Whistle While You Work! (Part 1):

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Welcome back to “Wildflower Manor!” Graham and I want to invite you on a journey with us, into this beautiful 121 year old house! 
It will be quite the grand adventure and so it will come in bite sized pieces for you, but for us each new article that you read has meant that we’ve endured arduous and yet pivotal advancements into our future home! 
This first article will show you some of the rooms downstairs as they were back when we first saw them. That was the day that our realtors toured us through and it was also the day that our hearts were captured with visions of the past and promises of the future! 
In the articles that follow (which will come periodically) you will see the dramatic changes beginning to happen! We’ll rip up carpeting, remove old paneling, strip off wallpaper, all to rediscover the hidden historical beauty that has survived underneath those layers for generations. 
This incredible home has held many lives and loves. It has stories to tell and my desire is to learn as much as I can. If only these walls could talk! 
The inhabitants who have entered these doors and walked these floors lived through some of history’s most momentous events! Within its walls, 2 World Wars would have been diligently prayed through! The Great Depression would’ve left its residents lacking and scrimping. With the introduction of a television the family would’ve gathered round to see history unfolding before their eyes! Just imagine them seeing Martin Luther King Jr delivering his, “I Have a Dream,” speech in real time! Or watching Commander Neil Armstrong take the first steps on the moon! Graham joined me in the imagining here and added, “Watching the first televised appearance of the Beatles!” Well, he is English – after all, so what did y’all expect?! 😜
Now, go grab some popcorn, relax and enjoy our journey, and if you watch closely enough you just might catch us whistling while we work!

The Kitchen with its old world charm, wavy glassed windows, flour bin cabinets and antique chandelier

Beautiful old chandelier preserved in the dining room too!

Not many attractive features in the entry room at this point but we have magic goggles on that can see behind the 70’s/80’s decor!

Horrible cheesecloth wallpaper covering the ceiling and walls of the living room! I normally save pieces of old wallpaper that we find but this particular one didn’t have any redeeming qualities in my opinion and Graham was all for me throwing it away instead of trying to save it!

Well…the clawfoot bathtub definitely has future soaking potential!

14 responses to “Whistle While You Work! (Part 1):”

  1. Sally-Stephenville Avatar
    Sally-Stephenville

    Oh my it’s so beautiful!
    Love the long windows in the rooms, especially love that kitchen.

    1. Barley Avatar

      Hi Sally! Thank you! Stay tuned, I’m looking forward to showing you what it’s looking like now! We’ve come a long way but we still have a lot further to go! The kitchen is probably my favorite too! Much love, Kimberley

  2. Jeannie Pruett Avatar
    Jeannie Pruett

    I absolutely love that house…. And being a part of your journey. So much has been done but still so much to go. You both are gifted with transforming the old into something usable and enjoyable. Can’t wait to see more progress in the days ahead. ❤️❤️❤️

    1. Barley Avatar

      Hey Jeannie! Thank you for your very encouraging words, it’s heartening and boosting to hear, especially on days when we feel like the work is moving so slowly and we’re aching all over! But then, you also know how that feels firsthand! Much love, Kimberley

  3. Heather Miller Avatar

    What a great project, looking forward to the before and after photos 👌

    1. Barley Avatar

      Thank you Heather! Yes! It will be worth the wait so please keep reading to see future progress!
      Much love, Kimberley
      PS: Did you see the, “Our Little Corner” post? Just curious because it answers something you said to me in a comment from a few days ago. 😊

  4. Karen Janette Martin Allen Avatar
    Karen Janette Martin Allen

    I love this old house, I always longed for a two story growing up, it was always Wood with a big wrap around porch and breezeway! Us girls, sisters, would sit in the back seat on trip, and dibs on home, that’s mine when I grow up, I was the only one who never chose brick! Wood preferred, but loved natural Rock homes too! Anyway, I know with your hard work and excellent style, it’s going to be gorgeous, it is now, in dreams. I admire everything about you both and your love and passion to make something old beautiful again, and to know the past history. I’m so happy I got to walk through your future home with you, while there in June. Take care, stay safe, love you both so much. Momma

    1. Barley Avatar

      Thank you so much for your comments momma! I’m also very glad that you were able to see Wildflower Manor, while you were here!
      You and I have a common love for wood and natural stone houses!
      Graham and I have plans to add a small screened in porch on the side of the house, so someday there will be a wraparound porch (pert near it) for you to enjoy on your future visits! 😊 I love you, Kimberley

  5. Suzanne Bryon Avatar
    Suzanne Bryon

    What a beautiful house with so much potential! It must be so gratifying to be gradually transforming it — using all your creative and imaginative gifts!
    Love, Suzanne XX

    1. Barley Avatar

      Thank you so much Suzanne! Yes, it is absolutely satisfying seeing the fruit of our labors as we continue to breathe a breath of fresh air into the restoring of this old beauty!
      Please keep reading and watch as we show the journey of “Wildflower Manor,” as we’re gradually making it into our home.
      Much love ❤️ Kimberley

  6. Maines Bwanali Avatar
    Maines Bwanali

    Yes it is a beautiful stately home. It is going to be very beautiful and homely once you finish all the hard work.

    1. Barley Avatar

      Thank you so much dear Maines! I can’t wait until you can visit us and see it in person! So much love to you, Kimberley

  7. Sue Areington Avatar
    Sue Areington

    Can just imagine you both! A ‘whistle while you work project’ ?! WONDERFUL!! Such a skill to see the potential in a person or thing and not to give up on one 🤗 Well done Kim & Gra’👏 X

    1. Barley Avatar

      Awww! Bless your heart Sue! Thank you for saying that!
      Yes, indeed! Jesus, saw the potential in me and rescued me in grace and love and now, I see and rescue lost and forgotten items and love to restore them and give them a new purpose! So much love to you, Kimberley

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