On top of a big hill in Chester, South Carolina, sits a 100 acre plantation that overlooks a rolling field that meanders in a priceless sky. The homestead is surrounded by the old southern heritage atmosphere, boasting an oak tree that sets records.  Then off in the back of the big house sits another piece of history, a tenant house, or in other words, a slave house.

Established in the 1800's, this well- built masterpiece is a true part of history that all but disappeared under an old grove of oaks.  Only 384 square feet, the shack made it through many storms, including "Hugo",
 which was the beast that hit the East, 18" of snow, and many cold and wet nights. The love of the house was forgotten, until ? years later when a doctor bought the house property to keep it in the family and to share it  with his family.

 

I have worked my whole life in the construction business, fifteen years as a carpenter and the last five years of that timber framing.  I was born an artist, but I also have the passion of building.  I worked under Jeff Mills out of Edgemoor, S.C.  Then in 2006, I followed my dream and created my own business, actually two businesses . Art and Rustic Installations. 

With the right eye, one can see these tenant houses scattered down any country road in the south.  The skill of carpentry back then was so amazing and different than modern building.  Actually it's opposite.  Creating everything by hand, with big tools and the strength of a mule.  I fell in love with these houses years ago when I salvaged wood on more that 20 of them to create table tops for my rustic furniture, or to paint on instead of using canvas. I wanted to preserve them, but didn't know how. The only idea I had was to paint on the wood.

In October of 2007, when I was always in search of wood, a friend of mine knew of an old tenant house on his parent's property.  His Dad, the doctor, was in love with the derelict house and wanted to preserve it in a fashion that went right up my alley.  One thing led to another, and I had a job of rebuilding a tenant house.  A dream had come true:  salvage as much wood as possible, tear it down, and rebuild!