Home Renovation Adventures

Bob’s renovation adventures continues! Now that it’s Spring, he is paying attention to his backyard. It’s a a much needed distraction after his pipes burst over the winter!

The first shot was taken there during the inspection I had done in February of 2012.  It was only touched in the ensuing year to dump more things there.  You will note the broken fish tank.  The second picture is looking across the yard from about that vantage point just last night.  You’ll see the blue stone path leading to the rear which, was completely covered with debris and not visible.  This is only the start of the growing season.  After the harsh winter, I’m glad so many of the things I put in (bought at Adams Fairacre Farms when they discount them in the late Fall) have sprouted.  One of my knockout roses didn’t make it and some other things, but I have a lot of perennials planted.  It’s an improvement to the ‘hood, or at least I think so, all park of my ongoing adventures of restoring a house on Chambers Street.

It’s been a tough year for Bob battling with some personal issues. We are so glad to see that he is moving full steam ahead on his row house Chambers Street!

Have your own home renovation adventures in the City of Newburgh that you would like to share? Your own before and after? Email me!

Anna Dorfman, resident and author of one of Newburgh’s most influential blogs shares the journeys of her home buying experience. Not only is it insightful for those of you looking to buy a home, it is an emotional reflection of what is involved in purchasing a home in a city that has many challenges like Newburgh. Surely buy the end of reading her article you’ll be “yay-ing” with her as she and her husband found “THE ONE”, Door Sixteen. Thanks Anna.

Home buying moment (actually more of a saga).[Door Sixteen]
Photo (c) Anna Dorfman, Door Sixteen

Bob is sharing his last home renovations adventure for 2013. This one has to deal with the Gothic details of his home like this gorgeous iron fence that he thinks is original to the home. Doesn’t it look amazing next to the old slate sidewalk?

Here are Bob’s words regarding his hunt for Gothic details:

“When I contemplated the lackluster mid-20th Century fixtures flanking my front door, one without its shade, I thought it would be nice to find something that looked like it could have been from the 1890’s, something with a Gothic arch would be ideal to tie in with the fence on the other half of the building.  The hunt began.”

Here’s what I came up with. They’ll eventually be on a timer and, since there’s a street light that keeps my porch well lit, I put in the bulbs that look like flames.  Just inside, there’s another Gothic reference, but this is to the classic Gothic horror story, “Dracula.”  The Count is discussing his recent lease of a derelict property in England with his English solicitor, who warns him that Carfax Abbey is an ancient building and not in good repair.  The Count’s reply resonated with me and my feelings for my old house. The frame is an antique.  Maybe the sentiments expressed will resonate with other old house lovers.

Thanks for sharing Bob, and thanks for paying attention to the exterior of your home. It makes a nicer block for everyone!

If you would like to share your home renovation adventures email me.