They scraped layers of paint, replaced rotted beams, and searched for period-appropriate hardware and light fixtures. What couldn’t be saved, they rebuilt by hand or sourced through antique markets. They taught themselves old construction methods, worked with local artisans, and preserved the details that gave Lady Linden her soul—stained glass windows, ceiling medallions, hand-carved stair railings.
The house wasn’t just being restored—it was being reawakened.
Today, Lady Linden is a fully restored Victorian bed and breakfast. Warm sunlight floods through tall windows. Hardwood floors made from five types of wood shine with history. Each guest room has its own personality—from soft florals to rich mahogany tones—while a quiet attic reading nook now offers a peaceful view of the treetops.
But the most meaningful transformation can’t be seen in photos.
It lives in the bond between Jim and Jean, deepened by every challenge they faced together. It lives in the pride of the neighbors who watched the home rise again. And it lives in the visitors—schoolchildren, historians, and curious passersby—who now see Lady Linden not as a ruin, but as a reminder.
A reminder that history matters.
That beauty can be reborn.
That sometimes, the most ordinary people do the most extraordinary things—just by choosing to care.
Jim and Jean Leaman didn’t just restore a house. They revived a legacy. And Lady Linden, once forgotten, now stands as a beacon of resilience, devotion, and the quiet power of a second chance.