Restoring History: Ongoing Work at a Beloved Family Estate

We’re excited to share a glimpse into our ongoing work at a truly special project—a historic family antebellum mansion that tragically burned down in the mid-1950s and was lovingly rebuilt in 1962. This colonial-style home sits on two acres rich with Southern charm and heritage.

Our team at Ray Construction of Marietta is honored to be part of breathing new life into this timeless estate. We’ve installed decorative beams and rafters with tongue and groove ceilings in the living room and Primary bedroom, extended the tongue and groove work into the bathroom, and added picture railing throughout the halls and stairwell, complemented by a custom chair railing. One highlight of the restoration has been recreating spindles and the knoll post to match the original, broken pieces—an homage to the craftsmanship of the past.

But this home is only part of the story.

The surrounding property feels more like a historical park, featuring a collection of hand-hewn log cabins. These cabins—each telling the story of the rural South's folk traditions—are thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds, including around the pool. Covered bridges span the creek running through the property, adding to the picturesque, timeless setting.

Adding yet another layer of history, the homeowner has assembled an extraordinary collection of antique steam-powered machinery, including a Reeves steam traction engine and a canopy-covered Peerless steam traction engine. These impressive machines, primarily used in agriculture and early industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how important it is to preserve the past.

As our work continues, we’re filled with admiration for this unique estate and the care its owners have taken to preserve and enhance its legacy. We can't wait to see the full transformation take shape with final paint and finish. Stay tuned!