After Couple Renovates 109-Year-Old Mansion, It Becomes Unrecognizable

Abby Brothers and her husband were looking for their dream home but stumbled across an abandoned mansion from 1913. It wasn't entirely in ruins, but with some hard work and dedication, they could create their perfect abode.

Trey & Abby

Trey Brothers and Abby, 33 and 31 years old, were newly married and starting a new journey after welcoming their firstborn. After various attempts to find a suitable property, it seemed like it was impossible.

When they stumbled across the Page Mansion in North Carolina, with a burst of hope, the couple decided to make a trip to an area they were not familiar with and take a chance. To their pleasant surprise, upon seeing the mansion up close, they realized that this just might be their forever home.

Taking a Gamble

Immersing themselves in the history and charm of North Carolina, Abby and Trey decided to take a risk on the old mansion in June 2018. Originally from the area, they knew that while it had seen better days, the house held potential – something they hoped to bring out with a much-needed renovation.

While Abby was a registered nurse and Trey was in the midst of his military duties, which he was soon planning to end, the $155,000 price tag did not deter the couple; instead, they embraced the challenge head-on. With Trey’s hands-on help and Abby playing project manager, their collective efforts would prove to be invaluable.

The Page Mansion

When Abby and her husband decided to take on the project of renovating Page Mansion, they knew it was no small task. This 6,000-square-foot property located in Aberdeen, North Carolina, boasted six bedrooms, four bathrooms, an impressive foyer with a grand staircase, a dining area, and outside porches - just to name a few amenities.

Although they described the worn-out house as "sad and dilapidated," Abby was determined to give this former family home back its charm. Despite some criticisms from their friends that the 9-month project would be too ambitious a goal, they trudged forward, knowing the result would be worth all their hard work.

Starting From the Beginning

They both knew they had a big undertaking on their hands when they first encountered the property that had been abandoned for 30 years - it seemed like it was falling to pieces. Every window had become displaced, and mold had begun to grow out of the walls while the banisters were hanging by a thread.

Even the surrounding area was so overgrown that it was almost inaccessible, yet despite these discouraging observations, the couple felt hopeful. With a small path leading up to what remained of the porch, they immediately tore it down. They were set on this project with enthusiasm, embarking on what would become an incredible journey.

The Grand Dilemma

Abby and Trey were pleasantly surprised when they stepped through the door of their new renovation project. Despite only beginning work on the porch, they were given a memorable first glimpse - an open-plan entrance hall featuring a grand staircase. It was definitely an aspect of the home they couldn't give up.

They wanted to keep the entrance as is, and in their own words, "We have never been so excited to peek through the transom windows… They walk through the front door and say how gorgeous it is, and that's what I (also) say whenever I walk in the door." The classic feature was left untouched, allowing for the oohs and ahhs of visitors.

Time Traveling

The couple's decision to divide their home between separate spaces and open plans was an impressive feat. The skillful transition between each room provided a variety of environments in which guests or residents could cook, clean, sleep, or read. A total renovation of the mansion was necessary in order to incorporate their desired design.

Through thoughtful consideration, they were able to find harmony between individualized rooms and larger open-plan areas of the home. Taken together, these defined spaces aspired to provide a place for the whole family to gather and enjoy quality time together without sacrificing personal privacy.

Knocking Down the Walls

Creating an open-plan layout for the kitchen and dining area seemed like the innovative choice for this century-old house. Since the kitchen is frequently used by family members, removing walls to join adjoining rooms was a smart decision, as natural light can now easily filter in and create a larger space for interactions.

The positive responses on Instagram also manifest that this type of design is preferred by many. Moreover, this endeavor serves as a testament to how far ahead of their time some creative blueprints were in the past. With more space to come together, activities like cooking, conversations, and dining can be experienced with ease.

Dining Time

Indeed, this charming dining room was a top spot for some memorable meals in the 1900s. Stepping back into time - a tiny archway on the left framed this elegant area with its pale yellow walls and enchanting chandeliers. This beautiful space evokes memories of family gatherings and special celebratory dinners before structural damage.

However, it wasn't long before this once dislodged space was masterfully reassembled as though preserving each detail from its past glory days. The new owners displayed an admirable level of resilience and passion for delivering a forever home from the brink of demolition. We can only imagine the culinary experiences produced in the past.

Ultimate Relaxation

The living room of the mansion underwent a much-needed transformation. After finding that, for the most part, everything was original, they decided to stick with the layout - but spruced it up a bit! Refurbishing the walls and polishing the floors was a must, while they also looked to find new furniture to embrace the room.

Applying new stains, ensuring that the floor didn't just look good but would also match their vision, was challenging due to how dirty and distressed it was, but with dedication came success. Couches replaced broken wicker chairs, adding greater comfort to their space - definitely looking better than before!

The Unexpected Bathroom

Abby and Trey are setting an example of how to make the most out of a home. Without sacrificing much in terms of space, they designed a half-bathroom under their stairs! No matter how long one's needed journey was, the houseguests now have something necessary at the ready.

It comes as no surprise that Abby and Trey took to their Instagram page to proudly show off the changes they've made. In it, they recognized what an accomplishment this was and spotlighted the progress in the home despite such limited resources! Kudos to those two for tackling this ambitious endeavor with grace and poise.

Good News, Bad News

As they both learned, DIY renovations are no walk in the park. The couple prepared for the worst so they could pick up the pieces when necessary, and soon enough, their project at the mansion's 'study' was underway. Unfortunately, one of the realities of taking on a job like this is having to hire professionals.

A price increase followed by misleading contracts and builders who walked out on them had strong implications for their wallets, teaching them an expensive lesson about due diligence in finding contractors. Despite the challenges, Abby and Trey were able to power through and complete a successful renovation project.

Resting on the Porch

Abby and Trey were determined to bring life back to their sleeping porch following a devastating storm. Although the old porch lay in ruin, they saw this as an opportunity to create something entirely new. They chose to start from scratch, planning the design with an eye toward creating a space that was both practical and enjoyable.

With visions of long fall evenings spent relaxing amidst colorful falling leaves, Abby couldn't help but get excited by the potential of their new porch. And once it was complete, she realized that her dream had come true: she had a cozy, serene outdoor area perfect for spending quality time with family or just unwinding alone.

Natural Light

Windows are essential for any household, especially when it comes to providing natural light and even a window into the outside world. When it comes to selecting which windows to keep and which to get rid of, it comes down to what they offer. Recently, a family shared their window-related purchase journey on Instagram.

They bought an "odd and charming" grey piece that had some water damage, but after sanding and painting it - adding a few family moments - they were able to achieve their dream outcomes. This demonstrates just how much you can create with some focus, elbow grease, and a bit of love.

New Levels

It's awe-inspiring to behold the transformation that has occurred for this particular building in just one short year. What was originally an unassuming structure, visible from the ground floor entrance only, has been transformed into a vision of century-old splendor. However, level one was not as visually striking at first glance.

It is just as crucial in contributing to the overall effect of providing onlookers with an impression of classic historic beauty. It is incredible that such a major transformation, despite applying just a fresh coat of paint. This proves the incredible power when it comes to transforming a mere image into something truly remarkable.

Guest Rooms

Abby and Trey's dedication to creating an extra room in their home proved to be both time-consuming and challenging. Luckily, they were successful and are now able to host guests comfortably with a dedicated guest room - something many households don't have. The room was not easy to build as the original flooring fell through.

Despite this setback, Abby and Trey remained determined until their project was complete. They proudly highlighted the newly-finished space for all of their followers. This specific moment was what made their hard work worthwhile - standing in the corner of the finished guest bedroom that would soon provide those closest to them a cozy.

Spare Bedroom

The Brothers took a memorable photo of a room in an ancient mansion in 2018. Its state was undoubtedly alarming, but the couple certainly seized the opportunity to build something of their own with their baby son. The nursery obviously needed a great deal of work prior to use and design ideas had to be created fast.

Recognizing its considerable potential, they opted to transform it into a second bedroom - finding that such additional space is consistently beneficial. Needless to say, they were able to take what was once dreary and create something spectacular, as evidenced by the 'after' photo of their gorgeous bedroom renovation.

Master Suite

This master bedroom is lavishly finished off with the ultimate in luxury: an en suite bathroom. Privately tucked away, this bathroom is made to be extra aesthetic and provide our day with a dose of self-love as we go through our skincare and freshening-up routine - what's not to love? However, it wasn't always like this.

When first remodeling the space, it was desperately in need of renovation due to water damage. Half the original hardwoods had to be removed and replaced, while an old sunroom was completely transformed, given new walls that form a walk-in closet. Now, this private oasis provides all its owners with relaxation and bliss.

The Grand Staircase

Abby and Trey gave new life to an old house with their dedication and hard work during the renovation process. Although they had to abide by North Carolina's building standards when it came to the grand staircase, they found joy in the task of re-creating a nostalgic design full of history.

This sentiment was further enhanced when one of the previous residents visited, bringing along a flash drive filled with memories of their home from years ago. It was this encounter that completed the journey and gave them a wonderful opportunity to witness the incredible transformation and compare how it has changed over time.

Exploring the Rooms

Though daunting at first, the family brought back life, restoring each room with unique touches. With a home full of existing texture and character, it brought something special back in every corner. Before getting the doors locked and loaded in, Trey joked about Abby missing "being able to walk 'through' the walls."

They got to experience the newness with all its updates and the reuse of original materials, such as cabinet doors layered throughout the study and other rooms. With careful transitions between colors, they let out an incredible sigh of relief when everything slotted perfectly into place as a piece of history comes alive once again.

Cookin' Time

The amazing kitchen space is full of unique and beautiful touches that make it one of a kind. From the pristine white and grey palette to the stunning appliances, this modern delight is the perfect place for friends and family to gather. Thanks to the hard work of Trey, his mom, and his stepdad, handmade details are in every corner.

They laid all of the tiles as well as refinished terrazzo floors in the bathrooms while also crafting concrete countertops in the kitchen/pantry. As a cohesion between historical elements and contemporary charm, this impressive room gives off a distinct fresh kitchen smell that everyone can enjoy!

Dream Dining Area

The dining area was completely transformed, needing attention from top to bottom. The old wallpaper had to be peeled off and replaced while the wall dividing the dining space from the kitchen was knocked down to create a more unified room. Plus, a wood-burning fireplace was installed to provide a cozy heat source and traditional charm.

To ensure a small degree of privacy while fostering a sense of close family connection, this room serves as an oasis within the larger house. Despite its size and antiquity, contemporary touches were added to make it fit more harmoniously with modern décor in the rest of the home — though much of the original beauty still shines through.

Zen Space

When Abby and Trey set out to transform a room, it often doesn't turn out as planned. They had initially decided on a chic navy hue for the walls of their latest project, but every look came with something else that needed to be improved. So, they took it one step further and decided to decorate in a modern style.

This seemed like a far cry from the abandoned wardrobes and antique pieces that originally filled the room. But, after three couch changes and a few more paint tweaks, what was once an outdated horror film scene is now an inviting living space for even the choosiest interior design enthusiast.

A Secret Gem

The bathroom under the staircase turned out to be a masterpiece, as exemplified by its transformation from a phone closet to a chic half-bath. By adding this creative touch to their home, the owners of this bathroom have set an example for others who wish to utilize small spaces for practical and tasteful activities.

Though some Instagram followers joked about the design mimicking something out of Harry Potter, overall, they are enthusiastic in their support of modern color choices and style. It is clear that this tiny room under the stairs has become much more than just a phone closet; it is a beautiful asset that makes any home feel more special.

Studying Time

Not only was their study in need of a facelift, but they also needed to address piping issues that had been neglected for too long. Undertaking the task, they began to repair the piping underneath diligently and topped it with a fresh coat of paint on the walls. The newly updated space began to take shape.

The ochre yellow walls provide an uplifting atmosphere for either productivity or relaxation that no guest can ignore. Meanwhile, further advances in furniture include a pristine 1873 couch that has been refurbished to capture its former glory – all contributing to an idyllic haven within their home.

The Porch

Although they desired to keep the original style of the house, two porches were also built; The sleeping porch on the first floor provides a great spot for naps during the day. and a second porch outside the front yard with a slight twist. The front porch was replaced with one which is much lighter and made efficiently.

To finish off their improvements, a cozy swing bench was added for an idyllic view of weather conditions, both during sun and rain. The new owners told the Daily Mail that they worked hard to make sure it had modern amenities as well as staying true to its roots. As established, this was something highly important for them.

Window Works

The success of any purchase is often determined by having a strong selling point - something that makes it stand out from the rest. For one couple looking to buy their first home, it was no different. With every house they visited, they were looking for that special something that would convince them this was the right one.

After the purchase, Trey mentioned nearly all windows were broken, which was wildly unacceptable. As a fix, they replaced nearly all of the windows while maintaining certain features associated with the home, such as water damage and unique aesthetic touches. This created a perfect blend of style points and essential repairs.

The Foyer

Upstairs is the main event of this home remodel. Guests are welcomed by a grand foyer with hardwood floors that carry through the hallway into each bedroom. Newly renovated bathrooms fitted with modern fixtures bring luxury and comfort to the guests. But, the crown jewel of the upstairs area is the sleeping porch.

With vast views below while providing an airy sense of relaxation, the mini relaxation station behind the banister on the first floor provides occupants with an opportunity to escape the stress and relax indoors. As changes were being made throughout the home, every effort was made to keep intact what mattered most - safety and stability.

Second Bedroom, Again

When it came to transforming this bedroom, Abby and Trey went a different route compared to the other rooms they had been working on. Instead of ripping out walls and making any additions, they decided to keep the existing layout but updated all the furniture and decor.

As shown in the Instagram post, they posted three pictures that perfectly showcase their incredible transformation from the 1970s to modern-day luxury - much like time-traveling! The built-in sink was swapped out for some drawers, and the windows got a refresh, so there'd be no more creaks. Their bedroom vision was brought to life.

Open for Guests

When Abby and Trey first purchased the property, they found that the bedrooms were in an unliveable state. In Abby's words, it was like opening up a time capsule! There was rubble scattered all over the floor, a huge hole in the guest room, and initials scrawled on the walls from the former tenant. It definitely felt creepy!

Nonetheless, they pushed forward with their renovation plans. As luck would have it, a hurricane arrived and flooded their unfinished basement - but nothing could deter them from achieving their vision for this space. After much hard work, their bedrooms now look unrecognizably different, with not even a hint of what had occurred before.

Master Bath

When Abby moved into her new home, she knew the bathrooms needed some serious attention. With plenty of help from family and friends, brand-new tiles and appliances were added for a fresh look and feel. Most notably, in the master bathroom, Abby installed a luxurious yet calming bathtub perfect for moments of stress relief.

Specifically, the simple yet modern sleek bathtub was placed right next to the windows, while terrazzo tiles helped to create a uniform aesthetic. Through planning and effort, their outdated bathrooms had been transformed into modern sanctuaries that instantly elevate any home environment.

Finally Home

Abby and Trey began their home renovation project with a set budget of between $250,000 and $275,000 and have created something extraordinary. By committing to bringing family, love, and financial stability into the home, they now own and are proud to add an estimated value of $1 million to their new space - an increase of $745,000!

They spent $268,494 in total to make each spot in the house aesthetically pleasing and practical for everyday living. From the spacious front yard to the inviting grounds for walks around the property, they managed to achieve exceptional results all around. This is one of the most inspiring DIY home renovations we've ever come across.