We've begun!!!

3/5/2012

Hello all! Plans to have the main roof replaced are well under way. Top priorities aside from the roof include rebuilding the bathrooms and the kitchen. We originally planned to demolish the kitchen and "mudroom" and build new (we expected approval from the State as the kitchen is not part of the original structure) but the appraisal came in so low that the money required to make up the difference cost us our new kitchen. Charlie and the boys now plan to rebuild the kitchen and mudroom inside the framing that currently exists. We have invited all who wish to take a look to stop by -- we plan to be there most weekends and Charlie will be there during the day on some week days. The front and back porches also have sections that have to be replaced. We expect to move in sometime in May....

11 Comments

Dave Taylor link

3/6/2012 03:48:15 am

Mr. and Mrs. Parker,

Thank you for keeping us all updated on your progress. I know the whole Lincoln assassination community is so excited that you not only managed to purchase Cleydael, but are also willing to restore it to its former glory. I had just posted a little entry about your home on my own recently made blog:

http://boothiebarn.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/welcome-to-scenic-neck-quarter-virginia/

I wish you all the best of luck and, if I lived in the area, I'd love to give you a hand.

Sincerely,

Dave Taylor

Renee Parker link

3/6/2012 08:25:00 am

Thank you Dave---we wish you lived here too! :) I will check out your site and Charle will post this link on the Lincoln site if he hasn't already. Take care! Renee

Lisa Pitts

3/6/2012 05:50:45 am

Hi Parker Family,

I am really excited to watch the progress! I have been a student of the Civil War for several years. Did you know there is a really good documentary on John Wilkes Booth's escape in the Smoot Library. I have watched it twice and have been thinking about checking it out again, just because you guys have picked my interest all over again!

Renee link

3/6/2012 08:28:03 am

Hi Lisa, I didn't know you had a love for the Civil War era. I will certainly check out the movie at Smoot---I read everything I could find on Lincoln as a youngster so this is very exciting for me! Stop by and chat and I can't thank you enough for the use of the trailer--it has been a Godsend---thank you!

Candis Cotter

3/6/2012 06:21:53 am

So happy for the historic community at large and for your lovely family! Hope to stop by one weekend. Your commitment and energy are amazing. Best of luck!

Renee link

3/6/2012 08:29:16 am

Thank you Candis---please do stop by--it's so much fun sharing the house and its history. :)

Liz (Samson) Cook link

3/6/2012 09:17:33 pm

Hey Parkers!! I think this is SO AWESOME and my Civil War obsessed husband thinks it's pretty awesome, too!! We hope to stop by sometime to see the progress and visit with everyone. It has been way too long! In the meantime I'll be keeping up with the blog and website updates - so awesome of you to share this project with everyone! :)

Vicki Schmidt

3/6/2012 09:31:02 pm

Renee,
I have enjoyed following the story along on the FreeLanceStar web-site and can't wait to keep up with you all on this adventure. BEST OF LUCK!!!!

Renee link

3/7/2012 10:29:03 am

Hi Vicki! I hope you can come by sometime during your next trip to Va. It would be great to see you and thanks for the well wishes...we will take all of that we can get!

John Bert

4/1/2012 04:45:08 am

I knew the previous owner and am thrilled beyond words that you guys are putting the time, money and, most of all, love into the restoration of this house. Your raw enthusiasm comes through in your posts. Best of luck and enjoy this magnificent home!

Ashland escort link

9/21/2012 02:22:44 pm

Took the day off and was just reading up some blogs and thought I would post here

We've begun!!!

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