The Mansion, about 1300 SF on the main floor, but when its way out here – this is big! And the locals call it “The Mansion”.

Getting a roof on is a big deal! Well, it had a roof but after years of neglect and use as a target, it was not in good shape. The Mansion has 12 ft tall ceilings on the main floor and peaks at about 12′ on the second floor. The crawl space is about 6 ft tall on one side. So, if you add it up, the peak is 30 ft above ground on one side. And the roof has a 8/12 slope. So, its a dangerous job up there. Having the right crew is critical.

Our first step was to shore up the second floor and add the subfloor. We also need a safe way up so we had the stairs roughed in. The crew needed to build the 2 dormers and to fix or replace the damaged rafters. They also had work to do on the sidewalls to stabilize the building. They were brought up to par carpentry wise, and they got siding. I’m sure there was a lot of additional work that I’m not recalling at this point.

Then, the old roof needed to be removed. You can see the mess in the photos. I arrived and ordered the windows, stashed in a corner, removed to a safe location. Fortunately they weren’t damaged. Hours were spent by those of us with lesser skills cleaning up the mess of shingles and more to keep the workplace neat and clean.

Only then could the real work begin. The crew used ledger boards and were tied off with full safety gear – good thinking! Once they start, the work goes pretty fast. You can see, its not complete. We’ve ordered metal roofing and must wait on that. So, there’s more to come.

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This happened in the blink of an eye. When you get the right crew and the right equipment it just works. We’ve cleared the area for the driveway and the area for the septic system in one go. The septic still needs an install – it will happen soon, I hope.

The tree was saved from another location. We are doing our best to keep it alive!

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I found more photos that needed to be shared for “The Mansion” so I updated this gallery.

The building was in extreme disrepair when we came into ownership. The roof had gaping wounds, letting water into the interior which rotted floors and walls. Remodeling efforts had muddled up the original lines and hid the beauty beneath. Yet the building still retained hints of its former glory.

Take a look at the stenciling, the epic windows and fireplaces, interior doors, and the simply gorgeous windows (now hidden under a framed in porch). Wouldn’t you love to cuddle up with a good book on a window seat and look out at this amazing view!

The remains of lathe and plaster gives us insight into the construction methods of the past. And don’t you love the view looking up the peak from inside – the construction is simply amazing!

The building had been used for target practice. The chimney from the dining room had huge holes in it, clearly aimed for repeatedly. What a shame!

On the back side, look at the row of 4 windows. These were higher and appeared to offer light to a secure space behind the 2 sided fireplace in the center of the house. We have no way to know, but this may have been an office as it has no direct outside entry and offers more security for private business. Above the row of 4 windows is a decorative gable end with a diamond in the center. This attention to detail is indicative of the care taken to build this house. There is an interior door on one side of the fireplace and a window on the other side. The window has been broken out, but I’m guessing it would open allowing fresh air to circulate through the house.

A covered entrance was added at some point, not as well constructed as the house and you can see the ravages of time.

Rooms have been identified as 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, the “Arizona” room or office, a formal room, the dining room, a butler’s pantry, and a kitchen. The floor upstairs was usable with access from the hallway next to the butlers pantry.

More to come as we work on stabilizing this building prior to its full restoration.

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The front porch is taking shape on the Adobe. As you can see it is full width of the front section with a huge picture window from the living room. The posts are substantial and really make a statement of their own.

We’ve got more in store for this porch, but I’m not telling. You’ll just have to check back on its progress

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Now that the roof is on, and we have made good progress drying in the Post Office, its time to move on the interior of the Adobe.

First thing to do was repair the floor. It wasn’t too bad but once the rotted subfloor areas were repaired we were able to start framing the interior. To make plumbing and electric easier and to add insulation, we added framing inside the walls and then framed out the rooms. It still looks less like a house than I like, but the rooms are taking shape and we can start to get the feel for how this place is going to work.

The more we do, the more I like it. This is a really nice, small family or a comfortable couples house. 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The kitchen is small but with the outdoor fireplace and patio, it works for entertaining too.

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Well, not quite – but as you can see. We’ve added metal roofing, windows, drywall and texture, and the electrical is roughed in, some steps to get in, and a door! But look, we’ve got solar power. It keeps the tools charged and the carpenters happy.

Its kind of amazing how fast (and also how slow) it can transform from a ruin to a home. Well, we are almost there.

The Post Office

As anyone who has done a project of this scale knows, before a new roof can go on, the old one must come down. In this case – well just take a look.

Sorry about the delay here. My photographs were misplaced – but now they’re found!

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Its been a while since we’ve been able to see much progress. Then, all of a sudden, things start happening quickly. The Post Office has most of its drywall up, the holes in the floor no longer exist, windows, siding, steps, some electrical work, and more is happening. No, none of it is done, but, its moving forward.

We’ve got flooring picked out and ordered, kitchen appliances are on their way, bathroom fixtures are picked out – not ordered yet, bathroom tile is ready to go in. Its the fun stuff!

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There comes a time when you just need to spend time getting things together – getting organized – this includes gathering supplies and sorting them out. Well here we go. . . . At least its a start!

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The first critical step in a modern house is – – – plumbing!

Its been roughed in for the Post Office. Components include: the bathroom (shower, toilet, sink), the utility/laundry room (hot water heater, washer/dryer), the kitchen (sink, gas for stove, the refrigerator water line), the living room (gas for fireplace). Its a simple house but even a simple house has lots of need for plumbing if you really want to stay here.

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