Before & After ~ Many people have seen before and after photos of the fabulous Hench House in York, Pennsylvania, not least because it is featured on the cover of my book, “Restoring Your Historic House.” Jim and Jean Leaman restored the house fifteen years ago and people have been noticing it ever since. But few people have seen photos taken before the “jungle” that hid the house for decades was removed to provide access for restoration. The well-known “before” shots were taken after the overgrowth was cleared. Jim shared some photos with me that were taken before the jungle was removed. I’ve paired one of the tower here with an “after” shot.
What isn’t seen clearly is that the main roof had failed and been open to the weather for a decade, leaving the interior a sodden mess. The house is an excellent example of what is possible even for a house most people would consider “too far gone.” Knowing it is possible is often the first step toward saving a house.
The restoration of the Hench House by a middle-class retired couple who did much of the work themselves should be an example to others, and that is the reason it is featured on the cover of “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
Hench House is one of 13 featured houses photographed by noted architectural photographer David Clough and presented between the how-to chapters of the book with historic and “before” images.
Signed and personalized copies of the award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book are available from the author in our shop at YourHistoricHouse.com/shop/.
Our shop also carries select preservation and restoration titles by other authors. Save with our multi-book combo packs!
© Scott T. Hanson 2024.
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