Creaking floors, glittering cove

Bradley House in Tangier seen from east

Today we took possession of an old house in Tangier, Nova Scotia. "Possession" is too strong a word, really. You can't possess an old house - it possess' you.

Living room with view of the cove

Built around 1860, at least four generations of Bradleys lived here. It was sold out of the family in the late 1950s, but William (Bill) Bradley, the last boy to grow up in this house, build a house next door where he lived with his wife Eileen and together they raised seven children. Mrs. Bradley still lives next door, but her husband passed away about ten years ago. Aside from a large family, Bill left another legacy - a history of the village of Tangier. His manuscript was published recently by the Tangier Gold Mine Historical Society. It is available at http://www.collectionscanada.ca/.

Sharon and I spent this first day surveying the land and building. I was itching the get acquainted with the structure of the building. I knew it would be bad. The building inspector was astounded to hear that we planned to renovate the building, not replace with a new structure. He described the property as "a house in very poor condition on a spectacular lot".

I made measurements of the house and took some forensic photos in the cellar and attic. I will study these more carefully during a business trip to Australia in just a couple of days. As a house warming present, Sharon gave me a copy of "Renovating Old Houses" by George Nash. This book is a classic on the architecture and construction of old houses. I can tell I'm going to make good use of it.

Celebrating our new old house

Sharon and I celebrated this new twist in our lives with lobster and wine. We enjoyed our first sunset in Tangier before returning home along the winding coastal road.

Sunset, Tangier, Nova Scotia