The renovation of this Georgian cottage uncovered features dating back 300 years

Fairview, a Georgian-style home built in 1773 by Revolutionary War officer Maj. James Moore, has undergone a loving rehabilitation by the MacMillan family over 18 years. Situated near Odessa, the property's surrounding land has transformed from a wheat farm to a suburban area, yet the house itself has remained remarkably constant, even retaining its original front door key. Katie and Col. Douglas Reed MacMillan have dedicated themselves to restoring Fairview, ensuring its preservation for their daughter, Mary, who views it as a home rather than a museum. Reed MacMillan's interest in 18th-century architecture was sparked during a 1988 visit to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he and Katie celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Both had grown up in modern homes, but the symmetry and red brick of Georgian buildings captivated Reed, leading to his goal of owning and living in an 18th-century home. Six years later, Katie discovered Fairview with a 'for sale' sign while stuck in traffic. Although an initial sale fell through, the MacMillans eventually acquired the property, which had been vacant for over five years and required extensive work due to neglect. Despite the initial daunting state, Katie quickly developed an affection for the house. Upon acquiring the property, the MacMillans faced significant challenges. The fields were severely overgrown, and the interior suffered from water damage, including a dilapidated second-floor bathroom. Prioritizing their tasks, they first installed a second-floor laundry room, as the house lacked essential modern amenities. To guide their rehabilitation efforts, they consulted the "Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties," focusing on rehabilitation, which allows for repair and replacement of deteriorated historic materials. In the pre-internet era, they relied on books to learn skills such as wiring, plumbing, and plastering, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions for such projects. Over nearly two decades, the MacMillans meticulously restored plaster walls, upgraded plumbing, installed a picket fence, and undertook numerous other tasks. One significant project involved stabilizing the foundation of a two-story addition that had shifted over time. They opted for traditional-feeling furniture rather than period antiques, ensuring the home remained livable and inviting. Despite its past neglect, Fairview retained its grandeur with features like opulent dentil moldings, solid wood and louvered shutters, and many original wavy glass window panes. Historical elements such as a three-seater outhouse and a smokehouse remain on the property. Inside, the massive original lockbox on the front door and 10-foot ceilings with elaborate moldings reflect the prosperity of Maj. James Moore, the original owner. Built-in raised-panel cupboards, originally used for storage, now house electronics and toys. The master bedroom includes a dressing room, and bedrooms feature large closets, uncommon for the period. A small, spare room with a low ceiling, believed to be for a manservant, highlights historical living conditions. The original kitchen, once separate, is now connected to the main house and serves as a casual dining area. The MacMillans faced a dilemma during the kitchen renovation—whether to expand it or maintain its original footprint. They ultimately chose to preserve the house's integrity, installing a kitchen in keeping with its historic style and age. Fairview's status on the National Register of Historic Places protected it from development, leaving 3.5 acres for gardens, a playhouse, and a barn housing horses. The land has yielded numerous artifacts from previous residents, including pottery, bottles, and a stirrup iron. The MacMillans' approach to renovation involved respecting the original architecture, prioritizing practical needs like a laundry room, learning DIY skills, and maintaining a connection to the property's agricultural past by keeping horses. #GeorgianArchitecture #HistoricHomeRehabilitation #18thCenturyHome #OdessaDelaware #HomeRestoration #ArchitecturalPreservation #DIYHomeRenovation #FairviewHome #NationalRegisterOfHistoricPlaces

Jamie and Tim Forsyth, along with their daughter Sienna, reside in an English country manor house in North Wales, Montgomery County, which was built in 1880. The property, originally part of a 200-acre horse farm, later became a riding academy before being subdivided in the 1970s. The Forsyths acquired the seven-bedroom manor house and a caretaker's cottage on two acres in 2016 after the price was reduced. Both Jamie, a nurse, and Tim, a project superintendent for a commercial contractor, were drawn to the house's historic charm and “good bones,” despite its considerable size. Upon moving in, the house featured 11-foot ceilings on the first and second floors and nine-foot ceilings on the third. The interior had been recently painted with cream walls and a deeper buff for carved doors and trim. The parlor showcased sky-blue walls and ceiling, complemented by Dutch tiles around the fireplace. Brass and crystal chandeliers adorned the parlor, foyer, and family room, hanging from elaborate plaster medallions. The original random-width oak flooring was well-maintained, contributing to the home's historic appeal. Despite the well-preserved interior, the Forsyths undertook several renovation projects. They installed a new roof and trimmed large ash and evergreen trees, while removing smaller trees from the pool area. Tim, with the help of friends, repainted the stucco exterior an antique white. The columns of the wrap-around porch and window trim were painted a brighter white, with shutters and column brackets in black. Tim also collaborated with a plumber friend to remodel the first-floor powder room. Future plans include installing a ductless heating and air conditioning system and creating a master bedroom suite with modern closets. They also intend to renovate the 20-year-old kitchen, merging it with Sienna’s current playroom, and add French doors that open to the patio, enhancing its suitability for entertaining. Jamie furnished the living areas with existing carpets and sofas from her previous home, alongside vintage pieces. Notable items include a grandfather clock built by her great-grandfather as an engagement gift and a mahogany drum table inherited from her grandmother. A metal-lined bar in the dining room belonged to an uncle. Seasonal decorations are a significant aspect of their home life; a spring bouquet of tulips, candle holders spelling “Spring,” stuffed bunnies, and bunny-embossed pillows adorned the parlor for Easter, with baskets of colored eggs completing the theme. The Norristown Garden Club decorated the house for Christmas, including it in their annual holiday tour, featuring floral arrangements and pine cone ornaments crafted for two Christmas trees. The Forsyths welcomed local carolers and hosted a family holiday party. For Easter, they organized an egg hunt on their lawn for Sienna and neighborhood children, reflecting the strong community ties that have developed with other young families living in homes built on the former horse farm. The Forsyths acknowledge the continuous work involved in maintaining such a large property but express that the effort is worthwhile. #EnglishCountryManor #HistoricHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #VintageDecor #FamilyLife #MontgomeryCounty #NorthWales #HomeRestoration

Eileen and her husband, Luke, undertook a comprehensive, room-by-room renovation of their 1930s home in Greenville over six years. The primary goal of this renovation was to restore the house to its original architectural integrity, which Eileen describes as stripping away extraneous details to allow the intrinsic charm and simplicity to re-emerge. The house, like many older properties, had undergone several prior renovations, many of which had detracted from its initial clean lines and simple design. Eileen's background, including an architecture degree, five years of experience in an interior design firm, and her current profession as an antique and vintage furniture dealer (operating under @eileenandco_ on Instagram), proved invaluable throughout the renovation process. The couple meticulously approached each room, ensuring that every modification was executed thoughtfully and correctly. A significant improvement involved addressing the home's bathroom situation. Originally having only one bathroom, Eileen and Luke collaborated with their friends, Chris and Lindsay of White Buffalo Homes, to add two more bathrooms, which was considered a transformative enhancement to the living space. Beyond structural changes, Eileen dedicated considerable effort to the home's aesthetics and decor, with a particular focus on creating an inviting and emotionally supportive atmosphere. She aimed for a feeling of 'belonging,' desiring that family and friends would feel 'seen and loved' within their home. This objective was achieved through deliberate design choices that fostered connection and comfort. Examples include arranging cozy couches to face each other, encouraging conversation, and designing a sitting room with four chairs centered around an ottoman, ideal for relaxing with a cup of coffee. Furthermore, a dining area in the kitchen was set up with upholstered benches, blankets, and pillows, creating a warm and intimate setting for meals and gatherings. Alongside their home renovation project, Eileen and Luke harbored a long-standing dream of living abroad. This dream materialized sooner than anticipated when Luke received a job assignment in central France, prompting their relocation three months prior to the article's publication. Despite their move, the couple maintains the comfort of knowing that their renovated home in Greenville remains a tangible connection to their past life, awaiting their eventual return, providing a sense of stability and a piece of 'home' even when they are thousands of miles away. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #1930sHome #AntiqueFurniture #GreenvilleSC #ArchitecturalRestoration #FamilyHome #ExpatLife #HomeTour

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

This article showcases the holiday decorations at designer James Farmer's 2,000-square-foot cottage in Perry, Georgia. The home's architecture, inspired by an old post office in Leroy, Alabama, was brought to life by Spitzmiller and Norris, Inc., and is available as a Southern Living House Plan. Farmer's Christmas decor incorporates traditional deep reds and classic greens with unexpected jolts of citrusy orange, lime green, and coral, a color he affectionately refers to as "carl," as his mother did. The tour begins with the exterior, emphasizing the use of greenery gathered from the landscape. Farmer suggests using an extra-thick garland of magnolia, cypress, and pinecones, highlighting that scale is crucial and decorations should reflect the home's size. Glass votives line the walk, enhancing the facade's symmetry. The entry features voluminous twin magnolia and cypress garlands on either side of the staircase, creating a dramatic effect. A natural palette of rich greens and browns is preferred, complemented by an arrangement of coral amaryllis and fresh agarista blooms. In the kitchen, Farmer advises creating holiday vignettes in windows to keep counters clear for party preparation. Antique silver Champagne buckets filled with farm-fresh greenery, amaryllis, and bright nandina berries are used for a festive touch. An evergreen wreath adds depth, and a bowl of citrus serves as both a snack for guests and a nod to Southern winter crops. The dining room features two cedars cut from Farmer's land, placed in front of large picture windows to allow light to shimmer off glass ornaments. This approach spreads the Christmas spirit throughout the house rather than concentrating it on a single tree. The dining table is set with monogrammed linens and an impactful centerpiece of citrus and nandina. For the living room mantel, Farmer recommends going "big" but not necessarily heavy. He layers bright colors, traditional accents, and tall clippings to draw attention to the fireplace. Orange tulips and roses in red pottery are used to complement the terra-cotta hues of the reclaimed-brick fireplace. Mexican pottery urns filled with nandina boughs add height and break the symmetry of the room's board-and-batten doors, sofas, and light fixtures. Even private quarters like the bedroom are not overlooked. Excess greenery and flower trimmings are repurposed as accents on bedside tables. A small bunch of magnolia, tied with a burlap ribbon, is wired to the footboard of his custom-made faux-bamboo bed frame, ensuring that the holiday cheer extends to every corner of the cottage. #HolidayDecor #ChristmasDecorations #SouthernLiving #CottageDecor #JamesFarmer #InteriorDesign #SeasonalDecor #GeorgiaHome