Replacing The Roof

 Four layers of old shingles being removed.

This weekend we had JPA Construction in nearby Hyannis reroof Old Farm. A terrific company to work with as we asked for quick upgrades on framing/parts original to the house and a newer three flued chimney. I found enough (out of stock) GAF HDZ Timberline "Shakewood" color high grade shingles from "Landis" in Hyannis, to best match the house and other buildings. The South facing roof has 2 layers of staggered plywood over 1" old sheathing boards, and the North side only needed one. Lead flashing was replaced around the chimney and 2 1/2" copper drip edges were added to the rakeboards.

Now the exposed old framing and sheathing remains while well secured.

All linens and chairs were removed while furniture and floors were completely tarped with plastic bags sealing the ceiling fixtures. Only cleaned linens were put back.

Our new 4 zone furnace from also terrific Cape Cod Central Heating and Cooling will soon heat this space with cast iron modern Runtal floor radiators.

Sycamore On Stony Brook

Two of our sons live along the Stony Brook here in Hopewell surrounded by magnificent Sycamore trees. Christian has an enormous one in the front of his historic farmhouse and another huge one that actually dips down into the Stony Brook creekbed below his meadows. Leif has them overhanging his house, but a spectacular one nearby on his street many stop to see, which he painted.

I have also drawn this tree 20 yrs. ago in pen.

Happy Halloween

Alex in his "Boss Baby" Halloween costume.

Welcome Home

 Welcome home to Hopewell Lily Baumbach!

Garden Tables + Seats

Leif has three of Bill's ceramic garden seats/tables surrounding his firepit and midcentury modern home. They sit on several acres he's been clearing and look so natural with modern wire chairs of complimenting colors. The chairs stack for winter storage but the ceramic seats can remain all year. Each sits on an old mahogany board.

Since a new clearing has been made to the road, they are visible as Bill drives by them to work. This firepit has burned many parts of branches from 30 trees we felled here.

From a distance.

A New Roof

Existing roof...

It is time for a new roof on Old Farm now that Bill has completed replacing same period tapered rafters and notching some in to surround the newer central chimney with three flues. This was a three year effort and astonishing as he worked alone to support and leverage 15' heavy; hand hewn pieces of old growth timber. It saved the old sheathing boards we exposed which are very thick and some 2' wide, which I whitewashed. The work included creating a cathedral ceiling over a new staircase which added two bedrooms to the house.

We will add 2 1/2" copper downspouts to wooden gutters ourselves, as exclusively seen in Nantucket and elegant. 

Nice In Nantucket

Union Street Inn

Now is when the flowers are still blooming on Nantucket and the weather is intoxicating. Crisp in the mornings and cool evenings so strolling, shopping, biking & buying things on sale now are all swell. The window boxes are still as stunning as the houses and gardens. A one day excursion is $60 round trip by fast ferry from Old Farm.

 We had dinner at The Greydon House (below) in the lovely "Via Mare" small plate restaurant, before the 8:45 pm ferry back home.

New Front Steps

My house is getting new front steps. Although I bought solid mahogany boards to replace the old several years ago, they were expensive at $700 but beautiful! 

The rails and posts I designed to be made of pressure treated lumber which still look great and now repainted.

Bill created a matching bullnose edge on the sides to match the front of the steps.

Another Guestroom

I have just finished a second guestroom with our family still in mind. Both our guestrooms are similar; bright white with floor space for grandchildren to play and inviting beds.

Vintage abstract oil painting from Canada, Mattisse limited print from Princeton University Press, Antique Swedish Armoire, Charles P. Rogers headboard, cotton lined linen Roman shades and bedskirt I sewed, French antique table from Westport CT.