New owners renovating Killynure house in Milford find a letter hidden in floor, revealing history.
Lisa McElvaney and her partner finalized the purchase of the seven-bedroom Victorian house last weekend. Lisa, originally from Clones, immediately fell in love with the property. The couple has three young children who are excited about their new home.
The house boasts amazing views and was built in 1883 by the founding family of HSBC bank. Lisa believes only four other families have lived there since its construction. The discovered letter provided a glimpse into the house’s history, revealing previously unknown details.
Lisa shared that they found a letter written by a previous owner named Amanda Knox. Amanda penned the letter when she was ten years old and placed it in a bottle in 1969. The letter contained information about the house’s history and past occupants.
Amanda Knox passed away in 2015, making the discovery of her letter even more poignant. Lisa’s partner had to break the bottle to retrieve the letter carefully. The house possesses many interesting features, and Lisa is eager to learn more about its rich past.
Amanda’s letter contained a timeline, indicating her parents bought the house in 1952 for £10,500. She also wrote about the original builder of the house, along with anecdotes her parents had shared. The letter paints a picture of the home in a different time.
The family hopes to unearth more hidden treasures as they continue the renovation. They also plan to leave a letter of their own for future generations to discover. Beyond their own experiences, the family is eager to learn more about history. They are hoping to preserve the house and add their own mark to the historical timeline.
Lisa intends to preserve as many of the original features as possible. The windows, in particular, are special, and she aims to repair them or replace them with replicas of the exact same style. The family is also committed to keeping all the original doors.
Amanda’s parents had covered a beam, and upon opening it, the current owners found the original beam intact beneath it. They will restore and preserve it, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the house’s character. They want to salvage almost everything they possibly can.
Lisa feels fortunate to be the owner of this remarkable house. She also hopes to make it truly feel like her own. The house showcases Victorian architecture, featuring an elegant hall, original tiles, high ceilings, and three grand lounges.
The renovation work is estimated to take a year, perhaps up to a year and a half. Lisa feels privileged to be involved in the restoration project. They are fortunate to have access to skilled tradespeople who can assist with the work. They plan to meticulously select contractors to ensure quality and authenticity.
The project will require custom builds to maintain the historical integrity. They will be selective and want the perfect elements to suit the home. They plan to shop at auctions to find antique pieces that complement the house’s character. They want a Victorian country home feel, which they will preserve by avoiding anything too modern.
The house feels special, particularly with its incredible views. Lisa had not initially planned to renovate a house. She now recognizes the intrinsic value in the entire project. She expresses that it feels like “having a piece of history” to care for.
Lisa also finds inspiration and knowledge by watching renovations. Social media provides her with a valuable platform for gathering information and advice from others. She finds this learning process exciting. The family plans to make Killynure House their long-term residence.
They envision looking back on the renovation with pride, remembering their contributions to the house’s story. Previous families have left their own marks, which the current family is discovering. They want to leave their own legacy, hoping that future generations might find it someday.
Lisa remains amazed by the entire experience. Her family will be proud of the work they accomplish. They are eagerly anticipating hosting barbecues and parties in their restored home, eager to share its beauty and charm.