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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

a dream house

For as long as I can remember, certainly before I knew the difference between a Gambrel and a hip roof, I have loved the symmetry of Georgian style architecture. For an equal period of time, I have been dismayed at the sight of a house or any building left to its own defense when clearly assistance is in dire need.

So as I headed north from the old farmhouse on the weekend, I lapped up the serene views of rolling hillsides dotted with more barns and silos than I usually see in an entire week of commuting. Just as I was within arm's reach of the hamlet where, as a child, my grandfather chased chickens and skipped school to help his parents make sausage, I was stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of this. I often stop for barns, but seldom for a house, not that I don't love them but it's not often I see one quite as grand as this one.
A red brick Georgian beauty, with a chimney on each side, a front entrance graced with a transom, the remnants of a long, graceful front porch that swept across the entire front facade and a foundation, my goodness just look at that beautiful stone foundation; how beautiful that stonework must be from the inside. And while the original windows have long disappeared, they would have been as smart as a bow tie when this house was a babe. And, those little attic windows keep calling my eye, imagine an attic so large that you could play marbles for days without bumping into your little brother. 
It sits alone now, appearing empty of residents, yet full of memories. It holds more memories than a human lifetime could possibly experience, memories of many a Christmas, of harvest times, of canning days, of hot summer nights, of record snowfalls, of weddings and funerals, of family, long time friends and the odd one time visitor, of laughter and tears, of peace, joy and just being. This is a place that lives in the moment and asks, when you stop and BE...what memories do you hold dear?

~Be well friends~



and then, she {snapped}

NapTime MomTog

10 comments:

alicia said...

Just beautiful! Something so magical about a rural setting.

Rose @ Walnut Acre said...

It's a beautiful house!

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

I would move there in an instant if I could. There's something about old brick homes that pull me in...our home is old, but Italianate; not my "dream" 200 year-old brick home. How could someone NOT want to live there?! Where was she when we were house hunting?! Thanks so much for sharing. drool...drool...
-Mary

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh yes what a fantastic find. I myself have dreams of sitting around the fireplace, laughing with family and friends, with a nice hand made quilt wrapped around me while I work on another one on my lap. I am sure it is snowing and blowing outside and the flames of the fire dance and crackle. I love this Andrea. Thanks for the image in my head.B

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Looks like so many homes here in the south! Sneak up close and take pics of the inside...I promise to bail you out of jail :)
LYLAS!
xo, misha

Yvonne said...

Gorgeous shot!

Carmen and Rachelle said...

That is such a cool looking house!

Maša said...

it gives me a nostalgic feeling!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful. I love your new header.

barefoot mama said...

What we hope all of our homes will be someday..full of so many wonderful memories! This is a beautiful post and that house has a story to tell for sure..LOVE it! ~ Barefoot Mama