Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My 2012 Project.

   Well I think I have finally gone overboard, having finished, My Old Historic House, I needed a new project. So, for Christmas I bought myself a NEW HOUSE.It is another Victorian mansion. It is in the Second Empire Style with Italianate tendencies.  I have always admired this style of house and when I say this one at such a good price, I jumped on it fast.
    Just like, My Old Historic House, the new house was not in the best of condition. The foundation was sagging, bad interior and exterior paint jobs, trim missing, windows broken and the worst flooring and wall covering ,I had ever seen in my life. After I  took over ownership, I went about making  my plan of attack for the restoration.
   Of course the first step was to sure up the foundation. Step two: will be the removal of everything bad. Step three: is to pick paint colors and get to work. I am very excited. I love a challenge. I will keep you informed of the progress. But for today, I am just posting a few of the before pictures.
   One thing I forgot, My New House, is a doll house. The scale is 1 inch to 1 foot. I hope you like it.
What do you think about a 62 year old man, buying himself a doll house??? Am I really crazy? Probably.
But I sure am having fun.
  Come by anytime, I will leave the lights on and Sissy Dog will always meet you with a jump and a kiss.
Hope you are having a wonderful Holiday week and making great plans for New Years Eve and Day!
 




Here is my new house. Ain't it a beauty?


You can see the bad paint job. And the foundation under the porch is missing.

Looks like they had a professional painter.


Looks like some one on drugs decorated this bed room.

I love the one strip of wallpaper on the wall.
This tile has to go!


More interesting decorating and painting.

This box of pieces and furniture came with it.







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48 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 28, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    A sad case of neglect. I am sure you will restore it to its former beauty and elegance. I can't wait to see the result.

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  2. LeeDecember 28, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    I work with miniatures-it is a terrific hobby. I look forward to seeing what you do with your newest house! But watch out-you can spend large amounts of money on tiny things....very addictive! Enjoy!

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  3. Bruce BaroneDecember 28, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    A wonderful idea!!!

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  4. Amy @ A New Old HouseDecember 28, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Love it!
    What a wonderful new project- can't wait to see your progress!

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  5. Glenda/MidSouthDecember 28, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    Well - If you are crazy, I am a real "nut case" ! :-D I have a Vermont farmhouse, general store made from a wooden wine box, greenhouse, birdcage furnished with miniatures. The on going project now is the San Franciscan that I need to either get busy and get the inside redone or get rid of it. I will be watching your progress on your new home with a lot of interest - maybe it will get me motivated to work on mine again. Really looking forward to seeing what you do with your new home.
    Hope you have enjoyed the holidays!

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  6. Heirlooms by Ashton HouseDecember 28, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    Love the dollhouse! In fact, I have one just like it that my husband bought as a kit several years ago and assembled for me. It's assembled but it hasn't been painted or furnished yet. Time got away from us! Looks like this will be a fun project that I'm sure you'll do a great job on! Please keep us updated on it!

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  7. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasDecember 28, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Richard!! I love it!

    I have a Victorian Doll House too! It is my pride and joy and was built for me by a wonderful man. If you have not seen my post on my doll house before, please visit my Debbie-Dabble blog and there is a link on the side bar with the story of Nelson Crest, my Victorian Doll House.
    There are many Ebay stores that sell amazing accessories also if you are interested!! A.C. Moore also carries some doll house things.

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  8. AkissfromthepastDecember 28, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    this can turn up in a real dream house! :D i think this kind of dollhouses is fascinating decorative elements!

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  9. Curtains in My TreeDecember 28, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    What fun

    you will have it looking like a real elegant mansion in no time

    we all need someting to keep us busy, I think you have found yourself a project

    have A Happy new Years eve

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  10. Rosemary@villabarnesDecember 28, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Now THAT'S a dollhouse. I love all the details and character. Can't wait to see you transform it. I know it will be as beautiful as your home.

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  11. MarciaDecember 28, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    You should have heard me shout, "WHAT!!!???" when I read this post a loud to Mom. Then I got down further and saw your lovely find and I am so excited for you! I LOVE it! :) It is perfect!!!

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  12. Ann from On Sutton PlaceDecember 28, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    You really had me going! I have to admit that I did think you were nuts...but sometimes nuts is a good thing. I can hardly wait to see your finished second home. Happy New Year Richard!

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  13. Robin's Egg BleuDecember 28, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    A preservationists work is never done! I love your new project, and I have always dreamed of having my very own Victorian dollhouse! They too are money pits just like the real thing! I'll live vicariously through yours for awhile, and look forward to posts on your progress.
    Have a fabulous New Year!

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  14. Ann@A Sentimental LifeDecember 28, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    You do have some work ahead, but oh how fun! can't wait till the holidays next year when you show us how you decorate it for fall and christmas!

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  15. OliveDecember 28, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    Richard, you will have so much fun with that house. I adore miniatures and there are so many pretty ones out there to be found. Olive

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  16. PAINTORDIG.blogspot.comDecember 28, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    What fun you will have redoing this! I am sure you will have it looking beautiful and it is certainly cheaper than buying the real thing!

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  17. lvroftiquesDecember 28, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Oh Richard how wonderful!
    I can't think of anyone who would make a better new owner than you! *winks* If anyone can whip this beauty into shape....you're the guy. Like everyone else I can't wait to see how it turns out. Vanna

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  18. PearlDecember 28, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    It should be illegal for some people to have a paint brush in there hands. I've always wanted one of these, I can't wait to see how you do it up. Hugs, Pearl

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  19. Sherri FarleyDecember 28, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Can't wait to see your finished home!

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  20. xinexDecember 28, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    That would be relly be a good project, Richard. It will be fun. I bought a doll house for my daughter before she got married and she has been saving it for when she has a daughter. She finally got one now so it will be fun project for her and her hubby too. Happy New Year to all!..Christine

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  21. RhissannaDecember 28, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    It's a gorgeous house and I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun transforming it. Please keep us up to date with the progress!

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  22. Sea WitchDecember 28, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    I can't wait to see this renovation you will perform. You love the details and I know you will translate this into a real Victorian beauty, inside and out.

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  23. Our Hopeful HomeDecember 28, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    You make me laugh, Richard. And no, you're not crazy for buying a dollhouse. It's quite grand, and I'm confident you'll restore it to all its' former glory! And Happy New Year!

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  24. Barbara F.December 28, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    If anyone can transform this dollhouse, it is you. I can't wait to see the end result, which will be fabulous. Happy New Year, Richard. xo

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  25. UnknownDecember 28, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    I love it, Richard! Can't wait to see it finished :)

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  26. SissysmomDecember 28, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Oh...such a tease!! Your "new house" has so much potential and you are the guy to find its full potential!! I can't wait to see the finished project.

    Don't forget to get a miniature Sissy Dog for the new house!!

    Michele

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  27. Divine TheatreDecember 28, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    You are such a stinker! I believed you were buying a new home!
    beautiful piece! I cannot wait to see what you do with it!
    Last year Santa brought Gracie a French Country Manor House! I just (kinda) posted a photo on my blog!
    There is a guy on ebay who makes the most beautiful 1:12 miniatures! I'll find his name!
    Kisses to Sissy!

    xoxo
    Andie

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  28. Anna at the Doll HouseDecember 28, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    I cannot wait to follow your progress with this new project Richard: you are going to have such fun with this.

    Happy New Year
    Anna

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  29. DreamgoddessDecember 29, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Richard, your new home is fabulous! My husband gave me a dollhouse this past Valentine's Day and, although I haven't started restoring it yet, I have spent many hours planning what I'm going to do with it. It's a Colonial style that I'm going to convert into a Victorian (what a job this is going to be!).

    I can't wait to see what you do with this one! After seeing your gorgeous real home, I know this one will be beautiful. I hope you'll share your progress with us! I would love to see the transformation.

    One thing that was suggested to me by a group of dollhouse enthusiasts, that I would like to pass along to you, is to document everything you do to the house in pictures. Like "before and after" photos. I found a photo album with spaces to write beside the photos and this is what I put my photos in and write down what changes I made. Or a scrapbook could be used. I thought this was a really fun idea to later be able to go back and see the beauty transformed from a once sad dollhouse.

    Enjoy your "new home"!

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  30. JCDecember 29, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    OH MY GOD! I'm sure it was once really beautiful (and that you'll undo the damage), but what were the former owners thinking!?!?

    And is it sad that this looks a lot like many listings of ACTUAL old Victorian houses? Sad.

    I look forward to seeing progress pics.

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  31. Town Branch TreasuresDecember 29, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    You had me going, thought you must have really had some terrific sales in your shop to get enough revenue to buy another house! Come up for air once in awhile, lol! Got a feeling this project will consume you till you have this beautiful house back to it's original splendor! I so enjoy your escapades. And Sissy's Mom is right, you have to find a mini beagle and basket for the parlor!

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  32. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereDecember 29, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Hi Richard! I can't wait to see how you transform this into a real beauty. I am sure it will be one very exquisite doll house.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  33. AnonymousDecember 29, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Wow, Richard, you have sure bought yourself one piece of work! But how much fun is that, you can make it into your very own ... without having to move! That's the ticket. Hope you have a very Happy New Year.

    Mary in Virginia

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  34. AnonymousDecember 29, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Oh, Richard, you little tease! Well, I do love your new house but you had better change all the locks or those druggies just may come back! ;)
    It really is a pretty house. The only doll house I had as a little girl growing up in the 50s was the two story metal one with all of the plastic furniture!
    Now I'll be looking forward to seeing how you fix her up! ;)
    Happy New Year to you too!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  35. DeannaDecember 29, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Will be enjoyable to see what you do with this house!!!

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  36. BabsDecember 29, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Ooohhh, how neat! A doll's house and sooo pretty. I love the little furniture. Can't wait to see how you "doll" it up. Sorry about that pun. Couldn't resist.
    Babs

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  37. Johanna GehrleinDecember 30, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    Hi Richard,
    in Blogland there is a big community who restore and build dollhouses and furniture. I think it is a fabulous idea to buy this house, although it is in real bad condition. It is not strange that a man make a dollhouse. In fact, all dollhouses are made by men: fathers or grandfathers. So I am sure you will make a wonderful dollhouse. I hope, you will give us the pleasure to follow the different steps. Have a glorious New Year.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  38. Charlotte WilsonDecember 30, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Richard, You had me going on this one! I thought for sure you had bought another real house to re-do.
    Of course, I love your Victorian Doll house. It will be perfect after you get through with it. Can't wait to see the "after" photos.

    charlotte

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  39. Charlotte WilsonDecember 30, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    Richard, You had me going on this one! I thought for sure you had bought another real house to re-do.
    Of course, I love your Victorian Doll house. It will be perfect after you get through with it. Can't wait to see the "after" photos.

    charlotte

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  40. Love Of QuiltsDecember 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    You already have your plans layed out for the new year....you will have a lovely new home at the end of 2012 with the restoration you have planned. Happy New Year Trish

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  41. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~December 31, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Wow Richard, What a beauty. Imagine if it were full size the amount of work involved. Very smart move on your part. Can't wait to see your results.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  42. KathyJanuary 1, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    You really had me going! Knowing all the work it takes to restore an older home - love your new home - this will be a great adventure for you!
    Kathy

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  43. FABBY'S LIVINGJanuary 1, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    OMG! my friend, you really got a treasure there! I didn't see it cause as soon I visited you, you had already changed your post and now I'm here admiring the adorable doll house and I cannot wait till you restore it and decorate it! How fun! Have a happy, happy year my sweet Richard. A kiss to Sissy.
    FABBY

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  44. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    Sly ... sly ... sly.

    Yes, I bit. My heart stopped and I thought, How can you give up your beloved house?

    What a terrific project for you. I love Second Empire, and this little house sure needs your artistic touch to save it. I can't wait for a progress report.

    Maybe eight or ten years ago, I got the dollhouse/miniatures bug and started reading everything I could get my hands on and collecting furniture. I had such plans for what I was going to create. But life got in the way. The dollhouse I purchased is still in its box. The furniture and accessories are packed away, waiting for when I have time.

    Enjoy! And Happy New Year to you and Sissy.

    --Deb

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  45. we three dogs and meJanuary 2, 2012 at 3:27 AM

    Hi Richard Just looked at your lasts posts. My husband put together a kit dollhouse many years ago. some of the furniture was hand made and others bought.It was fun finding furniture for it .hope this year will be great for you. Give sissy a hug for me.

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  46. BrigitteJanuary 2, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Hi Richard,
    NO you are not crazy at all !!! it is a get-a-way for me.
    My dollhouse is a Victorian with double porches.I bought it from a friend years ago to help her out but have not finished it yet because I run into problems with the electricity.Every year I say I WANT to have it finished for Christmas but as real life goes it has picked a different and difficult path for me the last few years ! Hopefully 2012 will be different.
    Since I have not continued with the large dollhouse I have several roomboxes ( 3 ) in the making.ONE is completely done.It is a German Grocery store whe I made ALL of the food,designed boxes,crates etc.Another one is a Christmas bakery 90% done.A quilt shop is in the making and another box will be a Toy shop.
    Richard I'll make some pictures and send them to you privately.
    HAVE FUN my friend,
    Brigitte
    BTW I DO have all of the furnishings for my house or close to it so 2012 should be the year of completion :-)

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  47. BrigitteJanuary 12, 2012 at 8:44 AM

    Hi Richard,
    have you been able to continue with this wonderful project ? I can just visualize it ....it will be divine !!

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  48. Pam of Eastlake VictorianJanuary 28, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    Hi Richard-

    It's been awhile since I've visited your blog, so I saw your new doll house and had to come back to your first post about it! How funny that somebody had such poor sense of style when they tried to "decorate" it! I bought a kit doll house years ago and haven't built it yet. Your new acquisition makes me want to start on that project!

    -Pam

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