#22 I Like How They Kept So Much Of It Original
#23 Parquet Flooring In The Entryway, Of My Parents’ House (1892)
#24 My Ancestors Built This Place In 1840. It Sat Empty For 50 Years Before I Began Work 5 Years Ago
Finally, she counsels against doing everything at once after you buy the house. “Take care of the main problems, such as roof or foundation repairs; but go slowly with painting, stripping, decorating, or other quick alterations that seem necessary. An ancient house should be permitted to tell you rather than handled like a contemporary one; it should not be thrown into a complete overhaul. Stop and realize that this house has existed for a century or more; it will still be here when you gather yourself from all that has to be done. Think back to what originally attracted you to it and let that lead you on.