Meet the neighbors

Next door to Woodlawn is a house that is hidden down a long driveway and tucked into the trees. Oftentimes when we drive past it, I'll slow down hoping to get a sneak peek through trees to see what it really looks like.

The house is empty and deserted and has been for a very long time. It sits on what I consider to be one of the best views in our county. 

People who have lived here for a long time tell stories of the family that lived in the house. The man that we buy our hay from remembers making deliveries there. 

But one of the most common stories I hear is that the woman who last lived in the house eventually holed herself up in the kitchen while her grand home fell apart around her. 

My favorite part of the story, is that a piano on the third story of the house came crashing through the rotting floors to the basement. 

Today, the house stands empty. It gets just enough attention to keep it standing, I suppose. Occasionally a crew will show up and mow and trim down tree branches. Or we'll hear hammering and banging from next door. 

But I've never been up close to the house until last weekend. Out on a walk Sunday afternoon, Dan took us to the very edge of Woodlawn and we crossed on to the neighbor's property to get a closer look. I figure when you're neighbors it's not "technically" tresspassing, right? We're just keeping an eye on things. 

The house is unbelievably unique and beautiful. A stone mansion tucked back a long driveway. And I try to imagine it in its glory days. Now it sits quietly at rest and I wonder what the future holds for the old girl. 

It's probably obvious that I love old houses. This one included--though maybe I have a new appreciation for the work involved. 

I'd love to see this place loved again some day. If not, I have a little girl who tells me she plans to move in next door and fix the place up when she grows up. Oh my.