7102-R4_LSLA_2020_SummerNewsletter_Web

Cabin”); along with a Boathouse (that was later updated to a sleeping cabin). An eight-foot stockade fence was erected around the entire property, leading people to call it “Zorro’s Hideout”. Over the years we took that down and replaced it with split rail. We always did minor repair, maintenance, and upgrades each year; but by 2014 it was clear that the main cabin was sinking into the earth on two sides and that the block foundation in the basement was crumbling. In 2013 the Bunkhouse had a similar problem and we learned a lot about raising it up, replacing the floor structure, and placing it back down on a stronger foundation. Maybe that gave us the guts to start planning how to do the same thing with the large main cabin! Our alternatives were total demolition and start over; or to Save Dunrovin by keeping the charm of the original structure and adding modern features—and we chose the latter. The pictures show the amazing process (2014-2015). In 2018 we did a similar fixing of the floor structure and foundation (and windows/doors) for our sleeping- cabin Boathouse. Richard continues to give thanks for Phyllis’s planning skills and her husband John’s contractor and construction skills! The one “heartbreak” in all of this is that we could not raise and move the original stone fireplace. We kept many chunks of it and repurposed it throughout the property. It was a true labor of love that took two years to complete. Dunrovin is ready for the next hundred years.

5 Amazing process with steel girders and pneumatic jacks to gradually raise the structure; then dig out underneath it to create a modern concrete foundation and basement. We also moved it over 8 feet

4 “After” new foundation, basement MBR, closet, Bathroom, laundry room; outside wood patio.

3 New Screened Porch addition and stairs down.

The one “heartbreak” in all of this is that we could not raise and move the original stone fireplace. We kept many chunks of it and repurposed it throughout the property. It was a true labor of love that took two years to complete. Dunrovin is ready for the next hundred years.

6 In front of the fireplace (1960): Bea and Steve Vosburgh with Phyllis, Richard and Steve Jr.

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