Honey, Your Home!
“Buying an old home is like having a kid, you’re never ‘ready’ and it will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done…
...but the most rewarding by far”
Weaver Dallas Home (Thomaston GA) - available for sale through The Georgia Trust Revolving Fund
As we round the bend of March we look back at this incredible month highlighting professionals, clients, and artisans that make buying a historical or period home more accessible. Guest Dave Rademacher [*A Quarter ‘Til Wine] pointed out “the barrier of knowledge entry” that limits most from considering the path that is “obtainable for anyone that wants it”. It is my hope that through this month’s series we have contributed a small part of changing that narrative. Through connecting our audience with the specialist that can make the journey possible, more of these irreplaceable homes will be saved.
Like many in the ‘old home industry’ I have enjoyed tailoring how I interact and guide design clients to better reflect the cadence that is required for authenticity. If “slow and steady wins the race” had a mascot it would be a period home circa 1864. It is mandatory to allow for time and reflection at every point throughout the journey of home ownership. From the search, to the first exciting years to the seven year itch, it is vital to one’s sanity to always keep in mind it is a tedious journey that very few ever truly ‘finish’. From the beautiful words of real estate agent Erin Keegan [*] “there is such beauty in choosing that path ...the slow path to getting it to where you want it to be, in your head, there is such an intimate relationship there when you choose that path”.
We concluded our series with client Ross Sheppard, owner of The Rockwell House in Millegeville GA. This testament of the craftsmanship of the southern town built by slaves. Equipped with a degree in historical preservation Ross and his team have been dedicated to the evolution of this home and intentional about investing in an area that few believed would be worth it. The result, when one person raises their hand the masses will follow. While Ross did have experience before taking on The Rockwell House he was very adamant that the repairs they have made would be possible for anyone and “didn’t require any speciality trade” “finding those that could do the work was never the problem”. While impressive amounts of work have been done in the two short years Ross has owned the property, this modern Bed & Breakfast has welcomed the community and guests from across the country.
I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I have. I’ve enjoyed reminiscing about all the many questions I had (and still have, because one never knows everything about an old house). I enjoyed sharing what to expect and finding peace in knowing that everyone is moving much slower than they thought and that is just fine. No matter where you may be along the way it is important to live each day with a grateful heart. With the admiration of the home the universe saw fit for you to steward.
If you are ever in need of support in your local community or that on a greater scale please do not hesitate to reach out Leslie Tyler Design or any of the guests mentioned above. We want old houses to win and we want you to win. When you're up late on a Saturday stripping yet another baseboard, or troubleshooting why the stain turned out all wrong, always remember, we, this great big community, have your back and are cheering you on!
Enjoy the ride come what may, and do your best to leave it a bit better than you found it.
What is one of your favorite memories of enjoying your home?