We spent a wonderful afternoon on Sunday with our friends Tina and Noble. Tina, you will remember, is the creator of our party hats and Scout’s sheep costume. Noble is an actor who I was lucky enough to meet when we worked together at Hartford Stage. Tina and Noble, like us, love old houses. But while our house, built in 1891, seems old to us, Tina and Noble’s house was built in 1760. Before the American Revolution.
This was our first visit to their home and we were simply amazed by it’s age and patina, as well as the way Tina and Noble have decorated each room. Tina, like me, is a collector. She collects china and paintings and countless other treasures. Gorgeous antique furniture is everywhere. There was no way I could take everything in, but believe me, I tried to. Someday I will take more photos with something other than my iPhone and share them with you. (Sorry for the somewhat blurry photos.) Huge old fireplaces grace the rooms. The ceilings have weathered beams, original to the house. When it was built, living was confined to the top floor and the lower floor, the basement, was where the animals were kept. Now, the kitchen is there along with a sitting room – the 1760 version of a great room. Even now, two days later, my brain is filled with images of the rooms, and I want to go back there and see more of the details. Simply stunning. Tina and I talked about how we have completely different styles of decorating, but in each case, the style suits the house. I see some antiquing with Tina in my future.
Tina made a Pistou, a thick vegetable soup made with a paste, that was hearty and fragrant and perfect for a winter afternoon. There was crusty bread and, of course, wonderful conversation. What a pleasure it was to dine at their home! We’re going to have to step it up on our end….Tina is an incredible cook! We’d better come up with some good recipes for their next visit.
Isn’t that china pattern in the first photo beautiful? I fell in love with it. Their house is small, with only one closet, and Tina has come up with some ingenious solutions for storage. Maybe I can interview her about that for a post someday. Or better yet, I’m trying to get Tina to start a blog. She writes beautifully and the story of her house and its renovation and the way she has decorated the rooms and enhanced the beauty of their beloved home would be fascinating.
Don’t you think she should start a blog?
It’s bitterly cold here, there’s snow on the ground, we’re still waiting for the bed. I’m not sure yet when it’s coming. Winter has become oppressive and I keep hearing that February is supposed to be very snowy. Don won’t be here to help me shovel, so that’s not good news.
The tail end of last night’s sunset:
Glorious.
Happy Tuesday.
Dawn says
Sounds like you had a great lunch and fine chatter with friends. I would love to see how she does it with only one closet.
Claudia says
She uses furniture as storage and all sorts of other ingenious methods!
Debbie says
One of the wonderful pleasures in life is enjoying the company of good friends. Definitely see if she’ll agree to an interview – I would love to see more of her home, and learn about her storage ideas.
Claudia says
I thought that might be the case! It might be a very interesting post.
Vera says
Love the china, love the color of the walls in the food photo, and would love to find out her storage idea — desperately need some of those!! And, a gorgeous sunset. What vibrant colors. The “big chill” seems to be continuing and it is oh so tiresome. Here’s hoping February isn’t too rough!!
Claudia says
I think we’re all in need of those ideas, especially those of us with smaller homes.
Janie F. says
What a lovely way to spend the day, good friends, good food, and the chance to check out a lovely home. Hope to see more pics in the future. It’s a warm sunny day here today.
Claudia says
Oh, lucky you! It’s sunny here. But frigid.
An Enchanted Cottage says
Okay, Tina, I’m with Claudia – start a blog! You could share maybe some recipes and decorating know how! The sunsets where you live are absolutely spectacular. And I do not want to hear that February is supposed to be snowy! No, I do not! Stay warm!!
Donna
Claudia says
Tina, I hope you’re reading this! Everyone wants you to start a blog!
Donnamae says
Sounds like a great lunch! Those are beautiful dishes…I’ve never seen that pattern before. From the pictures, it looks to be a warm and cozy home…but only one closet? I would really like to know how she manages to pull that off…obviously I need help! If she doesn’t start a blog, or even if she does…I think you should take more pics of her home…it sounds so interesting! I’d love to bug out of here…but where to go? It’s cold everywhere! ;)
Claudia says
I hadn’t see it either and I really love it. I’ll have to ask Tina what the pattern is. We’re going to run an errand this afternoon, but jeez, it’s COLD!
Tina says
The pattern is Minton Satsouma (1873/74). I only have a few pieces that I bought on eBay many years ago. It is Noble’s favorite pattern and we only use it for special guests such as yourselves. I would love to have more but it is pretty rare. We also collect Ridgways Yeddo and Indus from the same period. Those have been easier to find. And yes it is cold. I leave for work at 6:30 and my Mini Cooper’s guage said 0 degrees, which is the lowest the car’s thermometer registers. I am so over this!
Claudia says
It’s a beautiful, beautiful pattern, Tina. I really love it.
Tina says
We were so pleased to have you in our home and equally tickled that you “got” it! Where most would see clutter, you both saw a beloved collection. And where most would see its bumps and scrapes, you saw years of a sweet farmhouse that had sheltered generations. We were delighted that the “old girl” could still charm! Just as when we visited your cottage, we were completely smitten. And as we spoke of before, although our design aesthetic is different, it is the same in that we have surrounded us with abandoned objects that have spoken to us via their hidden beauty. I’m glad you enjoyed my cooking. I defer to your superior baking skills and look forward to delving into that world with you. I don’t know if my storage skills are entirely successful but what I do is have every item of storage also be one of beauty, uniting utility with art. Much as you have done. I would be honored to have you chronicle my house and its nooks and crannies. Your photography skills are stellar and I would dearly love to see our home through your lens. I don’t know if I am ready to leap into the Land of Blog, but have named our home, “La Ruche,” (The Hive)based on the worn school notebook in which my Grandmere Adelaide scribbled her packing list in 1917 as she left a convent in France to head to America. Thank you again for gracing our home and loving it as we do. You are always welcome and a big bowl of soup awaits to warm you. Fondly, Tina and Noble
Claudia says
I think I see some visits to take some photos and interview you about specific things – storage, your furniture choices, stories about your ancestors, about the history of the house, about, about…..I could go on and on. We love you both and we love your home.
xo
Chris k in Wisconsin says
I am sitting here just trying to imagine the craftsmanship used in a home built in 1760 and still being lived in today. My in-laws built the home we live in out of logs they gathered during the depression and I think that is amazing. Today when a home is 10 years old the younger generation thinks it is too old to even consider. No granite? No stainless? Only 1 bathroom? It makes me so sad.
I think a blog about their home would be so interesting. If they know anything about those who had lived there before them would be so interesting to hear about, also. Storage ideas, and just how to adapt 21st century living into an 18th century home would be fascinating.
On a much less happy note, it is -18* this morning w/ wind chills of -45. It has to end soon, doesn’t it??
Claudia says
I don’t know. I pray it ends soon – jeez Louise, as my friend used to say…Enough!
You’re so right, Chris. So many of the younger generation, thankfully not all, are only interested in “NEW” and very new at that!
Tina says
I agree with you! Everytime I see a Home Decorating show in which young couples bemoan the fact that a home they want to buy doesn’t have granite countertops or stainless steel appliances I want to scream. Then they buy these old homes and proceed to rip out everything that makes it charming. We do know a lot about those who lived here before us and are constantly delving into their pasts. Actually one half of the home was built in 1740 and the other half in 1760 to accomodate 13 children! I love the names of all who have lived here: Woolsley, Conklin, Winchesters, Olvendorfs, Chichesters and now Shropshire! We see ourselves as stewards of this home, updating things just enough to keep it healthy but leaving anything that still works as is.
Claudia says
I thought part of it was older than 1760 but I wasn’t sure of the exact date.
Betsy says
I adore old houses. This is the second blog I’ve read this morning talking about an old home. There was a house in Iowa that I used to visit as a child-I think it was called the Dodge house. It wasn’t lived in, but decorated in the original style. I tried to go see that house at least once a year and always saw something that I hadn’t noticed before. I think I would love to visit Tina’s house.
I agree with Chris in the comment above. Sometimes we watch HGTV and hear the younger generation, (and sometimes us old people), complain about the “old” houses that are so dated! Very sad. I hope there are enough of us out there to continue to love the old houses and the history they contribute.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
I love old houses as well. The history, the details, all the things you can’t get in a newer house – those are the things I love.
Kelly says
So love homes and learning the stories that make up their history and seeing them adapted to today’s lifestyle, modern conveniences and technology. Today we expect a lot more from our living space than shelter. Yesterday I was putting away some shirts that I had just ironed and my shelves are full. I must have a hundred shirts, sweaters, and various “tops” and I just have a terrible time discarding any. When my home was designed, it was not common for a person to have so many clothes or blankets, towels and various linens. And the dishes and pantry items, oh my. I’m spoiled as I’m quite sure I would be just as happy with about half of the things I have stored throughout my home. Now, to figure out just how to purge, again…
Claudia says
The fact that Don and I share a closet and a small one at that, keeps us from hanging on to clothes that we don’t need any longer – there’s just no room!
dawn westfall says
Old home lover here, too! Agree with everyone’s comments (even about the weather, being in western New York) and hope to hear more from Tina and La Ruche :)
Claudia says
I think you will, Dawn!
My Little Home and Garden says
Count me in as someone who would be happy to read Tina’s blog, if she chooses to start one.
-Karen
Claudia says
We’ll have to nudge her every now and then, Karen.
Leslie Anne @ Fairhope Supply Co. says
People don’t have guests over for dinner as much these days. It’s a shame, because it’s always such a nice way to spend an evening. You have lovely friends with a lovely home!
Claudia says
It really is a lovely way to spend time – with friends, good food and good conversation.
Linda @ A La Carte says
What a charming home! I hope you do get more photos and interviews with her. What a great way to spend an afternoon, with friends, good food and great conversation!
Claudia says
I plan on more photos – in fact, I can’t wait!
Teresa Kasner says
Oh my, your meal with such interesting friends sounds wonderful! I wanted to tell you that we watched Don in “The Poisoner’s Handbook” and wow, he did great and it was so fun to see him on the TV! Thanks for keeping Dayle in your good thoughts.. we leave for the hospital in 1/2 hour. Hopefully you won’t have so much more snow.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Claudia says
I’m so glad you got to see it, Teresa. I’m sending you lots of positive thoughts today!
Teresa says
Her home sounds beautiful! I love old homes. If you get a chance look at the early spring 2014 Contry Garden Magazine.On the shelves until March. There are 6 pages of McCoy. I think you will drool over the pictures! Now I want some!
Claudia says
You know I love my McCoy – I’ll be sure to grab a copy. I love that magazine anyway, so it won’t be a sacrifice to buy it!
Janet in Rochester says
Oooh, so lucky! A house built before America was America! I’d love to find a really really old house to restore. Of course I’d have a boatload of $$ to do it with… LOL! But the lack of closets certainly is always an issue with a house that old. I have a friend who lives in Saugerties [near Woodstock] in a farmhouse built in 1830 and after 35 years, she still talks about the closets “regular” homes have. But she’s also become skilled at finding furniture that can double as storage. The one I love most is this big beautiful walnut piece of drafting furniture – lots of shallow drawers – that she uses in the dining room for table linens. That china pattern looks perfectly “period” too – just like something Martha Washington would have had. Does Tina knows its name?
Tina says
Janet, the pattern is Minton Satsouma from 1873/74. Hard to find. We are about 20 minutes south of Saugerties, which is a lovely town. We just had lunch there about a few weeks ago. I use what the French call a confiture, which is a piece of furniture for storing jams, to store my silver. You have to be creative, and a little mad, to live in an old house!
Claudia says
Yes, we are quite near to Saugerties – your friend’s house sounds lovely, Janet.
Judy Clark says
What a delightful visit! A beautiful home, good food and great friends – what more could you ask?
Stay warm.
Judy
Claudia says
It was just lovely. We were just out running errands and it was SO cold!
Denise says
You have really piqued my interest in seeing and reading more about Tina’s home. I really hope you will do an interview!
Claudia says
I think I will, Denise.
Laura says
I would love to see more of her beautiful home, Claudia. This winter has definitely become oppressive. It is 10 degrees here today, which makes it hard to get out. I don’t think I have ever been anymore ready for spring and it is still a long way off. Stay warm. xo Laura
Claudia says
We just got back from running errands, Laura, and it was unbelievably cold out there. And the house is so dry. I’m really tired of it.
Marianne L says
I do love old houses and I envy you and Tina for being able to live in one. My husband and once found an old, abandoned beauty a three stories with a wraparound porch and a huge attic. It was a sad house too. Personal possessions were everywhere, not furniture but family photos and papers. We could have had that lovely house for nothing, but we would have had to pay $2,000 to have it moved. That was a lot of money in those days. The tragedy was that while we were trying to figure out how to raise the money, the fire department burned that antique beauty to the ground – a practice exercise. It broke my heart.
Claudia says
Oh my lord, Marianne – why would they do that? Such a tragedy. I’m sure you must have been heartbroken.
Nancy Blue Moon says
Claudia..I looked for Minton Satsouma on eBay and there are two auctions both in the United Kingdom..both quite expensive at least for me..I see why it is hard to get..It is such a lovely pattern..Tina..I would love to see and hear about more of your home..I find it fascinating that someone lives in a house built that long ago..whether you would write a blog or Claudia would do it in interviews it will be a pleasure!
Claudia says
It is a lovely pattern, Nancy. I’ll do my best to get an interview and/or visit Tina to take some photos soon.
Nancy Moreland says
So glad you were able to get out and visit with your friend. What a lovely house! Glad you had a great time. Stay warm!!
Claudia says
Getting out of the house is a big deal lately – it’s so cold, we hardly dare step outside!
Melanie says
Just from your description of Tina and Noble’s house and the one lovely picture, yes, I think Tina should start a blog! I’d love to hear and see more about their house. I’m with you on the winter blues…still a lot of snow on the ground here and disgusting temperatures (-17F when I woke up this morning).
Claudia says
Our house is so dry my skin feels like paper!
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage says
Oh wow! A house built in 1760! All I can say is… Oh Wow! I am such a nut for historic structures. I would have been like you–my brain would have been “on record” the entire evening. What a special opportunity. And, YES, Tina should start a blog and chronicle her adventures with the house. Most definitely she should!
Maureen says
I’d love to see her storage solutions. My 200 yr. old house only had one closet when I moved in. I’ve stepped that up to two now. I feels like absolute luxury to have a closet on each floor of the house!
Pat says
I too would love, love, love to hear how one can live with only one closet. I also have only one closet and four years after buying the house , I still haven’t learned how to store my stuff. It is everywhere.
Haworth says
That is indeed a glorious sunset, Claudia! I love the way the sun seems to drag the entire sky with it as it goes down. How lovely that you had a chance to visit your friends. I do love seeing other people’s homes and discovering what their design tastes are. (And sometimes, I imagine what *I* would do if it were mine!) Like you, not having similar tastes with other people never stops me from appreciating how beautifully they’ve done their home. Your descriptions capture the coziness and beauty of her home perfectly! I hope you get to trawl antique fairs with her. That will be fun. (And you won’t be going after the same things! haha)