Front Hall

The front hall is the formal entrance to the house. We have been able (so far) to save the original plaster detail in the center, thanks to Will and Bruce. Here's how it's coming along.

Early June Sconces are planned for the walls of the front hall. That meant cutting in wire chases and fitting conduit. Over the conduit wire lath was nailed to hold the brown coat. And, we had to put wood nailers above the boxes to mount the sconces. Cutting through brick with a mortar blade is MESSY AND DIRTY! Next, the chair rail had to be installed. Masonry screws into the brick and then construction adhesive (just to be sure). Many, many compound angles. Pain and suffering!
The plumbing will now be enclosed in a "tasteful" chase wrapped with the chair rail. This is behind the front door. Each miter was different by a degree or so. Sigh.
The close in begins! We have waited months for this! Below the latest addition to our team are Ken Case III and his father Ken Jr. (on the right). These guys have done a lot of heavy lifting for us and are helping stay just ahead of Wally's plastering.

Close-in nearly complete, Sue starts to scrape and sand the handrails and newel posts. Pain and suffering! Finally (below) the white coat is done and painting starts. Our good friend David Holmes repairs a split in the banister.

Valley Craftsmen (Balt.) have been working away during the past months on the murals to be installed in the hall. Here's a glimpse of their work early on. Below is a stylized view of the house; below right is the landscape that unfolds to the second floor landing.

Here the mural is being applied to the front part of the hallway. Can you tell what house is depicted there? We'll give you a close up soon.
The murals are permanent! Thank goodness!

Pleasant Plains Farm Restoration