On leaving Trader Joe's earlier this week I noticed a
huge swathe of felled trees on the small hillside
directly across from the shopping center.
It was almost dusk, the men had left for the day, so I
drove up the hill for a closer look. Only had my iPhone to
snap pics but had fun this morning doing a little editing
in PicMonkey.
Large mechanical monsters had, in just a week or so, removed
the old tangled woodland, that hurt me, to show the early
Federal style Crabtree Jones plantation house, circa 1795,
hiding in the trees.....talk about a 'This Old House' moment.
If you're interested in the history of the plantation house,
or if YOU would like to purchase it - it's available.
It will be moved for you at the new landowner/developer's
expense - just a wee bit to the left on the hill,
on a 1/2 acre lot - and of course you will be
very busy with a major reno for a while, methinks
a very long while - and will definitely need deep pockets!
The new home will be on the very edge of an older
small and charming subdivision............and just think,
Trader J's is just across the street. As I'm just 5 minutes
away, we could go shopping together, and have a cuppa when
you need to take a break from all that work!
The house is now on the National Register and designated
as a Raleigh Historic Landmark. It is probably the
oldest remaining private residence in Raleigh,
a lovely city to live in by the way.
Seriously I would love to see someone take it on and
restore it to the beautiful home it once was........so
spread the word if you know anyone up for the challenge!
.png)
Oh my goodness - what a project. Our recent bathroom reno was almost too much for me..........so I'll pass on this one, as tempting as the thought of tea with you might be.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is such an amazing house, Mary. It's sad to see it in such a sad state right now and hopefully someone will have the million dollars that will be needed to restore it to it's original glory. I took the 'tour' and love the paintings over the fireplaces. Please keep us updated on any progress with the house. I'm interested. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh how i love these old plantation homes Mary! I remember visiting Georgia as a child with my parents and seeing all the wonderful plantation homes...just gorgeous! Love all the history. I hope someone restores this beauty! But I am sure it will cost a fortune and lots of patience to do!
ReplyDeleteLove to have tea with you!
Pamela xo
I am horrified that the planning authority would permit developments so close to such a historic building. Build a road and kill history? There are other ways to live. It is not just a house, it is a house and politics and a plantation and wildlife and indigenous heritage. It history and evidence of the search for a new way of life while simultaneously supplanting the previous life of the area. It is evidence of the failure of past modernising.
ReplyDeleteNow some trumped-up would-be-somebody planning authority thinks road building is more important that recognition of lives lived previously. What is going on? Why permit such destructive 'progress'?
There are always options. Moving the house is one option, but a very poor one.
Why have the people of your area allowed such decisions? Where is your sense of history? What about the indigenous people who had spiritual connections to the area? While the construction of the house and plantation may not have been perceived as appropriate by them when the place was granted to the newcomers, does their opinion count for nothing today?
There was a reason for the construction the house on that spot. What of all the people who lived and worked at that site over the centuries? The workers, managers, trading partners, perhaps even slaves. Their lives were not on some other site. What of the birds who come there year after year? And other wildlife who have now returned during the quieter years? Indigenous plants that have regenerated?
I could go on for pages. I am appalled that this modernising has been approved by the people who live in your town. You might be saving something, but not enough. Respect for lives past is sorely lacking.
Louise, I agree with what you say and appreciate your in depth comment. It's always very sad when historic properties, whether buildings or land, are sold by the original families. In this case the Jones family apparently sold their home and all the acreage back in 1973, before we moved here. I suppose we have been fortunate that nothing was done to take the land from the wildlife for 40 years. Now changes are being made, construction is going ahead and, although it's not for any extension of the highway system, it is apparently for building housing where, hopefully in years to come, residents will replace trees, shrubs etc. and welcome back wildlife, especial garden birds. Fortunately a tree buffer will remain to protect and provide homes for birds (and perhaps the small animals such as squirrels, rabbits, possums, raccoons, chipmunks indigenous to this area - along with a few deer) on two sides of the house when it's moved to the new location.
DeleteBest wishes to you in Darwin.
Mary
It seems very sad that such a lovely old building has been allowed to become a sad old building.
ReplyDeleteThat home deserves more space than the relocator is willing to provide. Too bad. I don't know anyone who'd like to sink that much money in for such a small lot.
ReplyDeleteOh wow... Thanks for sharing that. I love old houses. I love the stories.It is sad that it has to be moved but that is the way things are. $$ talks.
ReplyDeleteIf I had the deep pockets that would be a project I would love to undertake.
It is so sad to see such dramatic changes, and it would be a monumental task to save the house. Just thinking about all of the regulatory requirements (e.g., asbestos removal, lead paint removal, building codes) is enough to give anybody a headache.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love to see it all fixed up! But, like you said it will take a lot of work and money! Sure hope someone decides to put life back in this house!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Gert
I agree, deep pockets would be needed, but oh the reward.
ReplyDeleteThis house does look like it could be beautiful once more.
Some work to be done there but with you as a neighbour it would make it all worth while!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to take on a challenge like that if I had the money and it would be an added bonus to live near you! Vanessa came for tea today and we did a couple of thrift shops. We both gotta few wee things and had lots of fun! She is a sweetheart. Hugs, Rhondi
ReplyDeleteSo happy you two wonderful gals were able to go treasure hunting together - wish I could have joined in!!! Hope to see you both this Spring - meanwhile stay warm!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mary
Oh how I wish I had those deep pockets!
ReplyDelete