18th Century Farmhouse Reborn
Over the past five years, I have documented the condition of the 18th century log cabin located deep in Otter Creek Valley. Last year, a new front porch replaced an older version, and thankfully, there was evidence that repairs were being made on the over 200 year old structure. Over the past two weeks, a new roof has replaced the older, sagging roof, and repairs continue on the exterior of the cabin. I couldn’t be more pleased. This farmhouse must be one of the oldest surviving homes in Rutherford County, and it would have been a shame to have allowed it to decay further.
18th Century Farmstead
Cabin during the winter before repairs were made…
The original profile of the cabin has been restored with a new wood and metal roof. The image below shows the old roof line after the kitchen addition was added after the Civil War.
New Rear View
A corner view shows work continuing to replace the rotted porch. Notice the concrete block construction underneath the kitchen addition, compared to the original hand placed stone foundation of the older structure.
The image below was added on May 31st to show the completed side porch. Also, the cellar door was open on this visit, and I found a dirt floor space about 6 feet high, with no visible supports under the cabin.
May 31, 2016
In rebuilding the side porch, the original 220 year old logs were revealed. The plank siding was added after the Civil War. The cabin might have looked like the one below before the siding was added.
Backyard Garden on May 31st
God bless you for restoring that cabin. It’s beautiful!! We hate to see things that well made and historic go to rot. Keep up the good work!
I think the family that owns the land is restoring the house. My job is to document their work and share it with the world. Thank you. Vann
This reminds me of a Poem / Blue Grass tune ” Cabin on the Hill”
There’s a happy childhood home in my memory I can see
Standing out upon the hill ‘neath the shadow of the tree
If I only had my way it would give my heart a thrill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill.
Oh I want to wander back to the cabin on the hill
‘Neath the shadow of the tree I would like to linger still
Just to be with those I love joy my heart would over fill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill
But the saddest of it all I can never more return
To that happy childhood home matters not how much I yearn
If I only had my way it would give my heart a thrill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill
By Composers / singers Lester Flatt And Earl Scruggs ( Earl was from Cleveland County N C )