Use the form on the right to contact us.
You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right.
123 Street Avenue, City Town, 99999
(123) 555-6789
email@address.com
You can set your address, phone number, email and site description in the settings tab.
Link to read me page with more information.
Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Curabitur blandit tempus porttitor. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus. Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum.
When it comes to taking before and after shots it helps to really know the subject and our two photographers did a fantastic job of recording the home - from it's dilapidated state to its glorious conclusion!
In between writing blog posts I sometimes wonder: why write the next one? I mean, who really is interested in hearing my thoughts, my happenings, my dreams.
My Southern home from home – and bucket list item #67. What’s the written version of being “speechless”? Because that’s what I am. Really.
That’s pretty much how I’ve been feeling of late. I’ve had some pretty amazing experiences even just in the last month alone.
You may have thought I disappeared – or worse yet perhaps you didn’t even notice that I haven’t written a new blog post in a while – well, I just haven’t had the chance to write for a little bit is all.
I’m on page 22 of 365 pages of this new year but I can’t stop thinking about the book called “2014”. #bestyearever.
I’m sure it’s not just me that does it.
I mean I can’t be the only one that turns back towards their home when leaving for a vacation and says to no one in particular: “Bye bye little house – see you next time.”
Worrying is something that I am very thankful that I’m not prone to. I never have been and I hope I never will. Now don’t get me wrong: I don’t take not worrying for granted as I haven’t done anything to be this way. It just is.
Funny thing. I’ve enjoyed country life for over 40 of my 49 years so the concept of ‘neighbors’ doesn’t really exist for me. I mean, sure I have neighbors down the road at the next farm an’ all, but instead of borrowing a cup of sugar from each other, we borrow tractors and fence mending.
If you have ever faced a big project of any kind and don’t want it to get the best of you, just remember the answer to this: “How do you eat an elephant?”
The truth is, it’s all my fault.
See, I’ve bought a house in Alabama. Not just any old house, but a neglected and beautiful old 1906 Arts and Crafts bungalow in Mobile, AL. (See more at www.experiencephantom.com)
Etymology. Nice word that.
It means: “where a word or phrase comes from”. Apparently, no-one is quite sure of the etymology of “bucket list”. It’s only been popular since the 2006 film of that name. Also no-one is quite sure how it links to things that you must do before you die.
“So I can kiss you anytime I want…” My favorite quote from my favorite movie:Sweet Home Alabama. I only have to hear those words and I’m transported to the South. And of course, inside the movie you get the song too – so what’s not to love?
I have been writing about my experiences while renovating this home since the very beginning. Take some time, have a read through, and get in touch through social media if you like!
Meet Esther, follow her search for the perfect home to restore and find out why a Canadian would buy a home in Alabama.
Esther's bought the home she's chosen to restore and begins to realize just what's she's taken on! Using Danny as her sounding board she has a million questions. Plus, she's still struggling to make sense of those Southern sayings...
Episode Three shows Esther finalizing plans for the restoration of the home, outlining her ideas for the spectacular back porch (featuring Phantom Screens of course), and some of the dilemmas she's facing.
Episode four finds Esther grappling with the realization that in order to properly restore this heritage home the interior must be gutted.
In this special extended episode Esther meets some of the former residents of the home and their families. From Mr. Michael Ford (who is actually in his 70s, not his 80s!) to Miss Myrtle May Morgan Hartman, who was born in the house in 1923, Esther joins them on happy trip down memory lane…
Restoring a home is made up of a million decisions - some harder than others. Explore some of the dilemmas with Esther in this episode - and find out what made her cry.
Episode Seven takes a look at some of the antiques left behind in the house, shows Esther going on a search for some vintage doors and explains how the Oakleigh Garden District came into being. Plus, you'll discover that it rains - a lot - in Alabama and meet Esther's 1948 Ford pick up truck...
Episode Eight explores the joys of a Southern porch and features a tea party on our porch with some very special Southern ladies! You'll get to meet Miss Myrt and Miss Katherine again and enjoy watching a surprise reunion. The episode also brings you up to date on construction so far...
Here's an episode to keep you up to date with what's been happening at Esther's house before the next "official" webisode airs. In this episode you'll get to see behind-the-scenes and what Esther gets up to when she's down in Alabama ...
Episode Nine brings you up to date with construction so far and gives you a glimpse of the home as it nears completion. The episode is centered on the new back porch with its amazing installation of Phantom's Executive motorized screens. You'll get to learn about Esther's long friendship with Miss Beverly Phifer - a special Southern lady - and get a sneak peek of some the home's new decor... Plus you'll find out some amazing ways to use old doors!
Get the latest restoration update and join Esther as she heads out of the house and into the garden - her happy place! In this episode Esther and her landscape designer get to grips with the property, argue about how much sunshine it gets and talk plants, pathways and plans!
It's all coming together now! The home is almost complete and Esther is excited to show off the style of her beautiful Southern home. You'll get to see how she's re-purposed old elements of the Morgan-Ford home and created a really gorgeous Southern inspired interior...
The day has finally come when Esther invites you to tour the painstakingly restored Morgan-Ford House! You’ll get to see every room in all their glory, see the antiques in their places and explore the wonderful new back porch and garden. What’s more, you’ll actually get to hear what Esther plans to do with the house now it’s finished…
We wanted to document every stage of the journey so we worked with a talented bunch of directors, producers and videographers to create a web TV series to share the joys and challenges of heritage home restoration.
