Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Uncovering The Old Brick Walkway {We Didn't Know Existed!}

One year and four months ago.....  there was only grass in front of this house:

There were so many discoveries (some really cool ones, and some not so cool ones!) when we bought this historic old property off of an online auction.  One of the first things that fell into our possession was an old map of the place (Which I had framed and you can see HERE).

If you look closely at the photo above, you will see there is no sidewalk leading from the front door.  Just grass and dandelions. 

Enter the map:

Wow, would you look at that?!  There used to be a brick walkway that looks like it may have gone all the way to Michigan Ave (the bottom of the map is torn off and we couldn't see the end of the brick walk).  Well hey, a big brick walkway like that wouldn't just disappear, everything is so overgrown - I bet it's still there!!!  So I gave each of the kids a spade/shovel and they started to take up the sod.

Sure enough!!!  Bricks!!!!
So exciting!!!

I figured that project should keep them busy while we work on getting the inside of the house ready to live in!  They worked long and hard on it, and built up their little arm muscles.  

Of course, after several weeks and not even a third done, it was pretty hard to hold their interest any longer and they were on to other things!

I'm not sure how they felt when Daddy just hopped on his tractor and cleared the remaining half in a matter of five minutes!  

We were finally able to edge it this summer but trying to keep all the weeds from growing between all the bricks is a full time job!

Thanks so much to one of the Lefere's granddaughters, I have this old photo to share with you all, which I'm guessing was taken about thirty five years ago.  Check out that beautiful picket fence and arbor at the end of the brick walk way!!!  Oh Honey, I see one in our future!!

Yes, there is all my Creeping Charlie in it's glory and the weeds that I just can't manage to keep off the walk way for more than a couple weeks at a time!  I feel like such a beautiful old home deserves a much better landscape.  Don't worry....  it'll get that put on a future summer checklist!

To view the exterior updates from this summer, click HERE.

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  1. WOW! What a fun find! Thank goodness for that map. I'm sure in the beginning it felt a bit like treasure hunting for the kids, old map with missing piece, buried treasure hidden somewhere....digging and sweating, digging and sweating....although more treasure for mom, I"m sure! lol Just love seeing the transformation on this house!

  2. That brick walk is gorgeous, I can't wait to see what else you uncover!

    xoox, SS

    The Southern Stylista

  3. That's crazy! What a beautiful sidewalk and a wonderful discovery! That house is AMAZING!

  4. Oh my! What a treasure! I just discovered your blog and I'm HOOKED on the story of your incredible home... I can't wait to follow along!

  5. kammy, have you told the story about finding your mansion...was it in your own city? Did you get to see the inside before bidding on it? Do you know how many other bidders? How long did you have to wait to know that you were the winning bid? How long was it before you were able to move in? What about the insulation? Did you have to replace all the plumbing? Does you husband have a job or are you able to remodel full time? Do your kids take a school bus? How close are neighbors? how far are you from a town? Who does the lawn? AND: I killed huge weeds by just pouring full strength vinegar on them...that would be a quick way to keep your bricks weed free. THANKS for sharing! Barb

  6. This palace just keeps getting better and better Kammy!
    What a discovery !

  7. Wow! You just keep finding treasures! I would say this is the Lords will to bring it back to glory!!

  8. What a fabulous discovery!!! Changes the whole look!!! Good for you!!!

  9. Came for the party tonight but stayed to oogle a bit over your house transformation. Simply amazing.

  10. Just found your blog from the link up! Your house is amazing! I have some serious house stalking to catch up on! How cool is your brick path?!

    Annie- All Things Big and Small

