Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Introduce yourself here, tell us about your house and interests. Share some pictures.
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Manalto
Inventor of Knob and Tube
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by Manalto »

It worked, and your place is fascinating. Two-story porch - yowza! Keep 'em coming!

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cw3424
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by cw3424 »

HABS drawing from 1934. The old photo in the previous post was from HABS.

Original floorplan.pdf
as of HABS 1934
(344.32 KiB) Downloaded 74 times

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Sow's Ear Mal
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by Sow's Ear Mal »

Wow! When you say dog trot, is it two log cribs originally? Do you have acreage? What a cool project!

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cw3424
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by cw3424 »

It was, as far as we can tell, two cribs originally. The thought is that after it was built the family wasn't happy with the location. Maybe it was too muddy, who knows. Apparently relocating houses back then was not a big deal. They did have slave labor. It does seem interesting to me, however, that they then added so much more square footage to the house immediately after moving it. Could be that they had good money at that time. We do have acreage, which is nice. The La Bahia roadbed sits just outside the picket fence and can be seen on by satellite, and another wagon trail that goes to another homestead about a half mile away. We are learning so much just by talking to the old-timers in the area, and luckily there is a lot of paperwork. Much of it was donated to Baylor University's Texas Collection so we have access. At this time we are assessing the "envelope", as our contractor calls it. There are all kinds of wires, pipes, etc, that are no longer in use, patches, quick fixes, that we need to understand before diving into anything. This could take a while....

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Sow's Ear Mal
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by Sow's Ear Mal »

I perused the floorplan drawings. I know absolutely nothing about your area, was surprised to read cedar mentioned often. A few years ago we took down and rebuilt an old hewn white pine log house, 1825. Really a great learning experience. Current home is about the same age as yours, stone. Pretty much finished restoring now...I envy your future discoveries. Enjoy, Mal

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oaktree
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by oaktree »

Wow, super exciting! I hope you keep posting more pictures!!!
1862 Greek Revival Farmhouse, Michigan

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Deb
Knows the back streets
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by Deb »

Welcome to the District! Can't wait to see more pictures. You are living every old house lovers dream...a historic home filled with treasure! Looking forward to following your adventures!

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Old house lady
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by Old house lady »

Welcome and congratulations on your 'new' home!

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Lily left the valley
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by Lily left the valley »

A belated welcome from me as well. :wave:

I look forward to your future postings.
--Proud member of the Industrious Cheapskate Club
--Currently pondering ways to encourage thoughtful restovation and discourage mindless renovation.

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OurPhillyRow
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Re: Brand new (new to us!!) 1855 Texas plantation house

Post by OurPhillyRow »

Welcome from a somewhat new member myself! The floor-plans are fascinating! So many rooms!

You have a huge undertaking ahead, but you will find some very friendly and helpful folks here. Looking forward to future updates.
Devyn - Old House Lover
1852 Brick Rowhouse - Philadelphia

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