06/18/2026
With so many new faces joining us here lately, we thought it was time to reintroduce you to the building at the heart of our Mercantile & Café and the labor of love that transformed her into what she is today.
When my husband and I first purchased this historic building more than eight years ago, she had fallen into major disrepair and alterations had hidden much of her beauty and history (swipe for before photos). But beneath the peeling paint, crumbling stone walls, mold, and years of neglect was a story waiting to be told. As I walked her old floorboards and uncovered pieces of her fascinating past, I knew we wanted to become part of her next chapter, her rescue, restoration and preservation.
For years, we’d celebrated the beauty of old things through our Barn Sales at Life’s Patina Willowbrook Farm. Creating a space where people could gather over good food, coffee, tea and connection had long been a dream of ours. This historic inn, originally built in 1830, felt like the perfect place to bring that vision to life while preserving an important piece of local history.
What followed was a five-year restoration journey that tested our patience and perseverance. Outside of raising five children, it was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. Located within a historic preservation district, the building required an extensive, arduous permitting process. We persevered through it all while stabilizing the structure with steel beams, installing new electrical, plumbing, heating and air systems, remediating mold, repointing masonry, restoring plaster walls, refinishing floors, recreating lost woodwork, building out the café and putting in a modern basement commercial kitchen, etc. The work was extensive and we were meticulous about preserving the building’s historic integrity while ensuring it could serve the community for generations to come. Every challenge was worth it to see this beautiful old building filled with life, laughter and connection once again.
Follow along as we get back to sharing more of her renovation story and before/after photos. Thank you for helping us continue her story. 🤍
