This Southern plantation has been in the same family for over 13 generations. None other than the King of England deeded it to the original owners in the late 17th century. It survived the American Revolution and the War Between The States, as well as a typhoid fever epidemic. It even managed to avoid being reduced to ashes at the hands of the Union Army, which had camped on the plantation's grounds instead. So when we were asked to do a comprehensive assessment of the manor house, we felt a responsibility to provide nothing less than an account worthy of being included in the archives of this historic property.

The house itself is a traditional wooden frame and clapboard structure with a standing seam hip roof. Two chimneys rise prominently on either side and a large porch projects from the front. One of the most striking and interesting characteristics is the beautiful staircase in the foyer, which, according to legend, was built by a slave in exchange for his freedom.

The house’s age and lack of repair was causing the owners concern. The plaster ceilings were beginning to crumble and separate. Insects were eating away at structural members.

Plus, water damage and general house settlement had taken their toll on this once magnificent building. While many of the problems were due to the fact that the majority of the house was still comprised of its original 17th century structural components, we wished to prescribe a minimally invasive restoration procedure that would strengthen the house for years to come while preserving its historical integrity.

 

We first examined the foundation walls and sill plates. Then we slowly worked our way up each level, noting everything that needed repair or restoration – from damaged structural members to aging hardware. In the finished rooms on the main floors, we employed very careful techniques to see what was happening behind the plaster walls and ceilings. When our exploration brought us to the attic, we discovered evidence of a fire that would have destroyed the house had it ever fully ignited.

When we were finished, we had completed an intense forensic study of the entire house and had a thorough understanding of its condition. In order to provide the highest quality restoration specifications, we studied those used by The National Park Service for Historical Buildings. We also consulted a historical architect from Williamsburg, Virginia to get some further insight on the history of the building, as well as restoration techniques for ancient plaster.

In writing our recommendation, we followed the formula for drafting restoration specifications set by the American Institute of Architecture. Our final document included detailed restoration specifications as well as a thorough room-by-room summary of everything that needed to be repaired or restored.