Historic home renovation-size matters, I guess

[matchbookhouse]

The local paper (Fredericksburg, VA) has an article in House and Home today about a 1905 Queen Anne Victorian in the historic district that is becoming "young again at 105." Seems the new owners, who purchased it in 2008, "fell in love with the porch and the bay windows." However, apparently the 4500 sq. ft., four-level house was not large enough for the couple, who are renovating and expanding it to 9,000 sq. ft. But, at least they are keeping the original windows!

[rehabbingisgreen]

WOW, that's a lotta room.

[plastrr385]

So I take it their going to make it an OLD MCMANSION (Hope I spelled it right)

[matchbookhouse]

plastrr385, that's exactly the term I thought of too after I posted. Especially after the article stated that an elevator was being installed so the current owners could "age in place." it's a shame the house wasn't allowed to do so gracefully as well.
On a different topic, plastrr385, your comments on TOH website rocked!

[angolito]

i often wonder why someone could possibly want that much room? i surely hope this couple has a dozen children, or is fostering.

conspicuous spending is just tacky.

[plastrr385]

Thanks matchbookhouse the advise somepeople give sucks and I only give advise if I feel I can give an honest answer and correct way of repair. The comment NEC made the other day in walls and ceiling with the heading " mysterious cracks "I think was just rude and I let him know it. Next time he was alot more civil. Check it out

[YinzerMama]

I can't even imagine a house as big as the original, let alone doubling it. That's insane.

[LarryinIowa]

Seems rather foolish from my point of view. Wifemate and I have 1,800 SF in a 1906 and wonder why we have so much space!

[Luetic]

I don't know you all are against space. I love space. I'd live in a 50,000 sq palace if I could. I can't, so I live in what I can.

[YinzerMama]

I don't know you all are against space. I love space. I'd live in a 50,000 sq palace if I could. I can't, so I live in what I can.

More rooms to clean and more space to heat. Those are my chief objections.

OTOH the kids would have hours of fun playing indoor hide and seek...