Family farmhouse in Vermont....

[gigiG]

This weekend I visited a 5TH generation farmhouse in Vermont. The beauty of the area is hard to describe.... Until I can post pics (having problems loading....), you can see the farmhouse, property & more at:

http://underthewillowgifts.blogspot.com

[ChapterTwo]

Oh, gigi...those pics made me long for the wide open spaces (something I do, more often than not!) I could almost smell the fresh air. Glad you had a great time!

[cheapdiva]

Can I go with you next time:D

[Lisa S]

What a piece of land! That house is beautiful too. I bet history just oozes out of every floor board. Good for you for taking a trip with your sister. It's hard to step away from work and obligations but the truth is, you feel a huge sence of renewal when you come back home.

That is my favorite kind of dog. We have friends who have 4 children ~ three of them are triplets. They wanted a dog that was good with kids and found their Bernese. He's so loyal and sweet with all of them. To see him run is to watch poetry in motion.

[gigiG]

If I could have taken you all, I would have ;) ...it would have been a blast with each and every one of you.

I love the story of the Bernese dog with the children. I certainly can see why after spending the weekend with the little darling. Very special breed.

I also was able to get some maple syrup that is farmed on the property. I am making pancakes tonite!!!!

[Chyna]

Isn't it interesting how most of those old houses that have survived the centuries used to be taverns? Not sure what that says about our culture but it is a good thing that these old houses do survive to see another generation.:)

[Memmey]

Gigi it is dreamy there.What was the house like inside? Was it cozy? I bet they get some real real winter there. I looks like I had it pictured in my mind there .Rolling hills and rocky hill areas and the sturdy houses. It looks so American..you know? So glad you went and enjoyed the visit.:D

[ChapterTwo]

it is a good thing that these old houses do survive to see another generation.:)

I'm sad to say that around here (northern NJ) nothing old is valued here anymore. I have been sick at heart over all the lovely old homes that have met the wrecking ball! And what comes in their place?? Ugly, cheaply built, cookie cutter style duplexes. UGH!!!

That's why I really enjoy seeing other parts of the country where there are still neat old homesteads!

[gigiG]

The house inside is completely restored. All the original doors, moulding, etc... The basement is still dirt. In the kitchen where there once was a butler's pantry (thing that went up & down to deliver food), is now a huge pantry. The floors are the wide planking, with large nails.

Gigi it is dreamy there.What was the house like inside? Was it cozy? I bet they get some real real winter there. I looks like I had it pictured in my mind there .Rolling hills and rocky hill areas and the sturdy houses. It looks so American..you know? So glad you went and enjoyed the visit.:D

[Chyna]

Chapter Two

Old houses aren't really respected in my area either. I don't know if it is because our houses aren't as old as say the ones on your side of the country or what but newer is better seems to be the motto. The grand ol' big old houses are covetted but anything from over say 1900 is eyed for teardown/up/removal. It is sad. My house was built in 1930 and the previous owner was one of those newer is better people and tore out windows, messed up the wood floors, renovated with little thought to what the house is. Ive been spending alot of time trying to just undo what she did! And the anxiety and careful planning to respect that house in any changes is boggling. I could easily turn into one of those people who chain themselves to a building so it isn't bulldozed. :o

[gigiG]

It's sad that I haven't seem a new home with old world charm in a long time. BUT-think about it- those "new" homes of today will be cherished 100 years from now.

I also suppose that there is more interest, to restore/keep older homes, in areas of historial value i.e. battle sites, European settlers, etc...

[Lisa S]

Homes are the one tangible part of history that truely lets us see how people lived in the past. I think that's why I prefer living in an older house.

We have an urban growth boundary here in the Portland area. There can be a lot said for it ~ both good and bad, but one thing is certain: People have to fix up the existing houses because we can't spread out past the boundary. We're lucky to have quite a few refurbished neighborhoods.

[gigiG]

One thing I love about an older home is not really anything about the "home itself" but the land. I love mature trees. When we bought our land, it was bare naked :eek: , and we thought about bringing some more mature in, but was very expensive.... so we didn't.

[Chyna]

Oh thanks for bringing that up. Every single tree in my yard had been removed. They even ground them down (and then left in indention in the lawn, niiiiice). Or they stunted it and it died when I started giving it love. I'm having to start over and it bothers me to no end. I think it was some sort of elm because I keep finding elm starts in my flowerbeds. On the negative side I wouldn't mind the neighbors cutting theirs down, the stupid things send seeds into my yard all year and then the leaves all pile up in my gutter and I'm sloshing thru a flood year round (the seeds clog up the gutter too :rolleyes: ) they'd be great in a wood somewhre but city life is not the place for them. Maybe I should mention that to the Arbor Day foundation, then maybe they'd quit sending me mail. devious

[gigiG]

ChynaElizabeth~ I hear what you're saying...:(

[beachbum]

My father's family is originally from Bennington, VT (maybe they shared a drink at the tavern :) ).

There is so much love and nostalgia just viewing a picture of a house that old and that sturdy. The stories that house could tell.

[gigiG]

Certainly my uncle & other relatives knew of each other :D . My uncle owned a print shop (3 generations) right on Main Street. I visited the family's old shops, etc...which of course of changed over in the last 20-30 years...and more. It was quite a visit.

My father's family is originally from Bennington, VT (maybe they shared a drink at the tavern :) ).

There is so much love and nostalgia just viewing a picture of a house that old and that sturdy. The stories that house could tell.

[beachbum]

I received a bunch of Bennington Pottery for my wedding from a relative still in the area. Have you heard of it?

[gigiG]

Beachbum~ I know it well!!!! Was just there this weekend. I have collected Bennington Pottery for years! You need to check out my http://underthewillowgifts.blogspot.com to see where exactly I visited. Small world!! ;)
I received a bunch of Bennington Pottery for my wedding from a relative still in the area. Have you heard of it?