After my mother died a few years ago, the four kids got together to discuss the future of the family home that we now shared equally. I have written about our home in other posts. Our great-grandfather, P.R. Lawyer, had the house built and then enlarged to accommodate his growing family and the arrival of his mother-in-law.
Over the years the house was home to other relatives and was always a gathering place for family and friends. My grandmother became the next owner after her father died. She married and raised her two children (my mother and my uncle). Eventually the house went to my parents and now it is ours.
Next came the realization that none of us could keep the house. Three of us already own homes and none of us can afford to buy, repair and maintain the house. So we sorted through what was there and negotiated what items we wanted from the house. Some are items that have just always been there. A rocking chair that our great-great-great-grandparents brought from Germany (according to my grandmother), a pitcher, a toby jug, a dresser, just to name a few.
My brother found someone who was willing to handle the sale of anything that we wanted to get rid of. So we empty out the house, organize our brother's things (one of us is living there) and clean the place to make it look nicer for potential buyers.
Now I have spent the last two weeks up there packing up dishes and all manner of things from the attic, the basement and the two floors of living space. My brothers and sister helped and even a neice and a nephew. Then the cleaning started.
By the time we were done with the second floor I was amazed and inspired. I saw again the home I had always loved and saw the potential for it to be a home or even a bed & breakfast. A place that a new family will love and cherish.
I'm posting some photos - but you'd have to have seen how it looked prior to our efforts these past two weeks.
Now - if you're looking to buy a late Victorian home in downtown Berkeley Springs, WV - let me know!
Upstairs Kitchen looking toward back door
Upstairs Kitchen looking toward stove and sink
Upstairs Kitchen looking toward back bedroom
Upstairs Back Bedroom
Upstairs Back Bedroom - at one time it was the family living room - hence the fireplace.
