WELL MANORED
HOME OF THE MONTH
WHEN JOYCE BUTTERWORTH brought her construction-savvy brother to check out the English manor she had fallen for in Meridian-Kessler—the one with trees growing out of its chimneys—he had one question: “Joyce, have you lost your mind?” The beautiful home had sat vacant for some time before Joyce toured it, and yes, it needed a little TLC. In her eyes, though, a few trees were nothing compared to the palladium windows, intricate brickwork, and regal appearance. She bought the home with her late husband, disregarding her brother’s warning. Some 16 years later, Joyce laughs at the memory. “He’s normally a calm, cool, collected guy,” she says.
Looking back, she admits that she had no idea what she was getting into, or the sheer magnitude of the work required for a full restoration.
