When we purchased our home in 1993, we never imagined we would stay long enough to celebrate the 100th year of our pretty home! We imagined ourselves living comfortably in the house for ten or so years. Like so many who love older homes the years began to run together!
We have updated heating and cooling systems-replacing a very old room-sized Lenox furnace with dual systems that keep the rooms toasty during our long winter months and well-cooled during the hot, humid Georgia summers. Old cloth wiring was pulled through very small holes in the plaster to minimize dust and costly plaster repairs.
We redesigned kitchens and wine bar, dug a big hole for our pretty saline pool, painted and repainted, stained and restained pretty inlaid bowtie flooring and finally the house is sound, cozy and pretty throughout 99% of the property.
We are on our second go-around as innkeepers, something unusual in the business but it is a house best shared-way too big for two people. We closed for eight years to do the more complex upgrades-the electrical upgrade for the main house required 10 weeks of patience-snaking new wiring through minimum holes in the plaster and wood work through out the house. Kitchen redesigns a total of six months. Time well spent when guests head for the kitchen to enjoy the large granite bar and soothing aqua walls adorned with cashmere-stained maple Welbourne cabinetry!
When we total up the projects we are always amazed that we have lasted and stay interested. We're grateful for the opportunity to watch over our stately home and know that it has been shared by many happy travelers, family and friends!