Our “Gingerbread House” is a complete restoration of a 1869 Carpenter Gothic style cottage. Acroteria and Winglets were made from laminated honduras mahogany. Working your way down, the spandrils and inserts were made from mahogany as well. Balusters and railings were made from a combination of cypress and domestic mahogany. As an extra note, the front double exterior doors and the window storm panels (1st floor) were made from “Burma Teak”. I designed and machined all of the exterior door hardware from Titanium.
– Fred and Joan Echevarria, The Gingerbread House Bed and Breakfast
-
The front double exterior doors and the window storm panels were made from "Burma Teak".
-
Acroteria and Winglets in the gingerbread trim were made from laminated honduras mahogany.
-
Balusters and railings are a combination of cypress and domestic mahogany.
View Comments
This has been largely a 1 mans 31 year quest to do a total restoration of this 1869 victorian. Restoration started in 1979. Restoration as we all know is a process that continues to some degree for years and years. Actually,what you can see is only the tip of the iceburg. The inside has been transformed totally with such things as extensive use of corian as countertops for all of the 6 baths and kitchen. Solid teak is the major bathroom theme. Fred has been onboard since the beginning as a subscriber of Fine woodworking,following with Fine homebuilding. I should note these great great magazines have been a major reference and sorce of inspiration from the beginning to the present. Fred wishes to thank all his supporters for their kind thoughts but would like to express to all being chosen as a finalist is the true reward. Posting a pictorial of his 31yrs of work is his way of giving back to show all those who are professionals,as well as beginners alike. We all create with our hands and our hearts,but passion leads the way to personal reward. Strive to do the very best,learn from any one who has something to offer,and take NO shortcuts in the quality of your work. Remember when that voice in your head says to you that what you are doing is probably stupid and dangerous STOP!!!! A final thought; I use to create all my projects to the standard of "machine shop" tolerances and found I had great results. Joints,finishes,etc were breathtakingly beautiful but would take me hours and hours to complete a project. I eventulally ran into a Wise Man who shared this secret with me,and I pass this on for all. STRIVE NOT FOR PERFECTION,INSTEAD STRIVE TO CREATE THE ILLUSION OF PERFECTION. Wow after many months of reflection "I have a very dense head" I realized how important this really was. Now I get my honey do list done in half the time and my wife is happy. A real "Weedhopper my son" moment. Thanks for your kind flattering recognition,Freds wife Joan
What's unique about Gingerbread House: I have been in many restored homes around the USA, most of which have been restored by a TEAM of outstanding craftsman. What is unique about Gingerbread House is that this home has been restored completely by the owners who have devoted thousands of loving and caring hours to its restoration.
This is a must see home because the range of talent and the attention to hand-crafted detail will stagger any fine craftsman who visits. The talent of the craftsman is evident everywhere you look.
I had the pleasure of seeing the home when it was first acquired in the late 70's and staying there as a guest during the 80's. I encourage everyone who appreciates true craftsmanship to vist Gingerbread House. The home and especially the owners are a wonderful treat.
As a one person restoration of the exterior of the Gingerbread House in Cape May, I would certainly give it a 5-star, must see to appreciate the details. I have stayed there this past summer, and enjoyed looking at the interior, as well as the exterior, and found it impeccable. Ithink it should definitely win the contest and be presented as a fine home builcing cover page, with details photographed of an excellent exterior restoration in Cape May. My congratulations to Fred for his expert design, expecially choosing Teak wood, which is my favorite.