The logical place for the mailbox, to my mind, would be hanging on the wall next to the front door -- but that's the way it was for most of the many houses I grew up in. But do check to make sure that a new location is allowed. If you have to put it somewhere away from the front door, consider a brick pillar that surrounds a utilitarian plastic or metal box (I like the idea but I think I wouldn't want it in front of your house). Many pictures here: http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&biw=1020&bih=832&q=mailbox+brick&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= You might also see what you can find in the way of old-style mailboxes. Home renovation stores? Antique shops? Estate sales or auctions? Junkyards? tibs makes a good point about possible bulbs. It would be interesting to know what shrubs and plants the previous owners removed; a neighbor with a loved-looking garden might be able to tell you. Did the PO's take the plants with them or merely tear them out? If the latter, I'd assume that either the plants were in poor shape, required more maintenance to look good than the PO's could handle (for whatever reason), or that there were large shrubs that blocked the view of the house and someone decided the house would be more likely to sell without the landscaping. Then again, there's that huge bed full of mulch. Could be bulbs ... could be lots of bulbs....

Gad I knew there was something about you I liked les lol. To be clear on the drapes....I certainly wouldn't keep drapes I didn't love or drapes in bad condition. Even the gorgeous chenille porteriers that came with this house were under debate for sime time. I told the PO that I planned on having them professionally cleaned by a conservator and then storing them as we have cats, a dog and had planned on having our five year old and a pack of toddlers around so I didn't want to see them damaged. We still have the herd but didn't add the toddlers and yet when I restored this rooms I removed them thinking I was going to reproduce them in modern fabric to protect the antiques. Turns out that's danged hard modern fabric to find (it's very very thick...like a carpet almost) and so they sat in their bid...I finished restoring the rooms and something was "off". I hung them again...that was what was missing...the buffers to the hall (which flank six foot entries to each room) so there they hang. They are a faded version of what they once were and are missing a tassel or two at the base but their heavy faded gold presence just seems to go with the house. So I guess they get to stay. I'd approach any textile left in a home the same way. Shredding silk or heavy florals would be difficult for me to keep but historically accurate, quality pieces? I'd keep those if I could. By the way...church windows can have significant value pal (as I'm sure you know) so if you do get the place be sure to research them for insurance purposes. Leah, a seller is under no obligation to sell until they sign a contract with a buyer. The agency contract does not require it. I do agree with Mr Ph up there quite often, and in a modern home still agree...let go of the thing! But when it comes to historical properties I feel quite differently. I would not require that the drapes be maintained because that's something easy to fix, but if I had an inkling they would go and they were antique textiles I'd be sure to get them to a museum verses seeing them in the trash. If I had any knowledge they were going to tear out an original fireplace or the ceiling medallions, etc...the historical value in our home...I'd send any offer packing. We have a responsability to this house that we assumed when we purchased it and as with the sellers before us, we take that seriously. So seriously that we agreed with the city when the put stringent regulations on what can ibe done to the place (which one day may haunt me lol) but at least the original owner won't because he sees how much we love the history in his home. Pal...cut and paste that fir a letter lol. That's exactly the kind of sentimental goober old home lovers like to see. Heh heh

Diana I'm planning to keep my white refrigerator and dishwasher for now as they are practically brand new. The "white" cabinets I picked are technically ivory, but still pretty white and they blend well with the appliances. The stove and hood are going to be stainless and I was considering doing a stainless apron front sink to tie it all together, but now my husband says he hates the stainless sink so it's back to fireclay! The wall with the stove is the "focal point" of the kitchen, and I want to do an interesting backsplash on that wall. Greenfish, I DO have a spot for a swinging door! The doorway to the dining room had a door on it at one time and the trim is still notched out for hinges! I think I'll do a french door with glass though, my kitchen is at the back of the house and doesn't get a lot of sunlight. Joyce, that's awesome! You did a fantastic job with that kitchen. My kitchen has been evolving over the years (basically deteriorating!) It looked great when it was in Country Home Magazine in 1984. But years have taken their toll and the layout in '84 was not practical. I've been making minor changes over the last ten years to try and just "live with it" a little longer, but it's finally time to do a total re-hab, and I just want to be sure to do it right. Thanks everyone for the tips!

Several things..the island will feel less contrived if you were to replace the table with a round. The current square brings too much attention to the angle of the island. Either replace the foyer wallpaper or re-do the wainscoting to match the two—tones in the d.r. If you decide to replace the foyer paper be aware of background white/off-white/creme, etc. when choosing your paint color. I agree new fans without lights is in order. I think once you have all elements in place then would be a good time to reselect your lighting. Lighting has a huge influence on the overall look you are trying to achieve. Your home is lovely and has a very nice lived-in look. Good job!