Pauline Manor has been standing for over a hundred years, watching the world change around it. Built in 1908, this big old Victorian-style house (technically built during the Edwardian Era) has seen families come and go, each leaving behind little pieces of their lives—faded wallpaper, hand-carved woodwork, a creaky step in the back staircase that’s probably kept a few secrets.
When we first saw it in 2022, the house was worn out but still standing tall, covered in vines, and full of history. It wasn’t just a house; it felt like a story waiting to be told. Pauline Manor wasn’t just another old house in need of repairs—it was a time capsule, holding onto more than a century of memories. Even the air inside felt different, heavy with history as if the walls themselves had stories to tell. It was impossible to walk through without wondering about the people who had lived here before. The house had seen the world change, yet somehow, it had remained, waiting for someone to see its worth and breathe new life into it again.
Of course, houses this old don’t come without their problems. The walls had cracks, the windows let in more wind than they kept out, and the basement? Let’s just say it’s seen things. But every creaky floor and peeling bit of paint seemed to be asking for another chance. So, with a mix of excitement and maybe a little denial about what we were getting into, we decided to bring it back to life—one slow, messy project at a time.
Fixing up a house like this isn’t just about repairs; it’s about keeping its history alive. There are details here you just don’t see anymore—tongue and groove ceilings higher than anyone can reach, woodwork from trees that probably stood tall right here in Escambia County years ago, and a greenhouse that, with some work, could be full of plants again. Every day, we uncover little pieces of the past and add in our own story. Sometimes, that story involves things going horribly wrong (like finding where a sheetrock nail had gone through a plumbing line in a wall that never should have had plumbing to begin with), but that’s just part of the adventure.
Through all the dust and unexpected surprises, our goal is simple: to bring Pauline Manor back to life while keeping its charm. This house isn’t meant to be perfect—it’s meant to be lived in, laughed in, and loved. And part of that love comes from embracing both its past and present, blending the best of old and new. Step inside, and you’ll find smart lights controlled by Alexa casting a glow over furniture that’s been around since the 1800s. A modern kitchen hums with appliances that make life easier, but just around the corner, an antique hutch holds dishes that have survived more family dinners than we can count.
This balance of old and new is what makes Pauline Manor feel alive. We’re not just restoring a house; we’re shaping it into a home that respects its past while embracing the modern world. The creaky floors may tell stories of the past, but now they also carry the sounds of everyday life—music playing from hidden speakers, the hum of a dishwasher that wasn’t even a thought when the house was built, and laughter echoing through the hallways once again.
And if the ghosts of past owners are still lingering, we like to think they’re enjoying the upgrades just as much as we are.
