Nicola here. One thing that always interests me about the castles and old houses I visit is the different stages in their life; the way in which their purpose changes over the years and so they change shape and the usage of the rooms varies and the gardens are altered and each generation develops the property and leaves their mark on their home. It struck me recently as we planned some renovations to our cottage that the process we go through is not so different from that of grand builders of stately homes, only on a much smaller scale! (The picture is Appuldurcombe House on the Isle of Wight – more on that later.)
Ashdown House, for example, was used as a hunting lodge for several hundred years and so was not lived in permanently. It therefore remained architecturally unaltered all that time because there was no change in its purpose and so no need to spend money on alterations. However the moment the Victorian Cravens decided to take up residence there on a full time basis, they changed it completely. The house was too small to be an aristocratic family home so they extended it, just as people build extensions now. They added two wings, with a ballroom, a smoking room and a billiards room, and most importantly, one suspects, they built servants’ quarters to house the thirty eight people who waited on them! The gardens were also considered too plain so they remodelled them as well with a fashionable Italianate parterre garden that was all the rage in the mid-nineteenth century.
Meanwhile across the fields from the main house, the Iron Age hill fort of Alfred’s Castle had gone 
through a similar process some thousand years earlier. When the Romans came to Britain they built a villa in the centre of the old Iron Age fort. Over the two hundred years of its occupation the villa changed size and shape and the purpose of its rooms changed. At some point the owners installed some fancy new window glass and painted the walls an attractive terracotta red. I imagine that they must have been pleased with their home improvements!
A few weeks ago I went to the Isle of Wight, a gorgeous little island off the south coast of England. There’s something exciting about being on an island even if it’s only an hour’s ferry crossing from the mainland, and the Isle of Wight is a lovely place to visit. There are fabulous beaches and wonderful cliffs and hills for walking and best of all – from my point of view – a rich history from pre-Roman to the present. I got my English Civil War fix at Carisbrooke Castle, where King Charles I was imprisoned. I even saw the window he had tried to squeeze through when he attempted to escape. Sadly his twenty course dinners and the narrowness of the bars thwarted the attempt.
As an aside, I first heard mention of Charles’ imprisonment at Carisbrooke through reading Mary of Carisbrooke by Margaret Campbell Barnes, which I adored. The story of Charles’ imprisonment and subsequent execution and the involvement of Mary, the housekeeper’s niece, with great affairs of state, enthralled me. The book was very firmly on the side of the King and the noble cavaliers who tried to help him escape. It was pretty cool to visit the castle where these events, fact and fictional had taken place.
Amongst the handsome cavaliers in Mary of Carisbrooke was Sir Edward Worsley of Gatcombe. The Worsley family originated in the North of England and rose to prominence during the Tudor period through attracting royal favour. By the period of the English Civil War the family, like so many, were split in their loyalties. Sir Edward was a noted Royalist whilst the senior branch of the family, who lived nearby at Appuldurcombe House, supported the parliament.
Appuldurcombe was the ultimate in Georgian home improvements. At the end of 
the 17th century there was a Tudor manor house on the site, which Sir Robert Worsley considered to be “gothic”, irregular, uncivilised and inconvenient. He wrote: “I have left not one stone of it standing” (which seems a shame as it looks rather characterful.) The difficulty, as those of us know who have lived through house renovation, was that he had to leave enough of it standing to live in whilst he built his new mansion. Not just that, but home improvement can be an expensive business. The rebuilding of Appuldurcombe took years and years because Sir Robert could not afford to do it all at once. Lady Worsley wrote to her father: “I wish he (Sir Robert) would let them go on fast with the building that we might see an end of it.” She was tired of living in a building site!
Unfortunately, only a couple of years after the new build was started, a great storm blew up and destroyed a great deal of the house. Sir Robert had to start all over again. It took him three years to get the roof on and ten years after the building was started, Sir Robert stopped, realising that he could not pay for the work nor settle the debts he had already incurred. His beautiful house with its panelled bedrooms and splendid carvings was left “in a very unfinished state.” The work had cost a grand total of £3532, 15 shillings and ten pence, about the equivalent of £235 000/$420 000 in modern currency.
Sir Robert’s sons predeceased him and his heir, a cousin, showed no interest in continuing the work on the house. It was not until 1768 that Sir Richard Worsley inherited and decided to re-build the re-building. Sir Richard was keen on all things fashionable and by this time the “new” house was already out of date. He renovated it to suit the fashions of the mid 18th century, with landscaping by Capability Brown and furniture by Thomas Chippendale.
Finally the house was complete, but in the Regency period it was remodelled yet again in keeping with 
the latest style. Only one hundred years later it was largely destroyed by a Second World War bomb, which left the house the ruin you see today. It has been partially restored but it is derelict behind the facade. The hall, pictured right, shows how grand it must once have been.
This rather puts my own house renovations in the shade but it did make me think how keen people often are to “improve” on the work of previous generations. Where I live people love all the old cottages that date back in some cases to the 15th century but they don’t want to live under 15th century conditions. So they have an old house with a modern interior.
So now it’s over to you. Are you keen on home improvements or do you hate DIY? Are you happy with your home environment or are there things you would like to change? After all, people have been doing this for centuries!
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and someone did not want that house on that site!
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and someone did not want that house on that site!
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and someone did not want that house on that site!
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and someone did not want that house on that site!
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall” and someone did not want that house on that site!
It certainly feels like that, Artemisia!
It certainly feels like that, Artemisia!
It certainly feels like that, Artemisia!
It certainly feels like that, Artemisia!
It certainly feels like that, Artemisia!
Nicola, thank you for a great post! I love anything to do with old houses and their history. That’s why I’m always glad to hear that this or that historical house has been saved by a historical preservation society.
As far as my own home improvements, “DIY” is my middle name! I’m always tinkering around with wood, hammers, and nails. My house is 100-years-old and I’ve lived here for 40 years. There’s always something that needs to be fixed.
What’s really fun is that during remodeling and the never-ending repairs, I keep coming across interesting items dating as far back as the 1940s–old newspapers used as insulation, an ancient Mountain Dew bottle behind the wall, nails so old they were square instead of cylindrical, a tidy pile of peach pits atop a rafter, and a paper packet of 2 aspirins behind a wall. The former owners raised 9 children in this house, most of them boys, and my favorite find so far is the series of drawings I discovered behind the walls. They’re done on slabs of wood and rendered in white Crayon, depicting WWII fighter planes with such amazing accuracy that my carpenter identified the planes for me!
Nicola, thank you for a great post! I love anything to do with old houses and their history. That’s why I’m always glad to hear that this or that historical house has been saved by a historical preservation society.
As far as my own home improvements, “DIY” is my middle name! I’m always tinkering around with wood, hammers, and nails. My house is 100-years-old and I’ve lived here for 40 years. There’s always something that needs to be fixed.
What’s really fun is that during remodeling and the never-ending repairs, I keep coming across interesting items dating as far back as the 1940s–old newspapers used as insulation, an ancient Mountain Dew bottle behind the wall, nails so old they were square instead of cylindrical, a tidy pile of peach pits atop a rafter, and a paper packet of 2 aspirins behind a wall. The former owners raised 9 children in this house, most of them boys, and my favorite find so far is the series of drawings I discovered behind the walls. They’re done on slabs of wood and rendered in white Crayon, depicting WWII fighter planes with such amazing accuracy that my carpenter identified the planes for me!
Nicola, thank you for a great post! I love anything to do with old houses and their history. That’s why I’m always glad to hear that this or that historical house has been saved by a historical preservation society.
As far as my own home improvements, “DIY” is my middle name! I’m always tinkering around with wood, hammers, and nails. My house is 100-years-old and I’ve lived here for 40 years. There’s always something that needs to be fixed.
What’s really fun is that during remodeling and the never-ending repairs, I keep coming across interesting items dating as far back as the 1940s–old newspapers used as insulation, an ancient Mountain Dew bottle behind the wall, nails so old they were square instead of cylindrical, a tidy pile of peach pits atop a rafter, and a paper packet of 2 aspirins behind a wall. The former owners raised 9 children in this house, most of them boys, and my favorite find so far is the series of drawings I discovered behind the walls. They’re done on slabs of wood and rendered in white Crayon, depicting WWII fighter planes with such amazing accuracy that my carpenter identified the planes for me!
Nicola, thank you for a great post! I love anything to do with old houses and their history. That’s why I’m always glad to hear that this or that historical house has been saved by a historical preservation society.
As far as my own home improvements, “DIY” is my middle name! I’m always tinkering around with wood, hammers, and nails. My house is 100-years-old and I’ve lived here for 40 years. There’s always something that needs to be fixed.
What’s really fun is that during remodeling and the never-ending repairs, I keep coming across interesting items dating as far back as the 1940s–old newspapers used as insulation, an ancient Mountain Dew bottle behind the wall, nails so old they were square instead of cylindrical, a tidy pile of peach pits atop a rafter, and a paper packet of 2 aspirins behind a wall. The former owners raised 9 children in this house, most of them boys, and my favorite find so far is the series of drawings I discovered behind the walls. They’re done on slabs of wood and rendered in white Crayon, depicting WWII fighter planes with such amazing accuracy that my carpenter identified the planes for me!
Nicola, thank you for a great post! I love anything to do with old houses and their history. That’s why I’m always glad to hear that this or that historical house has been saved by a historical preservation society.
As far as my own home improvements, “DIY” is my middle name! I’m always tinkering around with wood, hammers, and nails. My house is 100-years-old and I’ve lived here for 40 years. There’s always something that needs to be fixed.
What’s really fun is that during remodeling and the never-ending repairs, I keep coming across interesting items dating as far back as the 1940s–old newspapers used as insulation, an ancient Mountain Dew bottle behind the wall, nails so old they were square instead of cylindrical, a tidy pile of peach pits atop a rafter, and a paper packet of 2 aspirins behind a wall. The former owners raised 9 children in this house, most of them boys, and my favorite find so far is the series of drawings I discovered behind the walls. They’re done on slabs of wood and rendered in white Crayon, depicting WWII fighter planes with such amazing accuracy that my carpenter identified the planes for me!
Thanks for dropping by, Sherrie! I’m glad that you liked the post. I was also very glad that Appuldurcombe was being restored.
Your home sounds amazing. I LOVE the fact that you get a glimpse into the lives of the family who lived there before when you do your DIY. Such a direct line to the history of your house is so interesting IMO.
Thanks for dropping by, Sherrie! I’m glad that you liked the post. I was also very glad that Appuldurcombe was being restored.
Your home sounds amazing. I LOVE the fact that you get a glimpse into the lives of the family who lived there before when you do your DIY. Such a direct line to the history of your house is so interesting IMO.
Thanks for dropping by, Sherrie! I’m glad that you liked the post. I was also very glad that Appuldurcombe was being restored.
Your home sounds amazing. I LOVE the fact that you get a glimpse into the lives of the family who lived there before when you do your DIY. Such a direct line to the history of your house is so interesting IMO.
Thanks for dropping by, Sherrie! I’m glad that you liked the post. I was also very glad that Appuldurcombe was being restored.
Your home sounds amazing. I LOVE the fact that you get a glimpse into the lives of the family who lived there before when you do your DIY. Such a direct line to the history of your house is so interesting IMO.
Thanks for dropping by, Sherrie! I’m glad that you liked the post. I was also very glad that Appuldurcombe was being restored.
Your home sounds amazing. I LOVE the fact that you get a glimpse into the lives of the family who lived there before when you do your DIY. Such a direct line to the history of your house is so interesting IMO.
Fascinating post! Poor Appuldurcombe House – I agree with Artemisia: it just wasn’t meant to be.
I hate DIY, but I don’t mind having someone else do the improvements if I can afford it! I did a lot to my place the first few years I lived here so right now all I need is new carpet (or something) in my upstairs. That will be next on the list.
Fascinating post! Poor Appuldurcombe House – I agree with Artemisia: it just wasn’t meant to be.
I hate DIY, but I don’t mind having someone else do the improvements if I can afford it! I did a lot to my place the first few years I lived here so right now all I need is new carpet (or something) in my upstairs. That will be next on the list.
Fascinating post! Poor Appuldurcombe House – I agree with Artemisia: it just wasn’t meant to be.
I hate DIY, but I don’t mind having someone else do the improvements if I can afford it! I did a lot to my place the first few years I lived here so right now all I need is new carpet (or something) in my upstairs. That will be next on the list.
Fascinating post! Poor Appuldurcombe House – I agree with Artemisia: it just wasn’t meant to be.
I hate DIY, but I don’t mind having someone else do the improvements if I can afford it! I did a lot to my place the first few years I lived here so right now all I need is new carpet (or something) in my upstairs. That will be next on the list.
Fascinating post! Poor Appuldurcombe House – I agree with Artemisia: it just wasn’t meant to be.
I hate DIY, but I don’t mind having someone else do the improvements if I can afford it! I did a lot to my place the first few years I lived here so right now all I need is new carpet (or something) in my upstairs. That will be next on the list.
I’m a condo renter and have lived in/owned modern condos most of my adult life.
I’ve been in a number of renovated homes. But the ones I remember most vividly were on a house tour in Tappahannock VA, a small town located on the Tappahannock River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. All of the homes had been built before 1900 and been renovated in some way to accommodate modern use, most often kitchens and bathrooms. But a number of the owners wanted their decor to reflect the house’s historic roots. One kitchen had the most marvelous oak table scored by hundreds of knives chopping meat and vegetables. The lawyers’ offices had murals painted depicting life in the 1840s when the building was built; images of horses pulling drays filled with tobacco; a court scene, and a group of men hunting ducks on the river. Another house was pretty modern in its remodeling, but the outbuildings had been preserved as a stable and a greenhouse/gardeners shed. The owner also had found old books on gardening, and the couple were growing heirloom flowers and vegetables in as traditional manner as they could. I’m really grateful that the local gardeners’ club arranged the open houses and the owners who put up with strangers wandering through for a day.
I’m a condo renter and have lived in/owned modern condos most of my adult life.
I’ve been in a number of renovated homes. But the ones I remember most vividly were on a house tour in Tappahannock VA, a small town located on the Tappahannock River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. All of the homes had been built before 1900 and been renovated in some way to accommodate modern use, most often kitchens and bathrooms. But a number of the owners wanted their decor to reflect the house’s historic roots. One kitchen had the most marvelous oak table scored by hundreds of knives chopping meat and vegetables. The lawyers’ offices had murals painted depicting life in the 1840s when the building was built; images of horses pulling drays filled with tobacco; a court scene, and a group of men hunting ducks on the river. Another house was pretty modern in its remodeling, but the outbuildings had been preserved as a stable and a greenhouse/gardeners shed. The owner also had found old books on gardening, and the couple were growing heirloom flowers and vegetables in as traditional manner as they could. I’m really grateful that the local gardeners’ club arranged the open houses and the owners who put up with strangers wandering through for a day.
I’m a condo renter and have lived in/owned modern condos most of my adult life.
I’ve been in a number of renovated homes. But the ones I remember most vividly were on a house tour in Tappahannock VA, a small town located on the Tappahannock River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. All of the homes had been built before 1900 and been renovated in some way to accommodate modern use, most often kitchens and bathrooms. But a number of the owners wanted their decor to reflect the house’s historic roots. One kitchen had the most marvelous oak table scored by hundreds of knives chopping meat and vegetables. The lawyers’ offices had murals painted depicting life in the 1840s when the building was built; images of horses pulling drays filled with tobacco; a court scene, and a group of men hunting ducks on the river. Another house was pretty modern in its remodeling, but the outbuildings had been preserved as a stable and a greenhouse/gardeners shed. The owner also had found old books on gardening, and the couple were growing heirloom flowers and vegetables in as traditional manner as they could. I’m really grateful that the local gardeners’ club arranged the open houses and the owners who put up with strangers wandering through for a day.
I’m a condo renter and have lived in/owned modern condos most of my adult life.
I’ve been in a number of renovated homes. But the ones I remember most vividly were on a house tour in Tappahannock VA, a small town located on the Tappahannock River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. All of the homes had been built before 1900 and been renovated in some way to accommodate modern use, most often kitchens and bathrooms. But a number of the owners wanted their decor to reflect the house’s historic roots. One kitchen had the most marvelous oak table scored by hundreds of knives chopping meat and vegetables. The lawyers’ offices had murals painted depicting life in the 1840s when the building was built; images of horses pulling drays filled with tobacco; a court scene, and a group of men hunting ducks on the river. Another house was pretty modern in its remodeling, but the outbuildings had been preserved as a stable and a greenhouse/gardeners shed. The owner also had found old books on gardening, and the couple were growing heirloom flowers and vegetables in as traditional manner as they could. I’m really grateful that the local gardeners’ club arranged the open houses and the owners who put up with strangers wandering through for a day.
I’m a condo renter and have lived in/owned modern condos most of my adult life.
I’ve been in a number of renovated homes. But the ones I remember most vividly were on a house tour in Tappahannock VA, a small town located on the Tappahannock River that flows into the Chesapeake Bay. All of the homes had been built before 1900 and been renovated in some way to accommodate modern use, most often kitchens and bathrooms. But a number of the owners wanted their decor to reflect the house’s historic roots. One kitchen had the most marvelous oak table scored by hundreds of knives chopping meat and vegetables. The lawyers’ offices had murals painted depicting life in the 1840s when the building was built; images of horses pulling drays filled with tobacco; a court scene, and a group of men hunting ducks on the river. Another house was pretty modern in its remodeling, but the outbuildings had been preserved as a stable and a greenhouse/gardeners shed. The owner also had found old books on gardening, and the couple were growing heirloom flowers and vegetables in as traditional manner as they could. I’m really grateful that the local gardeners’ club arranged the open houses and the owners who put up with strangers wandering through for a day.
I’ve always thought that Charles the I had it coming. *G* But I totally get the remodeling impulse. My house is about 30 years old and contemporary in style, but I’ve redone the master bath, the kitchen, added a screened porch, redone the closets in the master bedroom a couple of times, and if I could figure out a way to get more closet space, I’d do it. *G* Currently, the house is being repainted. A house really is a living, changing things!
I’ve always thought that Charles the I had it coming. *G* But I totally get the remodeling impulse. My house is about 30 years old and contemporary in style, but I’ve redone the master bath, the kitchen, added a screened porch, redone the closets in the master bedroom a couple of times, and if I could figure out a way to get more closet space, I’d do it. *G* Currently, the house is being repainted. A house really is a living, changing things!
I’ve always thought that Charles the I had it coming. *G* But I totally get the remodeling impulse. My house is about 30 years old and contemporary in style, but I’ve redone the master bath, the kitchen, added a screened porch, redone the closets in the master bedroom a couple of times, and if I could figure out a way to get more closet space, I’d do it. *G* Currently, the house is being repainted. A house really is a living, changing things!
I’ve always thought that Charles the I had it coming. *G* But I totally get the remodeling impulse. My house is about 30 years old and contemporary in style, but I’ve redone the master bath, the kitchen, added a screened porch, redone the closets in the master bedroom a couple of times, and if I could figure out a way to get more closet space, I’d do it. *G* Currently, the house is being repainted. A house really is a living, changing things!
I’ve always thought that Charles the I had it coming. *G* But I totally get the remodeling impulse. My house is about 30 years old and contemporary in style, but I’ve redone the master bath, the kitchen, added a screened porch, redone the closets in the master bedroom a couple of times, and if I could figure out a way to get more closet space, I’d do it. *G* Currently, the house is being repainted. A house really is a living, changing things!
I love reading about other people’s DIY and house remodelling, but am always glad its not me. My house is about 20 years old, and I am presently cleaning out cupboards. Its amazing what I am finding after only 20 years – things I had completely forgotten I had. It is quite easy to believe that when cleaning out an OLD house, lots of things from years past could be found.
I love reading about other people’s DIY and house remodelling, but am always glad its not me. My house is about 20 years old, and I am presently cleaning out cupboards. Its amazing what I am finding after only 20 years – things I had completely forgotten I had. It is quite easy to believe that when cleaning out an OLD house, lots of things from years past could be found.
I love reading about other people’s DIY and house remodelling, but am always glad its not me. My house is about 20 years old, and I am presently cleaning out cupboards. Its amazing what I am finding after only 20 years – things I had completely forgotten I had. It is quite easy to believe that when cleaning out an OLD house, lots of things from years past could be found.
I love reading about other people’s DIY and house remodelling, but am always glad its not me. My house is about 20 years old, and I am presently cleaning out cupboards. Its amazing what I am finding after only 20 years – things I had completely forgotten I had. It is quite easy to believe that when cleaning out an OLD house, lots of things from years past could be found.
I love reading about other people’s DIY and house remodelling, but am always glad its not me. My house is about 20 years old, and I am presently cleaning out cupboards. Its amazing what I am finding after only 20 years – things I had completely forgotten I had. It is quite easy to believe that when cleaning out an OLD house, lots of things from years past could be found.
Thanks, Donna! Some houses do seem to be more unlucky than others, don’t they. I am with you on the DIY. I don’t like doing it myself but don’t mind it so much if someone else is doing the hard work!
Thanks, Donna! Some houses do seem to be more unlucky than others, don’t they. I am with you on the DIY. I don’t like doing it myself but don’t mind it so much if someone else is doing the hard work!
Thanks, Donna! Some houses do seem to be more unlucky than others, don’t they. I am with you on the DIY. I don’t like doing it myself but don’t mind it so much if someone else is doing the hard work!
Thanks, Donna! Some houses do seem to be more unlucky than others, don’t they. I am with you on the DIY. I don’t like doing it myself but don’t mind it so much if someone else is doing the hard work!
Thanks, Donna! Some houses do seem to be more unlucky than others, don’t they. I am with you on the DIY. I don’t like doing it myself but don’t mind it so much if someone else is doing the hard work!
Shannon, those houses sound amazing. It sounds as though the owners had all put their unique stamp on the homes in order to preserve their links to the past. Wonderful!
Shannon, those houses sound amazing. It sounds as though the owners had all put their unique stamp on the homes in order to preserve their links to the past. Wonderful!
Shannon, those houses sound amazing. It sounds as though the owners had all put their unique stamp on the homes in order to preserve their links to the past. Wonderful!
Shannon, those houses sound amazing. It sounds as though the owners had all put their unique stamp on the homes in order to preserve their links to the past. Wonderful!
Shannon, those houses sound amazing. It sounds as though the owners had all put their unique stamp on the homes in order to preserve their links to the past. Wonderful!
LOL, Mary Jo. Poor Charles I!
Yes, houses evolve, don’t they. I love that each generation puts their own ideas into a house and that they change and develop as we live there.
LOL, Mary Jo. Poor Charles I!
Yes, houses evolve, don’t they. I love that each generation puts their own ideas into a house and that they change and develop as we live there.
LOL, Mary Jo. Poor Charles I!
Yes, houses evolve, don’t they. I love that each generation puts their own ideas into a house and that they change and develop as we live there.
LOL, Mary Jo. Poor Charles I!
Yes, houses evolve, don’t they. I love that each generation puts their own ideas into a house and that they change and develop as we live there.
LOL, Mary Jo. Poor Charles I!
Yes, houses evolve, don’t they. I love that each generation puts their own ideas into a house and that they change and develop as we live there.
I love that, Jenny. It’s exciting finding stuff you’ve forgotten about – lost treasures!
I love that, Jenny. It’s exciting finding stuff you’ve forgotten about – lost treasures!
I love that, Jenny. It’s exciting finding stuff you’ve forgotten about – lost treasures!
I love that, Jenny. It’s exciting finding stuff you’ve forgotten about – lost treasures!
I love that, Jenny. It’s exciting finding stuff you’ve forgotten about – lost treasures!
Fascinating, Nicola. I am an old house buff, having been the Antique and Vintage Property Manager for a real estate company in a former life. I got the job since I had tried to renovate an 1840’s farmhouse (old for Maine). I wielded a mean crowbar and am lucky to be alive.
We learned our hard lesson there, I’m afraid–while I like to hang wallpaper, matching seams is an art, and my husband never found plumbing he couldn’t cross-thread.
We are the first owners of a house built on spec in 2007. We moved into it in 2010 and are hoping to die before any major renovations are necessary, LOL. I did add a tile backsplash in the kitchen, but that’s been the only change.
We have to work on a bathroom though (by we, I mean keeping my husband out of it and hiring a contractor) since this harsh winter caused an ice dam and some water damage to an interior wall.
Two summers ago, we had a garage built with an overflow room above (we live on a lake and get lots of company). It was fun furnishing it (it sleeps 8 if you pump up the air mattress), and that got my DIY juices flowing.
I love watching HGTV home improvement and real estate shows, but am so glad it’s not me finding rat carcasses in the walls (which I’ve done).
Fascinating, Nicola. I am an old house buff, having been the Antique and Vintage Property Manager for a real estate company in a former life. I got the job since I had tried to renovate an 1840’s farmhouse (old for Maine). I wielded a mean crowbar and am lucky to be alive.
We learned our hard lesson there, I’m afraid–while I like to hang wallpaper, matching seams is an art, and my husband never found plumbing he couldn’t cross-thread.
We are the first owners of a house built on spec in 2007. We moved into it in 2010 and are hoping to die before any major renovations are necessary, LOL. I did add a tile backsplash in the kitchen, but that’s been the only change.
We have to work on a bathroom though (by we, I mean keeping my husband out of it and hiring a contractor) since this harsh winter caused an ice dam and some water damage to an interior wall.
Two summers ago, we had a garage built with an overflow room above (we live on a lake and get lots of company). It was fun furnishing it (it sleeps 8 if you pump up the air mattress), and that got my DIY juices flowing.
I love watching HGTV home improvement and real estate shows, but am so glad it’s not me finding rat carcasses in the walls (which I’ve done).
Fascinating, Nicola. I am an old house buff, having been the Antique and Vintage Property Manager for a real estate company in a former life. I got the job since I had tried to renovate an 1840’s farmhouse (old for Maine). I wielded a mean crowbar and am lucky to be alive.
We learned our hard lesson there, I’m afraid–while I like to hang wallpaper, matching seams is an art, and my husband never found plumbing he couldn’t cross-thread.
We are the first owners of a house built on spec in 2007. We moved into it in 2010 and are hoping to die before any major renovations are necessary, LOL. I did add a tile backsplash in the kitchen, but that’s been the only change.
We have to work on a bathroom though (by we, I mean keeping my husband out of it and hiring a contractor) since this harsh winter caused an ice dam and some water damage to an interior wall.
Two summers ago, we had a garage built with an overflow room above (we live on a lake and get lots of company). It was fun furnishing it (it sleeps 8 if you pump up the air mattress), and that got my DIY juices flowing.
I love watching HGTV home improvement and real estate shows, but am so glad it’s not me finding rat carcasses in the walls (which I’ve done).
Fascinating, Nicola. I am an old house buff, having been the Antique and Vintage Property Manager for a real estate company in a former life. I got the job since I had tried to renovate an 1840’s farmhouse (old for Maine). I wielded a mean crowbar and am lucky to be alive.
We learned our hard lesson there, I’m afraid–while I like to hang wallpaper, matching seams is an art, and my husband never found plumbing he couldn’t cross-thread.
We are the first owners of a house built on spec in 2007. We moved into it in 2010 and are hoping to die before any major renovations are necessary, LOL. I did add a tile backsplash in the kitchen, but that’s been the only change.
We have to work on a bathroom though (by we, I mean keeping my husband out of it and hiring a contractor) since this harsh winter caused an ice dam and some water damage to an interior wall.
Two summers ago, we had a garage built with an overflow room above (we live on a lake and get lots of company). It was fun furnishing it (it sleeps 8 if you pump up the air mattress), and that got my DIY juices flowing.
I love watching HGTV home improvement and real estate shows, but am so glad it’s not me finding rat carcasses in the walls (which I’ve done).
Fascinating, Nicola. I am an old house buff, having been the Antique and Vintage Property Manager for a real estate company in a former life. I got the job since I had tried to renovate an 1840’s farmhouse (old for Maine). I wielded a mean crowbar and am lucky to be alive.
We learned our hard lesson there, I’m afraid–while I like to hang wallpaper, matching seams is an art, and my husband never found plumbing he couldn’t cross-thread.
We are the first owners of a house built on spec in 2007. We moved into it in 2010 and are hoping to die before any major renovations are necessary, LOL. I did add a tile backsplash in the kitchen, but that’s been the only change.
We have to work on a bathroom though (by we, I mean keeping my husband out of it and hiring a contractor) since this harsh winter caused an ice dam and some water damage to an interior wall.
Two summers ago, we had a garage built with an overflow room above (we live on a lake and get lots of company). It was fun furnishing it (it sleeps 8 if you pump up the air mattress), and that got my DIY juices flowing.
I love watching HGTV home improvement and real estate shows, but am so glad it’s not me finding rat carcasses in the walls (which I’ve done).
Thanks for a wonderful and interesting article, Nicola! I love to see old house renovations, but hate to do it myself. My house is about 60 years old. Years ago, my husband and I redid our kitchen. I recently had my bathrooms remodeled by someone else. There are a few cracks in the ceiling between the kitchen and living room that I need to have someone repair. Luckily they aren’t leaking.
Thanks for a wonderful and interesting article, Nicola! I love to see old house renovations, but hate to do it myself. My house is about 60 years old. Years ago, my husband and I redid our kitchen. I recently had my bathrooms remodeled by someone else. There are a few cracks in the ceiling between the kitchen and living room that I need to have someone repair. Luckily they aren’t leaking.
Thanks for a wonderful and interesting article, Nicola! I love to see old house renovations, but hate to do it myself. My house is about 60 years old. Years ago, my husband and I redid our kitchen. I recently had my bathrooms remodeled by someone else. There are a few cracks in the ceiling between the kitchen and living room that I need to have someone repair. Luckily they aren’t leaking.
Thanks for a wonderful and interesting article, Nicola! I love to see old house renovations, but hate to do it myself. My house is about 60 years old. Years ago, my husband and I redid our kitchen. I recently had my bathrooms remodeled by someone else. There are a few cracks in the ceiling between the kitchen and living room that I need to have someone repair. Luckily they aren’t leaking.
Thanks for a wonderful and interesting article, Nicola! I love to see old house renovations, but hate to do it myself. My house is about 60 years old. Years ago, my husband and I redid our kitchen. I recently had my bathrooms remodeled by someone else. There are a few cracks in the ceiling between the kitchen and living room that I need to have someone repair. Luckily they aren’t leaking.
Boy, talk about serendipity! Five minutes after I finished this blog and its wonderful comments, I came across this goodie: Literature of the English Country House, A journey through the literature of English country houses from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/country-house-literature). It’s a FREE online course geared toward every historical reader/DIY architect who got excited about this blog post.
Boy, talk about serendipity! Five minutes after I finished this blog and its wonderful comments, I came across this goodie: Literature of the English Country House, A journey through the literature of English country houses from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/country-house-literature). It’s a FREE online course geared toward every historical reader/DIY architect who got excited about this blog post.
Boy, talk about serendipity! Five minutes after I finished this blog and its wonderful comments, I came across this goodie: Literature of the English Country House, A journey through the literature of English country houses from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/country-house-literature). It’s a FREE online course geared toward every historical reader/DIY architect who got excited about this blog post.
Boy, talk about serendipity! Five minutes after I finished this blog and its wonderful comments, I came across this goodie: Literature of the English Country House, A journey through the literature of English country houses from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/country-house-literature). It’s a FREE online course geared toward every historical reader/DIY architect who got excited about this blog post.
Boy, talk about serendipity! Five minutes after I finished this blog and its wonderful comments, I came across this goodie: Literature of the English Country House, A journey through the literature of English country houses from the time of Thomas More to Oscar Wilde (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/country-house-literature). It’s a FREE online course geared toward every historical reader/DIY architect who got excited about this blog post.
LOL, Maggie, it sounds as though you have had your fair share of renovation experiences! Rat carcasses! Yikes!
LOL, Maggie, it sounds as though you have had your fair share of renovation experiences! Rat carcasses! Yikes!
LOL, Maggie, it sounds as though you have had your fair share of renovation experiences! Rat carcasses! Yikes!
LOL, Maggie, it sounds as though you have had your fair share of renovation experiences! Rat carcasses! Yikes!
LOL, Maggie, it sounds as though you have had your fair share of renovation experiences! Rat carcasses! Yikes!
Thank you, Cathy. I think there’s a lot to be said for watching old house renovations – which is a lot of fun – but not having to do them yourself!
Thank you, Cathy. I think there’s a lot to be said for watching old house renovations – which is a lot of fun – but not having to do them yourself!
Thank you, Cathy. I think there’s a lot to be said for watching old house renovations – which is a lot of fun – but not having to do them yourself!
Thank you, Cathy. I think there’s a lot to be said for watching old house renovations – which is a lot of fun – but not having to do them yourself!
Thank you, Cathy. I think there’s a lot to be said for watching old house renovations – which is a lot of fun – but not having to do them yourself!
Wow, Mary, that looks a fantastic course. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
Wow, Mary, that looks a fantastic course. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
Wow, Mary, that looks a fantastic course. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
Wow, Mary, that looks a fantastic course. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
Wow, Mary, that looks a fantastic course. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
Wonderful post, Nicola. As someone who’s contemplating renovations with all the joy of a root canal, I need to think about the final result, rather than the process.
But I think it’s human nature to want to make over a dwelling, even in a small way, to suit your personal style. When I was a student, I lived in a series of run-down old houses, and we painted every one of them, and had a ball, finding carpet pieces and old furniture to renovate and strip and sand or paint, and nice bits of cloth to cover the worst bits. We could transform a house in a weekend. Fun. Major renovations, not so much.
Wonderful post, Nicola. As someone who’s contemplating renovations with all the joy of a root canal, I need to think about the final result, rather than the process.
But I think it’s human nature to want to make over a dwelling, even in a small way, to suit your personal style. When I was a student, I lived in a series of run-down old houses, and we painted every one of them, and had a ball, finding carpet pieces and old furniture to renovate and strip and sand or paint, and nice bits of cloth to cover the worst bits. We could transform a house in a weekend. Fun. Major renovations, not so much.
Wonderful post, Nicola. As someone who’s contemplating renovations with all the joy of a root canal, I need to think about the final result, rather than the process.
But I think it’s human nature to want to make over a dwelling, even in a small way, to suit your personal style. When I was a student, I lived in a series of run-down old houses, and we painted every one of them, and had a ball, finding carpet pieces and old furniture to renovate and strip and sand or paint, and nice bits of cloth to cover the worst bits. We could transform a house in a weekend. Fun. Major renovations, not so much.
Wonderful post, Nicola. As someone who’s contemplating renovations with all the joy of a root canal, I need to think about the final result, rather than the process.
But I think it’s human nature to want to make over a dwelling, even in a small way, to suit your personal style. When I was a student, I lived in a series of run-down old houses, and we painted every one of them, and had a ball, finding carpet pieces and old furniture to renovate and strip and sand or paint, and nice bits of cloth to cover the worst bits. We could transform a house in a weekend. Fun. Major renovations, not so much.
Wonderful post, Nicola. As someone who’s contemplating renovations with all the joy of a root canal, I need to think about the final result, rather than the process.
But I think it’s human nature to want to make over a dwelling, even in a small way, to suit your personal style. When I was a student, I lived in a series of run-down old houses, and we painted every one of them, and had a ball, finding carpet pieces and old furniture to renovate and strip and sand or paint, and nice bits of cloth to cover the worst bits. We could transform a house in a weekend. Fun. Major renovations, not so much.
I think that is so true, Anne! It’s a lot of fun to put your own mark on a place with colours and furnishings. When they start knocking down walls and building stuff, though, it’s time to hide under the duvet!
I think that is so true, Anne! It’s a lot of fun to put your own mark on a place with colours and furnishings. When they start knocking down walls and building stuff, though, it’s time to hide under the duvet!
I think that is so true, Anne! It’s a lot of fun to put your own mark on a place with colours and furnishings. When they start knocking down walls and building stuff, though, it’s time to hide under the duvet!
I think that is so true, Anne! It’s a lot of fun to put your own mark on a place with colours and furnishings. When they start knocking down walls and building stuff, though, it’s time to hide under the duvet!
I think that is so true, Anne! It’s a lot of fun to put your own mark on a place with colours and furnishings. When they start knocking down walls and building stuff, though, it’s time to hide under the duvet!
I loved the post, Nicola. The most interesting house I’ve ever renovated was the one in England. It had had several lives and the oldest part dated to the late 15th century. It had carved beams in one part, a Georgian hall (albeit not on a grand scale), several fireplaces, Regency gothic windows, a Georgian casement window was still in on bedroom, and one could see where the entrances changed over the years. Using photos of old houses, I took every part of the house back to it’s original period.
I loved the post, Nicola. The most interesting house I’ve ever renovated was the one in England. It had had several lives and the oldest part dated to the late 15th century. It had carved beams in one part, a Georgian hall (albeit not on a grand scale), several fireplaces, Regency gothic windows, a Georgian casement window was still in on bedroom, and one could see where the entrances changed over the years. Using photos of old houses, I took every part of the house back to it’s original period.
I loved the post, Nicola. The most interesting house I’ve ever renovated was the one in England. It had had several lives and the oldest part dated to the late 15th century. It had carved beams in one part, a Georgian hall (albeit not on a grand scale), several fireplaces, Regency gothic windows, a Georgian casement window was still in on bedroom, and one could see where the entrances changed over the years. Using photos of old houses, I took every part of the house back to it’s original period.
I loved the post, Nicola. The most interesting house I’ve ever renovated was the one in England. It had had several lives and the oldest part dated to the late 15th century. It had carved beams in one part, a Georgian hall (albeit not on a grand scale), several fireplaces, Regency gothic windows, a Georgian casement window was still in on bedroom, and one could see where the entrances changed over the years. Using photos of old houses, I took every part of the house back to it’s original period.
I loved the post, Nicola. The most interesting house I’ve ever renovated was the one in England. It had had several lives and the oldest part dated to the late 15th century. It had carved beams in one part, a Georgian hall (albeit not on a grand scale), several fireplaces, Regency gothic windows, a Georgian casement window was still in on bedroom, and one could see where the entrances changed over the years. Using photos of old houses, I took every part of the house back to it’s original period.