Maison Hubardeau

 

It was probably ten years ago. . .once the major renovations and restorations of the DUNCAN FARMSTEAD (DUNCAN FARMSTEAD) were done. . .that John spoke the words that started the whole process of a life-long dream to become a reality. . .One would think the family farm restoration and it being designated as an historic district in the National Register of Historic Places would be THE dream come true. . .yet. . .it was more of a vision come true. . . I never intended to return "to the farm." Never. . .Be careful what you say. . .Life has a way of making a person eat their words when an avalanche of changes occur. . .John saw the vision before me. . .It took me a while. . .But once started, it was full speed ahead for us, taking over eight years to complete. . .and open to the public for five of those. . .

Duncan Farmstead at the Widner-Magers Farm Historic District

It was fun. . .I wouldn't give anything for our farmstead now. . .but there always seemed to be more on the horizon and a deep desire for a house much like my ancestors. . .That day John made the statement, "This is the LAST place we're going to live. I'm not renovating another one." . . .Immediately. . .without thinking. . .I heard myself say, "I have an I-house to restore and move into somewhere before I die!" . . .He eyed me with a "Yeah. . .right". . .and added I'd have to be the one to buy it!. ..He was staying at the farm. . .All in jest. . .and we laughed often about it. 

And so it went. . .for another ten years. . .I never actively sought out the I-house. . .I just knew it would happen. . . so. . .it is no surprise to me when during the last of summer 2022, I happened to see an I-house on 4th Street for sale. . .My first thought was, "I'll never own something like that!". . .but it haunted me for days. . .and nights. . .As I told in the post SAYING GOODBYE TO HEIL HOUSE, (SAYING GOODBYE TO HEIL HOUSE) by the workings of unbelievable events, less than two months later we were moving up the hill into the historic Maison Hubardeau. . .My dream is complete. . .To John's delight, I have no thoughts of another home for us in the future. . .This one is it. . .certainly the prize.  

There is little known about the Hubardeau family that I can find. . .There are contradicting stories in what is published. . .just as there are many guesses as to when the stone house was actually built. . .I plan to get to the truth on both. . .It will take much research and documentation but I've done such things before and have no doubt I'll get to the bottom of it eventually. . .You can be sure I'll share what I find. . .

Even more exciting, John had to relent and eat his words. . .He suddenly found himself again making plans and renovating another historic building. . .He had fallen in love with the Hubardeau as much as I, finally admitting he secretly hoped my dream would come true. . .He comes from Virginia and Colonial Williamsburg and has wanted such a house. . .While the farm will always be "home". . .the Hubardeau will be our 'home away from home". . .

The work has begun. . .although slowly. . .John enjoys finding all its architectural secrets. . .I enjoy making the plans and seeing those plans take shape. . .We both enjoy the hands-on work utilizing the skills we've learned from past projects. . .

Making plans. . .

So. . .join us in our adventure. . .I will bring updates as they happen. . .and share our progress. . .while continuing the stories and photos of Colonial Ste. Genevieve. . .

As always, I will let everyone know that a new post is up on Facebook, with a link to the page. . .