Smalltownland may be small, but it is not without history. This morning I snuck away from the farmette and drove to town to run some errands....and of course take some pictures. Since we are having a burst of warm weather, I thought I needed to strike while the iron is hot.
Built shortly after 1816, the Herndon House, as it is locally known, was originally built for Mr. Bartlett Hilliard. Constructed in the Federal style, it remains an important piece of existing architecture and history.
Mr. Hilliard was the owner from 1816-1835. According to historical records William Herndon also lived in the house, along with his grandson, William H. Herndon.
William H. Herndon is well known as being Abraham Lincoln's law partner. He was born here in 1818 and moved, with his family, to Illinois in 1820.
The brickwork is in Flemish bond and the original six-over-six pane windows survive.
A diamond in the rough it does need some restoration and is currently for sale.
Won't you be my neighbor?
The brickwork is in Flemish bond and the original six-over-six pane windows survive.
A diamond in the rough it does need some restoration and is currently for sale.
Won't you be my neighbor?
A diamond indeed, I can just visualize it painted white and nicely repaired! Glad it was warmer today!
ReplyDeleteOh, don't you just wish you could buy it and restore it? Just because someone needs to. :) It's beautiful. Would love to see the inside - maybe you'll need to make an appt. with the realtor. :)
ReplyDeleteThe weather is more appealing than here, but would I be able to get a green card to do the rennovations? :-))
ReplyDeleteI love Federal Style homes. Some people we know in the nearby town restored one and filled it with expensive antiques. It was an amazing transformation. But it isn't brick like this...how lovely! You'll have to update us on the new owners and what they do for restoration! I'm sure that outdoor turf carpet on the porch will be one of the first things to go! lol!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing history. I think one of the best things about living in an old house is knowing its entire history.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this piece with us. My son is intrigued by Lincoln and thought this was really cool. He actually left the all-star game to see this...no small feat! : )
~Andrea~
It's stunning with so much character! I LOVE it. It oozes with charm Please keep us posted. I'm dying to get a realtor's tour as well.
ReplyDeleteKatie
http://pinkepost.blogspot.com
It's always neat to learn the history of the old buildings.
ReplyDeletePray tell what the asking price might be?
ReplyDeleteIt's neat the kind of history you can find in small towns...there are so many older homes and farm houses where I live, they just beg to be restored... I have a newer home and it doesn't have all the character an older home would have...have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteI love your small town life.--Inger
ReplyDeleteWow I would love to have that. I wouldn't even paint it. I love the color!
ReplyDeletehow cool...wish it was in Texas though...
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! I would love to own it with all of it's history.
ReplyDeletei wuld of knocked on the door haha
ReplyDeleteLooks even stronger than time itself. Thank you for sharing such beautiful colour.
ReplyDeletePlease have you all a good new week.
daily athens
Texwisgirl - I have been inside the house and it contains original woodwork. Beautiful trim, but it does need some restoration.
ReplyDeleteBetsy - That outdoor turf carpet does need to go! lol
ReplyDeleteKaren - The asking price is under $100,000. And, it has been for sale for at least a couple of yrs.
ReplyDeleteOh I would totally love to buy that diamond...but then again....snow, humidity...not sure I could handle that!
ReplyDeleteStunning! Love the red...and YES! Would love to be the neighbor;)
ReplyDeleteA nice nugget of local history, Farmchick. That overly bright red paint job can't be original, can it? I think it has to go.
ReplyDeleteI love old buildings like that. I've always wanted to buy one and renovate it to live in. But I'm more afraid of it being haunted, so I don't think I ever will.
ReplyDeleteThe sky is so blue and the building so red! Makes for stunning photos.
ReplyDeleteI love walking through old buildings with a lot of history. I always feel like I am part of something special. I imagine the history, the people and the events that took place.
Enjoy the warm weather.
velva
I'd love to live in a renovated historic house such as this! I hope soemone who will love it, will buy it.
ReplyDeleteFarmchick -- Wow -- this house has some historical importance. Seems like someone would try and have it put on the National Register. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteI absolutely Love your photos...
ReplyDeleteAnd I Love old houses with history (and towns too) This one seems like a gem...
I love history. This is so cool... thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSure looks like it has lots of potential - and it already has character ! It'll take someone with a real passion for history and renovation - keep an eye on it and post updates if/when it sells ... and gets restored.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty dreamy! I Love that bright shade of red and all the history behind it!
ReplyDeleteIt depends by the price and I guess commuting to my actual job would be quite difficult. It is a beautiful historical building and it is in great shape.
ReplyDeleteOh, fascinating stuff. Thanks for posting - makes me want to go and visit, find out a whole lot more about it, and - yes, even put in an offer! x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous architecture! Although the red paint job might not be original, it does suit the house.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised some interior designer or attorney hasn't snapped this up for office space.
A bit of history I was unaware of, so thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI do hope the Herndon house gets sold to a loving person who will restore it authentically.
What a wonderful piece of history....I love it and wouldn't want it any other color! The red is beautiful as are your pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe house is on the National Register of Historic Places (as of 1977) and as such is governed by their regulations for renovation or modification...which can be pretty tricky. In my very early childhood, Dr. Simpson's widow lived there (before Ada Kidd became owner). My mother used to call on her, and take me with her- I barely remember it, but I was in that house quite a bit. I wish someone would buy it and fix it up before it falls down from neglect.
ReplyDeleteBravo, finally I would like you to meet and my blog, if you have time click lenjerie intima
ReplyDeleteLove the red and the blue in the first pic-just wow! Interesting history too!
ReplyDeleteI would love to. It's such a beauty of a house. I hope it finds a loving new owner soon.
ReplyDeleteI would love the own that. Love the last photo.
ReplyDeleteCheck my post today -- I have something for you there.--Inger
ReplyDeletewow 1816 - I bet it's got "good bones" as my mother says. Cool photos!
ReplyDeleteLove it! The blue sky is gorgeous, too!
ReplyDeleteAiredaleGirl - I did know that it falls under our town's historic district and is therefore under the rules and regulations for renovation. I was in this house when it was auctioned a few yrs ago and the interior needs a clean up and updating.
ReplyDeletegood information on this blog.nice job
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! What a grand fix it would be. Love all the history associated with it and hope that the historical society will be able to help with restorations or someone local with a great eye for a building's potential! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIs your picture at the top new! It took my breath away. AWESOME!
love the old pictures. im your newest follower
ReplyDeleteThe light and colors in your photos are fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love this building...with all that snow up there....not on your life. LOL
ReplyDeleteGreensburg, Kentucky. My wife grew up around the block on First Street. Her dad was the Green County Attorney. He passed away in 1994.
ReplyDelete