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Walnut Hall
The restoration of Walnut Hall presented some unique challenges from both a planning and reconstruction perspective. From a planning perspective, Walnut Hall was typical of many homes constructed during this period. All walls were constructed with brick, 15 inches thick, and covered with an inch of horse hair reinforced plaster applied directly over the brick. Ceilings were 14 feet high on both floors. Heating had been provided by 12 fireplaces, and all but two were in working order.
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The first floor plan of the main block of Walnut Hall consists of a central transverse passage flanked by two rooms of generous proportions on each side. To the left of the front entrance on the first floor are the parlor and kitchen, and to the right are the drawing and dining rooms. The central transverse passage contains the main staircase with a half-turn and a landing to provide access to three of the second floor bedrooms. The central traverse passage is the same size on the second floor. The east end of the central traverse passage contains a porch on both floors. The fourth bedroom on the second floor has its own enclosed staircase which departs what is now the kitchen. The kitchen was originally the owner-builder’s bedroom on the first floor. This was a secret stairway leading to the second floor bedroom for the unmarried daughter.
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The main façade of Walnut Hall is five bays wide. The central entrance is covered by a two-story pediment portico supported by four Ionic columns constructed with brick and covered with plaster. The main entry door is recessed and framed by a frontispiece. The steps, portico floor, and all exposed stone foundations were fashioned from limestone found on the farm. Years on neglect and water penetration had severely damaged the four columns.
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