Old Home Love Read online

  Old Home Love

  Andy and Candis Meredith

  Chaunte Vaughn except where noted

  Old Home Love

  Digital Edition 1.0

  Text © 2017 Andy and Candis Meredith

  Photos copyright Chaunte Vaughn except where noted

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except brief portions quoted for purpose of review.

  Gibbs Smith

  P.O. Box 667

  Layton, Utah 84041

  Orders: 1.800.835.4993

  www.gibbs-smith.com

  ISBN: 9781423646532

  FOR OUR LITTLE ONES

  Parker, James, Cohen, Will, Tommy, Brooks and Kit.

  You are the reason we make things beautiful, you are our whole hearts.

  Old Home Love

  Table of Contents

  Our Passion and Story We Really Love Old Homes

  Built in 1859 Love House

  Modern Classic Style Snow House

  A Mansion Repurposed Garbett Homes

  A Treasured Second Home Goss Home

  Candis’s First Historic Remodel Three-Twenty-Three

  A Mountain Man Home The Cabin

  Midcentury Beauty Joe Jackson House

  On Trend And Timeless Morgan Home

  A Work in Progress Ollie Berg House

  Moved Stone By Stone The Chester School House

  A Victorian Filled With Art and Love Anderson House

  A Charming Stone Cottage Thatcher Home

  A Family Home The Healing House

  Arts and Crafts Kleiner Home

  Inviting and Peaceful Gibbons House

  Adobe Pioneer Home Ruby’s House

  Almost Lost Forever The Skyline house

  A Home Meant For Creativity The Banister House

  A Treasured Past Orson Hyde Home

  A Family Treasure Smoot Family Home

  Our New Old Home Lemmon-Dixon House

  The Making of a Book Acknowledgments

  Our passion and Story

  We Really Love Old Homes

  Photo by Cami McIntosh

  I never gave much thought to historic homes and their significance. I was used to seeing the pioneer homes in Utah, but to me it seemed like most of them were either in downtown areas of the smaller cities and being used as run-down rentals or in the super-exclusive avenues section of Salt Lake City.

  There wasn’t a lot of in-between for these homes, and since I didn’t really know anyone in either of those places, I just didn’t spend time around them. I grew up hearing the stories of the people of this time and their lives and accomplishments but didn’t really stop to think about their immediate surroundings, their day-to-day routines, or their homes. I have always been fascinated by the 1800s. It was such an incredible century of transformation for America and the world. I’m sure that everyone through history tends to romanticize the past and I guess I’m no different. I’m not saying I’d like to have lived then, by any means; I really do enjoy my Bluetooth headphones.

  Candis is asked all the time why she loves old homes so much and why she does what she does. Her response is simple: she was born to do it. She bought her first historic home at twenty-one and never looked back. She attributes a lot of her courage to her Grandpa Leo and Grandma Mary. Leo has fiercely loved her since she was born and built her her first playhouse; Mary is an artist who specializes in paintings of historic homes and a very strong woman herself. They taught Candis to be tough, independent, and hardworking. She was drawing floor plans for dream homes with secret floors and nooks when she was five and she would save all the old homes if she could. I think she would like to live in the 1800s if it were possible, even though she would promptly want to come back to a place where women have rights and a voice, ha-ha!

  Before I met Candis, I was a full-blown adult, having lost most of that desire for exploration and discovery that we naturally have as kids. Being able to find that again in these homes has been amazing and redemptive. She really did save me. I had been through some really hard times and she showed me the brightness and beauty of life and I will always be grateful to her for that. Plus she’s really cute. We brought together our little family and have been happy. Having six boys between us was an adventure, but we decided to be straight crazy and add a little girl. No regrets.

  For us, these house projects have been a natural part of our relationship from the beginning. We planned our wedding at the first home we restored together while we were there working through the night, scraping wallpaper and trenching walls for electrical. We were married on the front porch and loved taking our somewhat curious/somewhat terrified wedding guests on a progress tour of the house. We have loved raising our kids in homes that people built with their own hands over several years’ time, homes where we have found treasures from the past that tell the stories of a different time in the very same place.

  On many a day when the unavoidable expression “Dad, I’m bored” was uttered, I handed the poor entertainment-deprived child a shovel and we went outside to the backyard to dig up the hundred-year-old trash piles scattered under the grass and dirt. I love to see their faces light up when they catch a glimpse of something in the dirt and pull out a marble or doll part that hasn’t seen sunlight since Honest Abe was president. Of course, with six boys younger than thirteen, we have the constant comparison of who got the better digging implements and complaints of claim jumping and who saw the big piece of china first, but that’s normal, right? We have found gold, diamonds, glass, toys, buttons, tools and all kinds of things. That’s just one of the gifts these houses give. It’s like growing up in an Indiana Jones movie.

  Then we have the houses themselves. Walking the floors is a humbling experience. I don’t know when I became a sentimentalist as far as homes are concerned. I just blame Candis. New homes are great. I’ve built one. There is something, however, about being in a place with history, a place that has seen births, deaths and so much life. I sometimes stand in a quiet historic home we are renovating and just think about the things that happened in the world and how they affected the people of that place. People gathered in that very room to discuss the assassination of President Lincoln, the excitement of in-home electrical power, indoor plumbing, automobiles and innumerable inventions, wars, discoveries and events that changed the world. It is a humbling experience that we feel fortunate to have.

  We are so lucky to work together, doing something that we absolutely love. Our life is stressful, full of deadlines and large sums of money that can be won or lost, but it’s our passion for these homes that keeps us moving forward. Our passion for the past and the stories of the future, our children’s included, encourage us every day to risk it all for these homes and what they mean to us. We hope Old Home Love will give you an idea of what we feel for these houses.

  Andy and Candis Meredith

  Built in 1859

  Love House

  Love house today

  Many people ask why we painted the house black, thinking it is a very modern thing to do. In reality, black was a common house color in the 1800s.

  Built by Mayor Leonard Harrington and his son for their family, this home in a small Utah town took nearly two years to build and was completed in 1859. It is a rare 1850s “Prairie L-Shape” adobe home. In a time when most dwellings in the area were single-room log houses, this home stood out as a masterpiece.

  We bought this house as our first home together. We wanted a place for our new blended family to have a fresh start—somewhere that was new to just us. We wanted a house filled with love—thus the name Love House. We were married here, brought our baby girl home from the hospital here and have enjoyed countless memories within the thick adobe walls.

  Before we bought the house, it had fallen into severe disrepair and was slated for demolition. It was considered the worst house in the neighborhood (maybe the whole town) and most people had forgotten how special it was. We spent nearly a year bringing it back to life and are honored to be a part of its history—we are so lucky we got to save it.

  Photo by Candis Meredith

  Not everyone understands the love and devotion we show to historic homes. All too often an old home that could be repaired is torn down instead due to the perception of it being “too much work” or being a money pit. In truth, there are times when it does cost a little more or takes a little more time to save versus starting over, but there is something tangibly significant about the way it feels to bring something back to life. Not to mention, these older homes were often, quite simply, built better.

  Materials today are tricky. Some have improved greatly, like insulation, efficient windows, etc., but others have really seen a decline. The best example is that of modern lumber. Historic homes were built with old-growth timber (something we just can’t, and probably shouldn’t, get today). New studs are made from young, overwatered trees that lack the strength that old wood has. We think it’s important to save what’s left rather than seeing it end up in a landfill—that’s our goal and purpose; that’s why we show these old homes so much love.

  Photo by Candis Meredith

  new old character

  Love House was a mess when we started—literally. It was stacked to the ceiling with garbage, among other things we won’t mention. It took a little bit of vision to look past the mess and see that we were lucky to still have the original doors, trim, and by some miracle, kitchen cabinets. We restored the cabinets with a lot of sanding, put
tying and painting. In the living room we added this lovely fireplace surround made with modern materials to house an electric fireplace. We were careful to make sure that it went well with the home’s original features and brought enough character to fit in with the old.

  Old Clawfoot tubs are a staple in almost all of our renovations. In our opinion, it is somewhat life-changing to take a long soak in an old cast-iron tub. We rarely refinish them on the inside for two reasons: we like the natural patina of time, and we don’t like things to be so clean that you have to maintain a level of perfection. We simply paint the outside with chalkboard paint to give it a beautiful matte finish.

  We exposed the original adobe wall, above, to act as a focal point in the kitchen. The large cast-iron sink protects the adobe from water and we love seeing what the house is made of.

  Adopted Ancestors

  We always look for antique portraits because they are usually inexpensive. We adopt these people into our old home family.

  Painted floors

  Painting floors is a great way to bring a pop of color and whimsy to a space. We have painted floors mustard, sky blue, navy, black, mint green and pink, to name a few. We never feel guilty painting a floor; the original is still underneath, ready to be sanded and stained when the time comes.

  Original mixed with new

  Not everything can be original, so we add new elements when we have to (e.g., a new chandelier that looks old or new rim lock hardware that mimics the original). When we do have original features, like this staircase, we keep all of the imperfections but try to do a great paint job to update it just enough.

  PAINT DRAMA

  The office walls painted in Farrow & Ball “Studio Green” add a bit of drama to a home that is mostly white inside. In the room behind, picture-less gold-leaf frames are stacked against the wall to create a cluster of large objects that includes the chair. A modern lamp adds height to the grouping and with a small picture above, it’s a look we like; we aren’t afraid to challenge scale in this way.

  PAINT COMBINATIONS

  We seldom paint a house exterior or interior with more than two, sometimes three, colors. Keeping the palette simple allows the home’s architecture and style to be the main focus.

  OLD PORCHES

  Contractors stop by all the time and offer to fix this porch, but we left it as we found it because we like to think of all the kids who have played here over the last hundred years. When we dig around, we find marbles and bits of broken dolls; our own kids have lost Legos here. Things don’t always need to look brand new.

  Modern Classic Style

  Snow House

  Shake shingles

  Naturally aged shake shingles add almost instant character to a new remodel. After only a year or two, these shingles will look like they have always been there.

  This house is a perfect example of how you can infuse your own style and aesthetic into a historic home. Sally Snow, the homeowner, lovingly restored this home; she was careful to choose timeless finishes and features, making it ready for its next hundred years.

  Built around 1930, this charming little cottage had been remodeled and stripped of its original, albeit simple, character sometime in the 1960s or ’70s. Sally knew she had something special that was also perfect for her refined style.

  It is not a large home nor does it have overstated architectural features, but it is absolutely stunning in its simplicity. The shake shingles and neutral color palette disguise the fact that it has been remodeled, making it seem like it has always retained its original materials and character.

  Ivy and boxwoods

  These plantings give the property a classic, timeless look.

  Although the home seems small, a vaulted ceiling gives it a sense of loftiness. The creamy white walls add even more visual space. We love the simple and understated design that will never go out of style; a custom sisal rug ties the whole room together.

  Size Doesn’t Always Matter

  Some spaces are so charming that they more than make up for their lack of square footage. Not everyone needs a massive kitchen; in truth, we will trade a smaller kitchen (less to clean) in order to get a larger living space.

  What you fill your house with is a reflection of you. This beautiful dining room has the actual buffet from the movie The Sound of Music along with wrought iron chairs found at a yard sale, which, incredibly, turned out to be priceless antiques! Every piece tells a story and fills a home with love.

  Master

  The master suite is restful and beautiful. Built-in closets on either side provide generous storage and the bathroom is conveniently nearby yet separated from the sleeping quarters by a short passageway.

  Special antique pieces

  Although they aren’t as functional as new pieces might be, antiques add depth and patina that new just cannot match.

  Things that you love

  These antique chairs were a yard sale find for about $500 and it turns out they are extremely rare, worth $45,000 each! Classic landscaping adds character and dimension to the residence. Sally lives with her antique dishes, enjoying and using them every day.

  The wall in the office is fitted with a set of antique wood panels. Architectural salvage is a wonderful way to bring instant character to a new (or old) space.

  A mansion repurposed

  Garbett Homes

  This historic mansion is a stunning example of classic architecture and presence. It sits atop Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City and maintains many of its original and decorative features. The large columns and oversized dentil molding add to its overall beauty and character.

  It has served many purposes: a home, an apartment, and now an office building for Garbett Homes, a new-home builder. It has been lovingly preserved and maintained by the current owner. We think it is impressive for a company to take a house like this for their office, thoughtfully and respectfully leaving the details that make up the soul of the home.

  Updating to code

  Instead of taking out the original porch rail along the balcony, which is too short to pass modern building code, they added height to make it safe. Solutions like this keep historic homes intact without sacrificing important updates.

  SOMETIMES A HISTORIC HOME’S WORST ENEMY is being on too large of a lot, too close to the center of town. In the name of “progress,” many homes are torn down to make way for larger commercial buildings or multi-unit housing. While we understand that people sometimes feel like this is necessary, we would never consider knocking over an old house or building.

  We hope to share enough education and resources to help developers make better decisions. We are developers ourselves and try to create unique properties with old homes and buildings, much like this one, which is offices on the lower levels and a home and apartment on the upper two floors.