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This is the Cooley House in Central Vermont
My name is Sylvia Shepard Cooley.
I am the self-assigned project coordinator... an old family house
that has to come down but will be rebuilt
as closely as possible to the original.
Check out the blog posts to see the process.
Add your ideas. Please comment!
For more information: "About"
Blog Categories:
The boundary between winter/spring
The wind is blowing outside and a few flakes of snow flutter down but the sun is beginning to have some warmth. The mud is appearing. ...
Mar 83 min read
Nobel laureate economists, anxiety, diminishing dollars, building a house
February 14, 2025 Not the happiest of days, though I do still love my husband dearly. It is Valentine’s Day. Have I gone through the...
Feb 143 min read
Dear Contractors, Builders, Jack-of-all Trades, Artisans, Fixers, Repairpeople,
Thank you. You are the unsung angels of the middle class. You are there for us when we need you. This past year I have often thought...
Jan 203 min read
Death, Chaos, Million Dollar House...
My AI image should not have neatly placed backpacks, or tidy pencil cups. Instead imagine many adult-sized High School students...
Jan 43 min read
Using old things in the new house (or at least reminders of old things), mid-winter, rainy day, pre-build imaginations
I will definitely put this old light exactly where it was, at the foot of the stairs near the front door. Question...Should I use the...
Dec 11, 20242 min read
Will MAGA Abort my House Project?
I want to write this as a place marker in November 2024. I want to remember how I am feeling and see what comes true and what doesn’t by...
Nov 21, 20243 min read
Starting work on the barn
I want to make sure Charles Cooley's barn that he built in the 80s is taken care of. I plan on using it for my equines when I move there...
Oct 27, 20242 min read
Autumn in Vermont
The date is set for test holes for the septic system... Halloween! October 31st! We went up today to check on the site, empty the well...
Oct 11, 20241 min read
Estimates don't exist
Being a homeowner who has worked with contractors on smaller projects within an existing home, I have always gotten estimates. Kitchen...
Sep 29, 20246 min read
Choosing a builder soon
I have narrowed it down to two great builders...waiting for their estimates which I will get any day now which will help my final...
Sep 4, 20241 min read
A good fit
Today I got to meet with Matthew Greene a builder from Topsham, Vermont. I am very encouraged that he would be an excellent fit with me...
Aug 13, 20242 min read
Elevations of the Ridge Road house
Thank you Phillip Godenschwager for these drawings. The only changes in the front of the house are- A view of the south side covered...
Aug 2, 20243 min read
Floor plans! Downstairs & up
I am excited to preserve the basic original floor plan of the Ridge Road house with a few changes. Guests, instead of just entering the...
Jul 30, 20244 min read
Coming soon...
Completed floor plans and elevations almost ready to share. Stay tuned! Sara Tucker recommended Phil Godenschwager for architectural...
Jul 27, 20241 min read
My philosophy on interior design
OK, so I am just a regular person who shouldn't HAVE a philosophy on interior design (and those who know me could have a good laugh with...
Jun 30, 20242 min read
Ridge Road House Materials list
This is my initial list...possibly boring to read (but exciting to me). It is only preliminary, will take suggestions (especially to...
Jun 22, 20243 min read
Another great builder
I talked with another builder! Recommended by my niece Emily Howe who has seen his work in Tunbridge for her husband John’s family (and...
Jun 20, 20241 min read
Meeting with a builder
Today I got to meet Joseph Bertrand from Central Vermont Building & Design, LLC. Thank you to Phil Godenschwager for suggesting Joe. Our...
Jun 7, 20242 min read
Wild Chervil problems
One of the projects that needs to be undertaken at the Ridge Road House is tackling the Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris, called Cow...
May 15, 20243 min read
Screened-in porch
Phil Godenschwager suggested a screen-in porch for the design of the Ridge Road house. I decided it would be a great idea (we loved one...
May 4, 20241 min read
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