The Hilltop House Project

When I purchased the farm in November 2009, we knew we had lots of work ahead of us.  Or course, there were all the administrative tasks necessary to set up the business, plan the details of our CSA, decide what crops to grow, how to best use the greenhouses (not to mention clearing out a few years of weed growth in the greenhouses!), developing a marketing and advertising plan, creating this website, and much more, before we can even begin to plant any seeds! 

As if that were not enough, we also have the exciting opportunity to completely renovate the wonderful farmhouse on the property.  The house was built in the 1750s (as near as anyone can figure) and it hasn't changed much since that time. 

From the outside, you wouldn't really know that the house dates back to before the Revolutionary War.  But the inside......that's another story.  Let's just say it will benefit from some updating.  Here are a couple of pictures of the kitchen.  Notice the space heater and the hot water heater in the kitchen. And, yes, those pipes along the walls and ceiling ... that's how water is distributed around the house.  Yup, no plumbing inside the walls.

The other side of the coin, of course, is that the house still has many of its original features -- fireplaces, beautiful hardwood, glass doorknobs, built-in shelves ... and that fabulous kitchen sink!

Fortunately for us, Earl is a general contractor and I can learn just about anything (I hope).  Honestly, we were thrilled when we saw the house ... inside and outside.  The opportunity to restore this home is a such a thrill for us. 

As the weeks progress, we'll be starting many house projects -- plumbing, wiring, stripping wallpaper, plastering, refinishing the floors, and more.  Stay tuned for updates on our house projects.  And, of course, we'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback.  Please leave us a comment!