Phase One of the exterior restoration was the seal up the house, and make her watertight. We also wanted to make the restoration as historically accurate as possible – no asphalt roof or modern gutters. We certainly achieved that – and though we had a few roadblocks thrown in our way, really, the process went very smoothly.
Once the turret rot was sealed up, the final painting could begin. There were a few places on the house that couldn’t be reached by scaffolding or by ladder, so a lift had to be brought in.
The lift allowed the final painting for the turret, balcony, and house to happen. I got to drive it once, which was super fun, and Cody (our painter) got trapped in it one day when we weren’t home – it wouldn’t come down. So that was fun! But, once Cody was rescued and all the paint was done, the house looked amazing. AMAZING.
The turret is clearly (clearly to ME, anyway) the most interesting bit of architecture on the house. Being restored with so many colors to bring out the details was fantastic. We still have a bit of woodwork and wall repair to do on the inside of the turret from the rotted damage, and we hope to get that done within this calendar year, for sure.
I mean, really.
Here are a few other details on the rest of the house. This is more of a photo-post than anything, to take you through the final outcome, since I went through the processes more on the other posts. So, you know, just pretend I’m being brilliant and witty on this post, even though there aren’t many words.
I’ve always – always – wanted to live in a house with a balcony. I am so excited to have one now! It’s quite small, only enough room really for a chair at each end, but I can see myself holed up on the balcony, reading magazines in the summer, or pretending I’m Eva Peron.
Because, you know. Why wouldn’t I?
Here are some shots of the detail on (or from) the balcony:
What an incredible journey – from being told that the house probably only had another year before being past the point of no return, to the gem that she is now. I’m so glad to have had the wonderful crew working on the house that we did. It’s amazing to be able to trust the people that you’ve handed your house over to, especially when you are used to doing everything yourselves. We love everything about Phase One.
Our new house signs came from The Wood Chicks, out of Austin, Texas. They did a fabulous job, and I looked forever to find something I liked!
And now, to save money for Phase Two : The Front Porch, Fences, and Landscaping. I need a gardener. Anyone?
Amazing. I 1) cannot wait to go back and read the other posts and 2) I need to get out and visit you so I can walk through the whole place and say “ooooooo, aaaaahhhhh, wow, oh my….”
Jen, you absolutely need to come and visit! And we will come to see you, too! Nashville is one of our favorite places to go antiquing. They have great architectural salvage!