Breathing New Life into a 105-Year-Old Bungalow in the Blue Ridge Mountains
By Sandy aka Appalachian Renovator | August 2025
My husband and I recently took a leap of faith and purchased a 105-year-old bungalow tucked into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. This house, with its creaky floorboards, original stone chimney, and stories hidden in every corner, instantly stole our hearts. But let’s just say… it’s a project. Actually, we made it a project.
We’re not just giving it a fresh coat of paint, we’re rolling up our sleeves for a full-on revival. Think modern comfort meets mountain soul. And because this journey is just too full of charm, surprises, and sawdust to keep to ourselves, we’ve decided to document every step along the way.
What’s On the To-Do List?
First up: adding a third bedroom. The original layout is cozy, but with family visits (and possibly a future studio space in mind), we knew we needed more room to breathe and grow. We’re being mindful of keeping the historic bones intact while also salvaging old doors and trim, and choosing finishes that reflect the bungalow’s original Craftsman style.
Next: a second bathroom. One bathroom just isn’t going to cut it, especially when the house starts filling up with muddy boots, weekend guests, and the occasional plumbing mystery (we’ve already had one). This new bathroom will bring not only convenience but a little vintage-meets-modern elegance with it.
And, of course, we can’t forget the Yorkies. Our furry family members need room to roam, so we’re installing a fence around the property. It’s a delicate balance—we want it safe and secure, but also something that blends into the rustic beauty of the landscape. Think wooden rails, native plant borders, and enough space for tiny zoomies. Because we have a double lot, it's going to take a bit of time to dig over 40 fence posts.
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