The Daily Post’s daily prompt for July 8 is, Revivng Bricks:
You just inherited a dilapidated, crumbling-down grand mansion in the countryside. Assuming money is no issue, what do you do with it?
My schedule is fairly packed today, so my response will be short. I’ll fill out my ten-minutes of writing and be out.
With a dilapidated, crumbling-down grand mansion in the countryside, I would first get out my camera gear and tripod so that I may take extensive photos of the decaying building. The picture I’ve already formed in my head is full if texture – crumbling paint, splintered wood, patina on door knobs and sheet metal. I’d try to go at dawn and dusk to allow dreamy light to permeate interesting nooks and crannies. Capture the long stretch of light through dusty, curtainless windows.
I believe I’d pack a picnic lunch and large blanket or towel so I could relax nearby.
If the building is bad enough one my see it fall at any moment. I’ll set up my tripod and ready my camera before I eat.
If the building was somewhat more stable, I’ll see about what, if anything, could be salvaged. Could the mansion be repaired and renovated? At the very least is there an old wooden table standing strong in the vast kitchen? A little care and wood oil might reveal something stunning.
My home is being repaired now so repairs can and do happen on troubled structures. I would need to weigh the options.
In the case of abandoned buildings, I’ve heard they can stand for years. It is only when the roof goes very bad or collapses that inside rapidly falls to rot. Water returns all to dirt and soil.
aLightningbug 