She and her husband, David, have been working on their Hampton Heights home in Spartanburg since they moved in three years ago.

It's been a lot of work, Stokes said, especially the landscaping, but the nearly century-old house is starting to take shape - and it's one they're quite fond of.

There've been significant obstacles they've had to overcome.

Such as no central air, peeling paint and poorly done home improvement projects by the previous owner that they've had to fix.

And there are many more projects to come, such as finishing the back rooms, cleaning up and finishing the basement that could easily double their livable space.

Lots of work - but the reward is so much more.

"We love it," she said. "It really means so much because we've put so much into it."

Justin Chappell can be reached at 298-4267.