An abandoned Victorian home has been dramatically restored in Rarden, Ohio.
The Setting: Rarden, Ohio
Rarden is a quiet, rural village nestled in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio. With a population of just over 200 people, it’s a place where time seems to move at a slower pace, making it a perfect spot for someone seeking peace and a connection to the past.
The homes here often feature mid-19th-century architecture, and while many may have fallen into disrepair, their enduring beauty and craftsmanship make them worth saving. This might be one of the last Victorian houses left standing in the area, and its restoration would have been an important step in preserving local history.
The Victorian Home: Architectural Features
Victorian homes are known for their elaborate designs and attention to detail. In restoring such a house, a careful balance needs to be struck between preserving its historic features and bringing it up to modern living standards. Some key elements of Victorian architecture you’d likely see in this home include:
Gables and Rooflines: Victorian homes often have steep, intricate rooflines with gables, dormers, and sometimes even turrets. Restoring these elements involves preserving the integrity of the original structure while ensuring the roof is weatherproofed and insulated properly.
Ornate Woodwork and Moldings: Inside, Victorian homes were known for their decorative trim and woodwork. Restoring these details may involve repairing or replicating original moldings, baseboards, and wainscoting. Restorers often need to match the original wood types—mahogany, oak, or walnut—and ensure that intricate carvings are faithfully restored.
Windows: The house may have large, multi-pane windows with decorative trim, perhaps with stained or leaded glass. Repairing old windows rather than replacing them can maintain the original charm and prevent the loss of character.
Fireplaces: In many Victorian homes, fireplaces are the centerpiece of the rooms. These often have ornate mantels, sometimes made of marble or wood, and original tiles or cast iron surrounds. Restoring these can involve a combination of cleaning, repairing, and restoring.
Staircases and Balustrades: A grand staircase is often a hallmark of Victorian homes, and restoring this part of the house could mean refinishing wood, rebalancing or replacing missing balusters, and ensuring that the craftsmanship shines through once again.
Floors and Parquet: Old hardwood floors may need sanding and refinishing, and sometimes intricate parquet or inlaid designs are found in high-traffic areas. These floors are often made of sturdy hardwoods like oak, but they might have years of wear and tear that would need attention.
A Deeper Look at the Restoration Process:
1. Historical Research and Preservation Goals
Restoring a Victorian home is not just about fixing up old walls—it’s about preserving a slice of history. The first step in a restoration like this is extensive research. Restoration experts would begin by uncovering the home’s original architectural design, perhaps through old blueprints or photographs from when it was first built.
Researching Historical Materials: One key aspect of restoration is sourcing period-appropriate materials to ensure the home’s authenticity is preserved. This could involve sourcing reclaimed timber, vintage windows, or even locating old hardware like doorknobs and locks that match the original design.
Consulting Experts: Skilled craftsmen familiar with Victorian-era construction methods would be necessary for the finer details of the restoration—woodworkers to replicate the ornate woodwork, plasterers for the decorative ceiling moldings, and even artisans who specialize in creating custom stained glass.
Choosing Authentic Paint Schemes: Color choices are often dictated by historical palettes, and the restoration might involve research into what colors were popular in the Victorian era. While modern homeowners often choose neutral palettes, Victorian houses were painted in bold, contrasting colors. Deep, rich tones like emerald green, maroon, or mustard yellow were often paired with intricate trim work in lighter shades of cream or ivory.
2. Restoring the Foundation and Structural Integrity
The very first thing on the agenda would be to stabilize the house. Most Victorian homes were built with solid foundations of stone, brick, or sometimes concrete, but over time, the foundation can shift, crack, or sink. This is especially true for homes that have been abandoned for decades.
Foundation Repair: If the house had settled or developed cracks, the first step would be underpinning the foundation—either reinforcing the current structure or, in extreme cases, excavating and replacing parts of it. This could involve lifting the house with hydraulic jacks and pouring new concrete piers or using steel braces to reinforce the foundation.
Structural Work: Once the foundation is secure, experts would evaluate the rest of the home’s structural integrity. Key areas of focus would be the load-bearing beams, the roof structure, and the walls. Any weakened or rotting wood, or damaged joists, would be replaced with new, appropriately aged materials to maintain authenticity.
3. Restoring the Exterior and Roof
Roof Restoration: Victorian homes typically have complex rooflines with multiple gables, dormers, and sometimes even towers. The roof may have been a significant factor in the home’s decline, particularly if it was missing shingles or had extensive water damage. If the original slate or wood shingles were still intact, they might be repaired, but if not, they’d be replaced with historically accurate materials. Slate roofs were a hallmark of the Victorian style, but modern synthetic materials can mimic the look without the upkeep.
Exterior Details: Victorian homes are adorned with decorative elements like gingerbread trim, elaborate porches, and sometimes even turreted towers. Restoring these details means making sure the original architectural elements are preserved, or recreating them using period-appropriate materials. The front porch, which might have been a gathering place, would be a key feature to restore, perhaps adding intricate spindles, brackets, and decorative railings that fit the original design.
