On Friday, while we were at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, learning about permaculture, forest management, growing blueberries and grain, tasting apples and watching teams of horses plow fields, we missed a big moment at the farm. Jeff Blake’s crew finished inserting the I-beams and lifted the house five feet off the old granite foundation. 

At this height it is easier to see the original log beams, some with bark still on them, that have supported the Red House for 218 years. They appear to have dried out after a very soggy summer and most will survive to serve a good while longer.

The bricks from the chimney stack are now free to be reused in a reconfiguration of the central Keeping Room fireplace hearth.

One punky section under the  powder room toilet will need replacing.

With the house in the air, it is clear to see why we could not use the old foundation. This section has been slowly caving in due to pressure from the dirt and rocks the pressed against it for two centuries. 

The excavators were also busy. The land east of the farmhouse has been leveled to receive the package when it is time to get things rolling.