:43 pm

    I love old homes. Ours is an old farmhouse with the “newest” old part finished in 1911. The oldest part has the original square-head nails and the wider floor boards are laid in a totally different direction from the newer part. As far as I know one other family owned the farm before my husband’s grandparents bought it. We are the third generation to live here and it butts up to the original family homestead land. More videos from you please!!

  16. 16

    Rena says

    September 14, 2017 at 11:01 pm

    So beautifully done, your love for your home shines. Thanks for sharing

  17. 17

    Jerry Miller says

    September 15, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    Wow, another beautiful room. What a fantastic house. I can’t imagine how hard you worked to get your house looking so great but it all paid off. Incredible!

  18. 18

    mary hatton says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:31 am

    I love the vicarious pleasure of watching someone else’s renovation. Yours is lovely! Thank you for sharing it.

  19. 19

    Mary says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:31 am

    I love your home! Thank you for giving us a tour and explaining the history behind your dining room and the furnishings. The color on the wall is stunning!

  20. 20

    Susan says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:34 am

    Thanks, Kevin! Always enjoyed your posts, even more now that I have bought a lovely elderly VT village home. You are inspiration 🙂

  21. 21

    phyllis says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:36 am

    I would LOVE to see the music room with you playing the piano….please.

  22. 22

    Emilie says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:37 am

    Absolutely gorgeous! Being from the New Orleans area – I’ve always wanted to restore a period home. Maybe once our children are older as its intense work! superb job!

  23. 23

    Val says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:38 am

    Love your website! I’ve enjoyed all the videos and anxiously awaiting more. The gold mirrors are amazing. I wonder if you know how to care for them? I have a beautiful rectangular mirror with gold-leaf frame that belonged to my grandfather, but the gold leaf is very dark. I don’t dare clean it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  24. 24

    gloria says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Fantastic! I love the contrast of the convenient wood pile with the elegance of the decor. So you!! That is why I am constantly intrigued by your blog-Deliciously appealing recipes honed to the basics for real life
    and lack of time. When I make one of your dishes I feel confident that I am Queen of my kitchen and that my guests will be well served.

  25. 25

    Jo Ann says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:42 am

    Amazing job, nicely done.

  26. 26

    Dee says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:54 am

    Love that room! That is a great red. Looking forward to future tours

  27. 27

    Christine Thiessen says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:57 am

    Thank you for the tour, Kevin! Loved it.

  28. 28

    patrice says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:08 am

    beautiful home. I really enjoy how you highlight individual items in the video. Thanks for a lovely tour

  29. 29

    Janis says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Thank you for so graciously opening your home to us. The dining room tour was fascinating. The hard work that goes into any renovation project is impressive but to renovate to a specific period, meticulously searching for pices, colors and finishes, is truly a daunting task. You and Mr Fox are to be commended for renovating and preserving Clover Hill.

  30. 30

    Willow Runningwater alias Helen Rundell says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:10 am

    I would love to see other rooms. It’s so nice to see things restored and New York has so many nice locations as well. I’m originally from L.I. but often traveled upstate. Love your recipes and articles of good advice. We are organic gardeners and were certified by MOFGA here in Maine. I still grow most of our veggies and now we are down to three sheep (culls) a year that fill part of our freezer. We also have 20 + chickens that lay a lot of eggs, plus Banties that are for fun and also lay tiny eggs. Right now we are planting lots of evergreens and large bushes to take over some of our lawn, which is difficult to mow. It is the site of an old wood mill that stood on the stream (that flows into the Salt Pond) We have turned an old workshop barn into a 4,000 square foot house, housing a gallery and huge studio. I’m a professional landscape artist and make a living off of my talent. We have also dug two ornamental ponds, filled with pond lilies. This year we added three modified keyhole gardens which are producing an enormous amount of vegetables. We surrounded them with a mixture of sand and cement and they are very impressive. It looks somewhat like cement but eventually will break down into a hard surface that repels weeds and grass. This drains into a garden behind with huge boulders and perenial flowers and dogwood tree.
    Anyway, love what you are doing.

  31. 31

    Marie Kupis says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Adore old houses and your home is certainly breathtaking! More please and how about two rooms at a time?

  32. 32

    Marilyn says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:13 am

    Really enjoy seeing your videos and how you are restoring this beautiful house back to its original beauty.

  33. 33

    John says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:22 am

    GAW-JESS!

  34. 34

    Donna says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:05 am

    Beautiful reno. Thanks for describing and naming the paint colors with brand names, helps to have that info…especially about which tones/colors compliment or bring out others.

  35. 35

    Patrick Campbell says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:10 am

    You did a beautiful job re-working the dining room and it’s perfect for the house.

    My concern is where you placed the wood for the fireplace, right outside the window, might cause problems with woodboring bugs. You might want to reconsider moving the wood away from the window where the bugs might enter. Plus the moisture and dirt content of the piled up wood might be a problem against the house, causing stain or damage.

    Thanks for sharing. I love the house and all the work you have done.

  36. 36

    Debbie says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:10 am

    Beautiful color on your upper walls. I once had a sitting room a similar color in an old Victorian. Just gorgeous!

  37. 37

    Joyce Boyle says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:13 am

    Love love love your presentation … what you have done with this beautiful old home has now become a classic treasure – congratulations. Can’t wait to see future transformation in other rooms. Thank you so much for sharing I am enjoying every moment.

  38. 38

    BEv Hastings says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:17 am

    I live in a 225 year old home that was built as a tenant house for a mule farmer so the story goes. It is cozy and unique but nothing really beautiful in it so I love looking at your home and the restoration. I wouldn’t move from this old place with its crooked floors and drafts. I just love it.

  39. 39

    Heidi Jaeger says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:26 am

    An inspirational room. I admire your vision in seeing what it could become from what it was when you found it and your tenacity in locating those matching dining room chairs. Beautiful!

  40. 40

    Patti Law-Poggi says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:47 am

    Dear Kevin, the house and you are simply amazing. Please keep making the videos.
    As I’ve mentioned before, I am 78 years old and come from England and can very much relate to some of your travels, Devon, Cornwall etc. Did you ever visit The Lake District? I spent my last years there before coming to America, in a very small town called Keswick. It was wonderful there but I was young and wanted adventure, and when our friends called and said they were sailing to Canada on the Empress of Britain in 1963, we decided to just go ‘for two years’ ha. (doesn’t everyone say that!). Going back to the ‘olden days’ I can remember, before that when I lived in the south of England, there was no electricity on our particular street and a lamplighter rode around on his peddle bike with a long pole and lit all the gas lights. Seems so obsolete now!
    Incidentally, here in California, our wood pile has to be 30ft from our house, so you are lucky.

  41. 41

    Joan says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:57 am

    As usual Kevin, just super perfect and truly beautiful job and room. Thanks for sharing; it’s great to see such care to detail and period. Many Thanks, J

  42. 42

    Mike Goins says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Kevin,

    You need to put the firewood up on a rack so it is off your’ porch floor or you risk having rot and/or termites there. A simple wooden or pipe-type rack will hold it neatly where you can still reach it okay.

  43. 43

    Kate says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:59 am

    Well, I see I am the only one with a critique. It runs in the family….sorry. I am wondering why you chose that particular upholstery for the dining chairs??? I find them a rude contrast to the pattern and colors used in the Persian carpet and totally out of sink with the red of the walls? You get just a quick look, but my eyes crossed as the view slid by. I did like the white chair rail, but would have preferred something besides white on the lower walls. Maybe a wallpaper pulling in some of the color in the room. Even a stripe would work. I do love your gardens though. I am a landscape designer and I know the work you have put in to transform and organize all that land.

  44. 44

    Kate says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:01 pm

    Sorry, I don’t do moderation.

  45. 45

    Linda says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:10 pm

    Kevin, I am a fan and actually live in a 1900 farm house myself. Have spent my life and all my money restoring. I also have a red dining room. Love what you have done. The house is charming.

  46. 46

    Rhonda Strahler says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Thank you for saving this beautiful old home! The red walls are gorgeous & my favorite color. I am curious if the dining chairs are just as you found them? I find the fabric on their seats a bit modern for the room, or am I wrong? At any rate, love your videos and recipes.

  47. 47

    Donna Cheung says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:16 pm

    Hi Kevin, love your beautiful old home, having beautiful rooms like that speak volumes of days gone by…a very beautiful era.
    Absolutely love the colours in your dining room. I was wondering if the seats covers on your chairs were intentional or bought that way? I think a dark blue with some kind of white dots or motif would pick up the blue accents in the room…just a thought.
    Keep up the great work, it is obvious that returning this house to it’s former grandeur is a great passion for you and Silver Fox, I like many have appreciated your video house tours and look forward to seeing your other rooms.

  48. 48

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Hi Kate, Rhonda, and Donna – Seats were already covered in the “flame” pattern fabric when we bought the chairs at auction. I’ll recover with blue velvet when time permits. Thanks for watching the video!

  49. 49

    Marcia says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing… Yes, Yes, more rooms please.
    I was taken aback with Mrs. Johnson!! Perhaps she would like to meet Mr. Worthington Smythe, my butler who never seems to pick up after himself.
    Such inspiration. I need to give up on pastels and get some bold paint.

  50. 50

    Addie Bambridge says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    Seeing your beautiful home in its wooded setting makes me feel homesick for the north, where I grew up. I also lived in the south of England for 16 years, which was very similar – I loved it there. In between I lived in Florida, and I’m back here now because my English husband wanted to retire here, and I guess it was his turn lol.

    Thank you for sharing the stunning results of your hard work and excellent taste – do please give us more!

  51. 51

    Kat says

    September 17, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    It is a joy to see what you are doing to your historic home …just lovely !!!

  52. 52

    Gloria Wise says

    September 17, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    I loved the tutorial for potting baby African violets. Since I found your website I am so intrigued by your love and knowledge for cooking and decorating. I would certainly love to visit your beautiful home you have given me a wonderful gift and I can’t wait to read everything I can on your life and love for all your talents thank you you have made my day

  53. 53

    Marsha Pilgrim says

    September 17, 2017 at 1:42 pm

    How wonderful to see such a lovely dinning room.
    This room draws me into a formality that is both comforting and cozy.
    Thank you Kevin, for sharring the result of all of your hard work.

  54. 54

    Cheryl says

    September 17, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    I live in a small split entry but love the red for my “informal” dining room! Your good! And THANKS!

  55. 55

    frederique jennette says

    September 17, 2017 at 1:45 pm

    A beautiful restoration! I love the dining room table with the satin wood edging!

  56. 56

    Gail L says

    September 17, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    Thank you for another wonderful tour. I love what you have done with your dining
    room. I envy people like yourself who can take a mess of something and envision the splendor that it could and should be, and put in the hard work to make it happen. I seriously lack in the “vision” department, and have to rely on others creativity to enjoy seeing the process and end result! Enjoy your blog so much!

    The location of the room in the house really speaks to the function and purpose of the room as well. Would love to see the music room and you playing the piano like the other poster mentioned! Hugs to Lily!

    My butler’s name is Mr. Wiggins… and he is the worst slouch! Always said, if you want anything done right, you might as well do it yourself.

  57. 57

    Octo-woman says

    September 17, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    I am still basking in the comforting image of you and Mr. Fox enjoying your nightly repast in that beautiful room! But ‘fess up, when too tired to cook, where does the intrepid Mrs. Johnson serve the Big Macs and fries?

  58. 58

    Mary E. Davenport says

    September 17, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    Great tour! Thank you for sharing your lovely home.

  59. 59

    Marcy says

    September 17, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    Very much enjoying the tours! Thank you for sharing your home.

  60. 60

    Susin says

    September 17, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    It’s just gorgeous Kevin! I can hear your love for your home in your voice!

  61. 61

    Janice in Vermont says

    September 17, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    What a treat! Thanks for taking me back in time. Not just to the 18th century…
    Thirty+ years ago, in a circa 1900 house in Brooklyn, I had a mulberry dining room with white woodwork and bay windows of leaded glass– and “federal” dining table, chairs & sideboard, but mine were reproductions of the “revival” era. Yours are far lovelier!
    A fitting setting for your wonderful recipes! Thanks for sharing it, and I’m glad you and the Silver Fox are rescuing and preserving precious history.

  62. 62

    Pam says

    September 17, 2017 at 3:18 pm

    The dining room is beautiful, and I can only imagine the delicious dinners you serve there. Lucky guests!

  63. 63

    Ellie B says

    September 17, 2017 at 4:15 pm

    I love following your posts and especially the tours. Thank you for sharing your home with us all!

  64. 64

    Jacob M Edingfield says

    September 17, 2017 at 5:03 pm

    Kevin,
    It is beautiful to see how painstaking you have done to bring your home back to its’ crowning glory. I have enjoyed each video. Thank you for sharing.

  65. 65

    Linda A says

    September 17, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Wonderful video, Kevin.
    The comments on the white Benjamin Moore paint was helpful. It’s difficult to
    choose the best white for the room. Looks like you nailed it.

    The dining room is gorgeous.

  66. 66

    Gerry Rodriguez says

    September 17, 2017 at 5:59 pm

    Thank you Kevin! Lovely tour. I look forward to the next!

  67. 67

    Joanne in Zone 6b says

    September 17, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    Yes, please, more home tour videos! Loved seeing the dining room; all three videos have been terrific. You are a wonderful video host, and Lily is the perfect beagle. Thank you.

  68. 68

    Cindy S. says

    September 17, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    I am enjoying all your house and garden tour videos. Beautiful spaces! I, too, worry about that woodpile on the porch. Carpenter ants will literally eat you out of house and home. I look forward to seeing the rest of your lovely home.

  69. 69

    Karen Wheeler says

    September 17, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    As always, loved every second. Your delivery, in speaking about the room, is unusually paced and clear; I wish more public speakers on TV– news presenters, commentators, etc. –would take a page from your book.

    The room is lovely. That marble mantel and the shallow firebox simply shout authenticity! Lucky you! And lucky house to have been saved from the ravages of demon “remodelers” by people who truly care.

    Blessings on you and yours!

  70. 70

    Susan says

    September 17, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    Kevin just love the porch! Always wanted a home with a front porch! But, I have a beautiful back yard deck surrounded by trees! You’ve done a beautiful job restoring! Can’t wait to see more.

  71. 71

    Jean says

    September 17, 2017 at 6:58 pm

    Love your recipes and videos. I have made the tomato pie twice for ladies luncheons and twice just for me with our garden tomatoes. Ll It was a huge hit and the ladies all wanted for the recipe. I have just moved from an 1830s house which was not nearly as grand as yours and appreciate the thought and work that goes into what you are doing. Great job!!

  72. 72

    Ardelle says

    September 17, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    The colors you have used are perfect as well as the furnishings. Do wish I had the house but I have had to make do with a much newer home. However, entrance and stairwell are similar red wallcovering simulating marble-subtly. Living room is lovely yellow with reds, blues, yellows and bits of greens in furnishings, rugs. Kitchen has white tile with cobalt blue trim tiles- awesome with the white background wallcovering filled with vining medium sized flowers with all the colors used in L.R. but it muted tone Cabinetry is white hand rubbed stain over oak – which I love.
    Adjoining upstairs hall has grasscloth with subtle red undertones. Anyway, isn’t as elegant as yours but I love it. Love your tours, your finished renovations. You are truly blessed to have found this treasure.

  73. 73

    Lyn Morrison says

    September 17, 2017 at 8:25 pm

    Wonderful restoration ,, Love watching your old home come to life,,,

  74. 74

    Judith says

    September 17, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    You always make us feel like family guests…. thank you…. but it’s driving me nuts….. who is Mr. Fox…. or is it you as you implied with the live in cook….. which was you! LOL love the colors…. so much investment.. and a lot of work work work…. I pray you have a team of people to help you friend….

    Yes, we’d love to see the rest of the house….Thank you for your hospitality!

    Blessings on you for sharing…

    Judith

  75. 75

    Elaine Bower says

    September 17, 2017 at 9:00 pm

    Love the dining room; can you post a before picture?

  76. 76

    Judy Hines says

    September 17, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    We always wanted to restore an old house but it wasn’t meant to be. But our home is filled with antiques, not as early as yours, but still old. Oh how I enjoy seeing photos of your efforts leading to an exquisite Clover Hill.

  77. 77

    Naomi S. says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    Beautiful room, Kevin. So much work you’ve put into the restoration of just that room alone. For my taste it’s a little too much lavishness. (is that a word?) That is, I wouldn’t be comfortable living with the decor of that era. But I certainly do appreciate the beauty of the furniture and decor. Thanks for sharing your lovely dining room!

  78. 78

    STELLA MICHEL says

    September 17, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    I really love old homes with craftsmanship and history and love the way you’re restoring that lovely old home to its former glory. My husband and I just bought a tiny old Craftsman cottage, circa 1925, and I’d like to plant a pretty cottage garden. Just wondering if you have any suggestions on what to plant. Hydrangeas? Roses?

  79. 79

    Ing-Marie Peck says

    September 18, 2017 at 8:10 am

    Love it. The red is absolutely beautiful, and the “bling” wow.

  80. 80

    Amen Kahwajy says

    September 18, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    That pen and ink drawing of your home is fantastic!

  81. 81

    Cécile says

    September 18, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    Thanks Kevin for this tour.
    I do follow your blog for a few years, so I have seen many pictures of your renovation projects in House and Garden, but the video’s add a lot. Happy to read that you are going to change the upholstery of the chairs and I do hope you will be able to get fabric in the same blue colour as your ginger jar.
    My former home was an old house, not such a beauty as yours, just an old house in a small street in an old town. The house dated from somewhere in the 1600’s, but not many old things did survive times and times of renovations. All what was left was a strange niche in a wall and that not one angle was square. The man who did the flooring for us became very frustrated by it . I loved the house, but the warmth-isolation was bad. I now live in a house from about 1920 in a small village and it is a very comfortable house. Big, but no beauty either.

  82. 82

    Cheryl Baertl says

    September 18, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    I took one of my rare moments alone to enjoy Part 3 of your house tour. As I was sipping orange pekoe from one of my old English bone china teacups, I felt a kinship with you as you shared your house’s story while holding a mug of your own. Even though my house wasn’t built until 1975 (complete with orange shag carpeting and faded orange and yellow daisies on my counters when we moved in), I love the history of all houses. I swear you can FEEL it, the history, the energy, when you place your hand on an old bannister or fireplace mantel (or maybe it’s just romantic thinking?). Anyway, I enjoy your house tours and I enjoy you – keep it coming.

  83. 83

    Kathleen says

    September 18, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    Love, love, your videos, Kevin! Isn’t it fun to dream about how people lived back then? Please keep them coming!

  84. 84

    Shellee Morrison says

    September 18, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    Beautiful restoration! We live in a bungalow in Kansas. When we removed the plaster for a kitchen remodel, we found this written in pencil on the back of the lathe – “This house lathed by Ed Trotter, Thanksgiving Day, 1913”. Of course we took a picture of it! But someone hearing our story recently asked, “Did you sign it as well?” Wish we had thought of it!

  85. 85

    Paula Beattie says

    September 19, 2017 at 1:12 am

    Simply stunning! I love everything about your dining room.

  86. 86

    Kristin says

    September 19, 2017 at 8:30 am

    I am loving the house tour videos, and I particularly loved your comment about the house crying out for help. Our house didn’t have the same kinds of atrocities perpetrated upon it, but we definitely felt it begging us to buy it and clean it up. And it has been a very happy home for the past 14.5 years. Looking forward to the next video!

  87. 87

    Suzanne Urban says

    September 19, 2017 at 8:31 am

    Am a newcomer to your vlog and am enjoying it. Your house and gardens are beautiful. Love the spirit teakettle! We love old houses and live in one, circa 1664 Deacon John Moore house in Connecticut. It used to be attached to the house next door at one time, now they’re two separate homes and that beautiful home is up for sale now!

  88. 88

    Sara says

    September 19, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    Thanks for sharing. Love your videos and recipes

  89. 89

    JoAnn says

    September 20, 2017 at 9:55 am

    Enjoyed “being in” another beautifully-restored room of Clover Hill. Keep these videos coming.

  90. 90

    Debra Ulrich says

    September 20, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    Kevin-
    Do you have any photos of the before and after? Like the condition of the house before your renovation? Would love to see what you have done with the apartment/old kitchen of the house. Would love to see a pic of the original huge kitchen too!

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    Jo perkins says

    September 20, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Did you repurpose any of the other items like the huge wood stove? Love the dining room, show more!

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    Jane says

    September 20, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    Kevin, I love these house tour videos and that you are showing us the rooms one by one. So much work has gone into this beautiful home that you and Mr. Fox are lovingly restoring. I love the antiquing involved, the stories you share and that gorgeous fireplace! And thank you for showing us Lily. She is just a love and it is nice to see her enjoying her time by the fire. I look forward to my weekly videos even if I do not get to watch them right away – thank you!

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    Mary Beth says

    September 21, 2017 at 11:00 am

    I love how you restored the dining room and rescued that beautiful fireplace. The colors and decor are lovely. I’m looking forward to more videos! If you have any before and after photos of the renovations please share. I’m sure many folks would love to see them!

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    Sandra DeMuth says

    September 21, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    Thank you for sharing, Kevin! I really appreciate the hard work you have done and delight in being able to view the inside of one of these fantastic homes, as they would have been viewed in the days of old. Kudos for being one of the wonderful people who restore for the benefit of the eyes of future generations who can enjoy a part of our heritage that would have been otherwise lost!!

    Sandy

    P.S. It never ceases to amaze me how Americans are so quick to destroy that which our ancestors have left us. Living in the Buffalo, NY area, I have witnessed the destruction of much of the past. Thank god, however, people are starting to wake up. Can you imagine if Europe would have destroyed its fantastic old buildings and castles? Who would want to go there?

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    Mary says

    September 22, 2017 at 7:28 am

    I love these video tours. Thanks, Kevin. Fun and so much creativity.

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    kat says

    September 26, 2017 at 10:11 pm

    ohhhh yessss-more videos pleassssssssssseeeee. You have such a beautiful home.

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    sarah says

    October 1, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    Thank you for explaining the color make-up of mulberry and why it goes well with blue furnishings, Kevin. What a gorgeous dining room. Love the upholstery on the chair seats. I do want to see more, especially what was done with the former apts.

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    Margaret Califano says

    October 4, 2017 at 10:38 am

    Kevin, I love the tours! What is the painting above the mantle in the dining room?

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    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    October 4, 2017 at 11:06 am

    Hi Margaret – It’s an old Dutch painting, probably titled, rather unimaginatively, “Still Life with Fruit.” Thanks for the watching the vid!

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    Maria Gaian says

    October 12, 2017 at 2:29 am

    Gosh Kevin! I’ve only just come across your site and I’m in love. What a gorgeous and inspirational cornucopia of posts. I’m looking forwards to seeing more. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home.

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    Aggie says

    November 16, 2017 at 9:09 am

    Hi Kevin! What a gorgeous old home! Reminds me of the few older homes that have been preserved when I lived on the North Shore of Long Island NY. I love your recipes and use your gardening tips, for a few years now, when I moved from the city to the suburbs and learned to garden beyond my windowsill. Three states later, I just got around to watching the Home videos. Keep up the great work!

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    Christine Swift says

    November 19, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Hi Kevin! I so love watching your tours. When can we expect the next one? Soon I hope!!

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    bobbi Butler says

    July 1, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    loved the dining room tour! i missed the finished kitchen. WHere can I go to see the kitchen?

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    bobbi Butler says

    July 1, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    I-loved the dining room tour and history. But missed the kitchen redo, where can i go to see that?

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    Lyne says

    October 1, 2018 at 9:01 pm

    You have done a great job of the dinning room and I am very impressed with your colour choices. The Mulberry is a wonderful colour for the room, it brings a lot of class and warmth to the room. I can see you have done a lot of work with this house. I really do like the older homes, unlike the modern homes that are built for convenience, the older homes were built with sytle and a sense of warmth to them. I enjoy watching the video tours of your home. I wish for you many years of happiness in your lovely home.

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    Lori says

    October 6, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    You talk of “federal” pieces. I’m unfamiliar with that, can you explain?

    I’d rather buy an old home to fix up than to start with a new home. But our house was built in 1954, not that old, but the property was once a war zone, I believe between the French and the Indians as well as a campsite for Red River Logging. We found a cannon ball, an arrow head, and the kids found silver forks.

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    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    October 6, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    Hi Lori – “Federal pieces” refers to furnishings from the Federal era (1729-1823).

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    Samantha says

    October 28, 2018 at 11:39 am

    Love seeing your house on video tour. The Mulberry walls are wonderful. Thank you for the inspirations – we are in the midst of a renovation of 4 rooms due to a massive flood from a broken kitchen pipe. What you did with your dining room gives me hope that we may achieve some semblance of comfort, order, beauty (I will not say elegance) and “livability” once we are done. Please keep posting!

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    Sharon E. Parker says

    September 22, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    I love watching your videos and love what you are doing with your house and gardens. I save your emails when they come in for special treats between working. Thank you for sharing your joys and treasures.

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    Cindi says

    March 27, 2020 at 7:34 am

    I do LOVE the video.Your taste is impeccable! I can see the previous owners in there timely attire going about their business there. Very BEAUTIFUL!

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    jackie serba says

    March 29, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    love the dining room, but the pantry is what I long for. My home is 1400 square feet and no room for a pantry. We clean and organize the cabnets and then we move stuff to find something and it’s a mess all over again. Thanks for all the great info..

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    Elaine Wilmes-Pandolfo says

    March 29, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Your dining room is fabulous! You have an incredible sense of style and it is heartwarming to know you are bringing the historic home back to its original roots. We built a new saltbox home 5 years ago. Our home interior is Shaker-style. I now have my dream kitchen which has a large pantry with roll-out drawers. There is a separate stand-alone cabinet also. Your pantry is incredible. Thanks for the tour.

    Elaine

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    Dot Sparling says

    March 30, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Kevin, Thank you for all the wonderful tours and recipes that you so graciously share with us!
    It’s been a joy watching you “reclaim” your homje to it’s past elegance!

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    Dot Sparling says

    March 30, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    Kevin, Thank you for all the wonderful tours and recipes that you so graciously share with us!
    It’s been a joy watching you “reclaim” your home to it’s past elegance!

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    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    March 30, 2020 at 6:49 pm

    Hi Elaine and Dot – Thank you for watching the tour!

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    Chris Rago says

    April 26, 2020 at 11:37 am

    Your dining room is lovely! It is very nice to go on your gracious tour. How about opening a door to a room beyond to let viewers have a feel for the flow? Not to go in, but just to get a peek.

    I appreciate your website and the many recipes, ideas, and sharing of your life!

    Thank you very much.

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    lani987 says

    July 18, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    You did an amazing job redesigning your dining room. I love the federal style of the room. It looks much nicer than the victorian style it was before. And the color you chose for the walls is stunning. Nice job!

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