not the road to grandmother’s house…….
This house was abandoned for several years and is located in a more isolated area of the Key Peninsula. It had become a target for local vandals & squatters. The roof was failing and the trash piled high within creating a putrid breeding ground for insects & vermin. Blackberries had filled what had once been a bucolic back yard, reaching over 20 feet high. Those investigating the property prior to auction, walking down the overgrown road, reported a spooky feeling that made them shudder and want to leave as soon as possible. We learned about the home’s story after purchase. Lynn Cooper, the former owner, had been brutally murdered by a drug addicted home invader. Awoken from her afternoon nap, she struggled with the knife wielding meth-addict, pleading with him (as he confessed later) that “you don’t want to do this” as he stabbed her repeatedly to death.
It was shocking how quickly nature takes over. Plants grow aggressively and a non-maintained home with a failing roof will degrade surprisingly fast.
The original garage had been converted to a large family room. Ms Cooper’s furniture was left rotting beneath a moldy ceiling. Squatters had left trash, 2-3 feet deep in places, throughout the house.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 4
Views of home (fig. 2) and cabin (fig. 4) after majority of blackberries & their underground rhizomes had been removed. Extensive soil preparation would now began to prepare for the new lawn.
The existing septic drain field had become completely clogged with tree roots. Fast growing Alder trees had spread across the field and in a few years had networked the soil with congestive roots.
The original kitchen, buried beneath debris, had dark cabinetry with plastic laminate counter tops. The goal would be to remove all & to revise the layout, making it more connected to the breakfast eating area at the deck door.
The cabin interior was overly somber, clad in oppressive, darkly stained wood paneling. There were some ancient electrical wiring and outlets as well as rudimentary plumbing. It would need to be completely remodeled with new electrical, plumbing, insulation, windows, roofing and drywall. The decayed roof had severely damaged the interior - water had even infiltrated the ceiling light, giving it the look of a half filled fishbowl without the goldfish.
To save on precious space, we installed a shower (no tub) and also upgraded the electrical service so a tankless water heater could be installed under the bathroom vanity sink. A ceiling fan / light combination was installed to help ventilate the living room. The kitchen / dining space was given a more expansive feel by adding a second window overlooking the creek. The cabin was connected to the house with a gravel walking path and a deck built to enjoy the bucolic woods setting.
Figure 3
Figure 5
The new lawn (fig. 3 & fig. 5) had been seeded and watered consistently throughout the warm summer months. It was a big advantage having a private well with a relatively free water supply.
The new septic system was designed, installed and inspected. Trees & shrubs were cleared and the drain field must now be maintained as an extension of the home’s front lawn for proper functioning.
A renovation taking people power, patience & grace
This project was overwhelming at the beginning. From molding drywall to the remains of Ms Cooper’s dried blood on the bedroom carpet & subflooring, we knew we had a huge challenge. Not only was the home so far gone in degradation, but there felt a need to restore life to it in memoriam of Lynn Cooper. Several workers held a ceremony in the back yard, burning the stained floor boards & burying this minute yet symbolic residual of her ashes.
We now move forward with yet another challenge: the home has no legal easement with the power company owned access road to which its driveway connects. Time for Davey to fight Goliath……
View of remodeled kitchen with a more open relationship to the breakfast eating area
View of house with front lawn & large cedar tree
Video of the exterior, walking from the main access road to the backyard.
Video of walking through the main house interior
Video of walking through the cabin interior