Crafted by
Joel, the
vanity is made
from what
was once the
floor in the
house. The
tin, from
Galveston,
Texas, and the
beadboard,
salvaged
from a
Lawrenceville
home.
BELOW LEFT: The large master bedroom is highlighted
by the farmhouse doors leading into the master
bath, once from Round Top, Texas, but originally from
England. The ceiling shines with boards salvaged
from homes throughout Georgia.
shutters from Texas and corbels from the New
England area. Whatever we need to go get, we do,
to place back in these homes that which generations
have removed.” The pillars built to support the
three-sided porch are made from bricks from the
old Oconee County jail.
“I can tell you where every door knob is from,”
states Joel. Documenting the stories of every project
is a priority. Pointing to a roughed-out place on the
floor, he explains that “for 100 years, they turned on
their heels to close the door. It’s worn down” and
restoring and keeping it intact made sense.
With the farmhouse about 85 percent complete,
they continue with what remains while moving
forward with the next project. Continuing the story,
a few of the Fitzpatrick family members dropped by
to see the progress of their family home; remarkably,
one, who was 98, was born in the front room that is
now the guest room. “It’s not the same house,” the
woman said, “but it’s got the same feel. You fixed
FALL 2021 | LAKE OCONEE LIVING 57