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Front view showing Greek Revival style
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Rear view with Timber Frame addition
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View from Southwest |
View from Northeast |
The Lucinda Manning Home was built in Chelmsford, Massachusetts between 1860 and 1862 by Miss Lucinda Manning. Including Lucinda and ourselves, there have been eight owners.
My wife and I purchased this old cape cod style house in 1976, the year of our country's Bicentennial Celebrations.
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This artist's rendition of the Lucinda Manning House was |
painted by Marshal Peck and is based solely on information |
found on this website, having never personally seen the property. |
Over the intervening years, our home has been the center of and the source of many memorable experiences for our family. One reason we purchased this house was because of it's age and location between even older houses (17th and 18th century). We also wished to be close to the center of Chelmsford (3 minutes walk) and on the bus route. We wanted some land on which to have flower and vegetable gardens, grow fruit and berries and to feel as though we were in the countryside when in our own backyard. My wife says that I fell in love with the property because of the terraces which probably predate the house and which reminded me of our travels through Peru.
Why the web site? Friends suggested that we describe some of the experiences we have had restoring and living in this old home. They said that there are many people out there who have bought older homes, may feel intimidated about fixing them up themselves and who would like to see what others have been able to do with an old house. It was also suggested that we describe some of the hobbies that we enjoy as a consequence of living in such a home.
Where did we learn to raise chickens, work with bees build fireplaces re-roof a house, etc.? Books! There are so many books on any subject involving working on and having hobbies in the home. As far as cabinetry and finish work on the house, my previous woodworking experience has been an advantage but as explained in the link on woodworking, there are many opportunities for learning such skills.
Over the years, we have taken courses in seat weaving, rug braiding, upholstery, spinning and weaving, fireplace cookery, quilting, photography, tin smithing, blacksmithing, crewel, canning, etc. There are so many opportunities out there to learn new hobbies and skills!
If this web site inspires you to try some new hobby or project in your home, then it has been a success. Good luck!
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Our home in 1976 as it appeared in the multiple listing service. |
Contact: info@manninghouse1860.com