The Gardener half-jokingly asked a docent if the Preservationists
and the Restorationists ever come to blows.
She laughed but didn't really answer.
We were at the oldest unrestored plantation house in America that is open to the public.
I find of great interest the architectural detail that becomes so vivid in an empty, unrestored
house. But I think I prefer to see one restored to full beauty, full of period furnishings.
So I can almost hear the sound of music and the thumping of dancing feet on wooden floors.
But I obviously appreciated what I saw here as I took a lot of photos (of course).
We were at Drayton Hall, c. 1738.
Joining Mary's Little Red House's Monday Mosaics.
Joining Mary's Little Red House's Monday Mosaics.
I think I'd prefer to see it restored also, complete with all the furnishings. But it still has its old, haunting beauty. And there's something very special about that.
ReplyDeleteI think that by restoring it would also preserve its integrity. Give it back the life it once had and offer an insight into the life of the times. It is a lovely plantation house. Wishing you well!
ReplyDeleteCathy
That's a great looking house and if I could afford it i would love to restore it to it's former glory but I live in another country and I am broke.
ReplyDeleteMerle...........
One of my favorite houses in Charleston! I also love Poplar Forest, Jefferson's summer home in Bedford County near Lynchburg, VA. It is a mini-Monticello that has been left bare inside. Very interesting to see the construction techniques in some areas. If you are ever in the area, I think you'd like a visit.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
So beautiful. I had to look at each photo carefully to appreciate all the wood work and plastering. It looks like a new roof has been put on to 'preserve' the interiors though. :) It is a huge house.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lovely old house. It would be beautiful restored.
ReplyDeleteThose are some beautiful architectural features! But I think I am with you. A restored house has much more "life"!
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated with old architecture! When I was in Italy, I must have surely been walking around with my mouth hanging wide open, because I was in awe!! What a fabulous old house!!
ReplyDeletexo Kris
I did not realize there is a difference between restoring and preserving? I had to look up the definitions to distinguish the difference. I would think restoring would always be best--otherwise, why bother. But then, if money is only available to preserve, then perhaps doing so would keep it "alive" with the hope it could eventually be restored to its original glory.
ReplyDeleteRestore that beautiful building...the details are amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely old house! I hope to see it restored with all its glory.. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week.
ReplyDeleteIt still is beautiful looking to me! I like the weathered feel but it would be grand once it's restored.
ReplyDeleteI hope they restore it. Things fall into decay if they are not worked on...all the time. Beautiful photos my friend! Sweet hugs!
ReplyDeleteRestore, preserve...both expensive, but one about ten times more costly, right? I'm fine in many situations with a nod to the past without having to be restored to the exact situation. Where do you folks line up?
ReplyDeleteI'd prefer to see it restored but I would enjoy it either way as I love old houses, period :)
ReplyDeleteI'm for restoration Dotsie!
ReplyDeleteOnce a building gets old, maintenance isn't always enough.
Once these beautiful examples of architecture from another era are gone - that's it.
I appreciate the old and seeing how lives were lived long ago.
Some of the outstanding old Chateaux in France are in disrepair because the cost is now too great to bring them up to standard.
It's a dilemma, alright. I think I'd go for restoration, with maybe one room preserved as is. I can just imagine the history in those walls.
ReplyDeleteThe house has such architectural character and I'd like to see it restored. Isn't the ceiling wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI would tend to agree, bring it back to it's full glory, and allow life to return to such old bones~
ReplyDeleteI like to see a building restored, and am okay if it is not exact. I do love to see how people lived, so I like them full of furniture and painting and curtains…
ReplyDeleteDeanna
How beautiful I like them restored, too.
ReplyDeleteI love the old architecture/woodwork in the old homes. Adds so much more charm than most of the cookie cutter types done now. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Apparently the thermos was a very popular one in the 70's. It is a pyrex mug, but she does have 2 that are corelle with the same butterfly pattern.
I also prefer seeing it restored to it's highest grandeur, oh! the stories that it could tell. Thanks for sharing.Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sue
I'd go with restore and reuse. What lovely woodwork. Beautiful!
ReplyDelete