The stone house was actually once part of a farm and has been in Teresa's family for generations. It sat empty for three years but the couple saw potential.

"Nobody in the family was interested in it," Teresa says. "I think they had a hard time envisioning what it could be."

While the renovations were extensive, they had an advantage as far as the plumbing - Hallam owns his own plumbing business, the Punctual Plumber. His handiwork and expertise produced unique fixtures, like a faucet above the stove, a granite sink and a master bath shower custom designed to spray water from all over.

Even though it was a hard job, the two, along with their sons, Hallam and Riley, are very content. They foresee the house lasting at least a few more generations.

"It was more work than I ever imagined," Teresa says. "But we love it."

Staff writer Lillia Callum-Penso can be reached at 298-3768.