I’ve started this post a hundred times and had to keep coming back to it. So much happening! If these pictures seem drastic, it’s because they are! Remember, we had to remove the back of the house completely due to water damage, mold, and impaired structural integrity.
Because the house had sunk so much in the back, we would need to crouch to walk in the new areas of kitchen/dining room downstairs. So, we had to temporarily remove part of the upstairs back hallway and bathroom floors so we can rebuild those a bit straighter as well. I know, I know, “part of having an old house is all of the crooked charm!” And I agree. However, the tub in the upstairs bathroom was extremely heavy and had sunk the floors about a foot lower than the top of the stairs just outside the bathroom door. This was also not structurally safe…
This is partly due to the house’s age, but also partly due to someone, years ago, sawing into the major load bearing beam that runs under the floor right there:
So in order to make this structurally sound again, as well as add a few more inches to the ceiling height downstairs, we removed the beautiful floor (only where we needed to) and can now correct the height and solidify things a bit. The pine will go right back down! It all looked very scary-dollhouse-y at this stage…
Now we have been rebuilding everything and my anxiety about all of the drama above has been quelled – it’s starting to look like a real house again and it’s going to be great…
Of course, me being me, I have been sneaking over all masked and gloved to inspect the walls, floors and rubble for treasures. Sadly nothing dramatic to report, though there was a full section of the Boston Globe folded up in the downstairs fireplace that had been sealed up, dated Saturday October 23, 1965!
I also discovered broken glass bottles, some rusty fixtures and many more old nails. Keepin my collection in a farmy galvanized bin feels just right…
Lots of cool little marking as well…
I’m now on the hunt for antique finds to fill these rooms. Craigslist has been amazing and the Antique shops we have here in New England just can’t be beat… My favorite so far might be Salt Marsh Antiques in Rowley, I could have spent DAYS in there!
If any of you reading this have any old items or furniture you’d like me to take off your hands, just let me know! Refurnishing, reupholstering, and repurposing are my new favorite words these days 🙂 Or any suggestions on places to find unique things!
Love seeing this progress. This house is so lucky to have you!!
Thanks Kelsey! ☺️ As you know from your own undertaking, it can be slow progress some days, but the end result will be worth it!
The Brimfield Antique Flea Market is next month. It’s a treasure trove filled with all kinds of old things. You never know what you’ll find there! https://brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/
Thanks so much Deborah! I couldn’t remember the name of this, I had heard of it before and it sounds absolutely incredible!
There is an entire old factory in norwood filled with many antiques shops, such a cool place to spend a day
Ahh I miss you Debbie! I have actually heard about that place in Norwood, it sounds great. I have to hit up the restoration hardware outlet down that way soon so I will check that out too. You know us north shore folk have to plan a day trip when we venture south of Boston ha.. I hope you and the family are doing well ?
Love the progress. When we put the 2nd floor on our home it was like we were wounding the house. Then when it was finally being put together, it felt like it was healing. Your house is finally starting to heal and become a home. Good for you! I love the oval mirror (and the shot of you in it!). Have you been to the antique place in downtown Middleton? Or I think it’s called the Big Red Barn in Newburyport? Some day I hope to get to both – when they are open!
Thanks Judi! And I totally felt like we had “hurt” the house haha. Now that it’s rebuilt, however, I realize it was definitely worth it. I haven’t been to the antique shop in Middleton yet but plan to!
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