Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
This is a case of making a purchase because I fell in love with a book title, even though Hopwood Hall was more tumbledown than shabby. Then I began to read Downton Shabby and didn't want to put it down. My husband grew up in the area. When DePree attends a meeting at the Rochdale Town Hall, I know where he's going; I've been there and other places to which he referred. Moreover, I felt a kinship with him. One night years ago as I looked through a few entries in the genealogy my mother had done on our family, I noticed that one of my ancestors' houses had a name. Would it come up in an internet search, I wondered? It did, and when I discovered it was now a museum in Bradford, England, I knew I had to visit-- just like DePree when he found Hopwood Hall on his internet search.
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The history of the house is fascinating, with its secret rooms and passageways, and the work necessary to restore it is daunting. Yet--even though a corner of your mind may think DePree is insane to take on this task-- you desperately want him to succeed. One of the major obstacles to the restoration is vandalism. There are rumors of treasure to be found inside the house, and break-ins have been common. Smashed 17th-century windows and prised-up floorboards sickened me, but I also had to smile at the British knack for a memorable turn of phrase. (One vandal came in too close contact with the razor wire atop the fence... razor wire that the locals call "scrotum shredders".)
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There are heartwarming parts to DePree's experiences, too. His learning curve as he learned British traditions and colloquialisms. The coming together of the surrounding community to help him, the friendship and invaluable advice given to him by townspeople, historic heritage groups, and the owners of similar houses. DePree's descriptions of the Victorian Christmas celebrations held in Hopwood Hall made me want to fly over and help him decorate.
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All in all, Downton Shabby is an absorbing read about one DIY novice's quest to save a historic house. I hope DePree keeps us informed of his ongoing progress. Â
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The history of the house is fascinating, with its secret rooms and passageways, and the work necessary to restore it is daunting. Yet--even though a corner of your mind may think DePree is insane to take on this task-- you desperately want him to succeed. One of the major obstacles to the restoration is vandalism. There are rumors of treasure to be found inside the house, and break-ins have been common. Smashed 17th-century windows and prised-up floorboards sickened me, but I also had to smile at the British knack for a memorable turn of phrase. (One vandal came in too close contact with the razor wire atop the fence... razor wire that the locals call "scrotum shredders".)
Â
There are heartwarming parts to DePree's experiences, too. His learning curve as he learned British traditions and colloquialisms. The coming together of the surrounding community to help him, the friendship and invaluable advice given to him by townspeople, historic heritage groups, and the owners of similar houses. DePree's descriptions of the Victorian Christmas celebrations held in Hopwood Hall made me want to fly over and help him decorate.
Â
All in all, Downton Shabby is an absorbing read about one DIY novice's quest to save a historic house. I hope DePree keeps us informed of his ongoing progress. Â
