The Historic District

That's true.

Terminology is fun, isn't it? Any ideas on how to configure the kitchen?

Does preventing charred dust reduce the risk of fire?

The oak looks like it's touching the house, but it's not. The house has been neglected for many years, so there are volunteer weed trees along that side that are touching, however. They are at the top of my list for removal.

I didn't think it was the size of the window that mattered. I was assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that an eight-foot window would weigh more than an 18" one.

Ah, a new term to learn - a "baking pantry" - where no baking is done. I agree with your speculation that a Hoosier or similar cabinetry was in the shallow (~30") niche across from the sink. There is no evidence of a door, however, passing from baking to storage pantry; the shelves of...

Years ago I rigged a counterweight to close a garden gate, an inelegant set-up using a partially-filled plastic soda bottle in anticipation of a classier solution that never came to pass. I was surprised at how little weight was necessary to close (rather than slam) the gate; I wonder if the princip...

When viewed from the side, you can see that the slanted piece was tacked on later; the original mantel is behind it. The other fireplaces are open and as you describe. Thanks for that information. I will not be using coal for authenticity, however. When I lived in Savannah, I got through the winters...

Here's a view of the butler's pantry, a term I use with some chagrin in such a humble house, but to distinguish it from the storage pantry.
Butler's Pantry by James McInnis, on Flickr

When presented with a new place to set up for ourselves to live in, we have ideas, and those ideas evolved and get refined over time. But, I must admit, I'm baffled by the puzzle presented me by my "new" kitchen. First, the sink is in the butler's pantry so, if someone is rinsing out a win...

Hi Lily, Good observation - there are four fireplaces, 2 up and 2 down, currently set up for gas space heaters. Here's the dining room (with that innovative chocolate and lavender color scheme), whose chimney is the one you noticed (space heater removed). There is an angled board mounted on the fire...