The old McCord homestead located on Pine Knob Road is feeling the sun on its shutters for the first time in close to a decade.
Soon-to-be owner Sam Moraco has already begun the most basic restoration steps ? he cleared away the 6-7 feet of high brush, weeds and ivy.
‘Before, you couldn’t even walk up to the house everything was so bad,? Moraco said during a tour of the property.
Moraco said estimates have placed the homestead at around 170 years old. The house itself has three sections: the original farmhouse with three bedrooms, an addition directly behind the front portion and a third ‘stone? room in the far back.
Some of the highlights in the structure include a stone fireplace, original latch door hardware, wood flooring throughout, wood molding throughout, wood cabinets, a full basement, screened in porch and second basement that has an outdoor ‘garage-style? entrance.
However, even these amenities are sullied by teh years of neglect and decay to the property.
According to Moraco, his immediate concern is stabilizing the home, barn and horse trough for survival during the upcoming winter. Even before that though, he must return power to the home so the property can be secured against potential trespassers and vandals.
‘I think just to show some kind of work on a home this delicate is huge,? said Moraco. ‘People around will help with keeping the place clear once they know someone is bringing the place back.?
Moraco said he plans on restoring the home to a ‘country? look on the inside, and insists on restoring the exterior to its original state, including repairing the green shutters with rooster cutouts.
Although many modern updates will be made, such as forced air heating and cooling, many of the home’s wood cabinets and fixtures will be restored and replaced. Moraco said he does plan on putting in a modern kitchen and baths as well, but historic fixtures, like the stone fireplace, are being returned to their original state.
‘It’s a labor of love really. I’ve always wanted an old farm house,? said Moraco. ‘It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do.?
Other immediate projects on the home include removing debris, replacing the roofing, repairing damaged siding and windows, caulking the exterior, and creating ‘positive drainage outside the home.?
Moraco said he will need to clear vegetation from around the property to do this, including one or two trees. However, he explained the need is structural, not aesthetic. Roots from one tree in particular and the rise of the land itself from years of neglect are damaging the home’s wood framing and stone foundation.
A pet project of the Moraco’s is the restoration of a still functioning winding-bucket well.
‘I’m planning on restoring the roof on it, but I want to replace the winding-bucket that was removed decades ago,? said Moraco. ‘Since the well still works, I plan on putting metal grating inside for safety. But I want to be able to look down once again and see the water.?
Moraco, a builder, will be using his company as a resource to complete the work. He expects the project to take at least two years and estimates spending around $250,000 in materials and contracted work alone. His listed project cost does not include labor costs, company resource costs or work his family completes.
‘I’m doing this because I can, and it needs to be done,? said Moraco. ‘Somebody’s got to do it. The bottom line is the house is getting restored.?
After completing the home, well and horse trough, Moraco plans on restoring the interior of the barn, which has already begun shifting from the foundation.