Eyetrap: 18th-century home rests along Manor Church Road

A steep set of closed stairs leads from the upper hall to the attic. Dormers have been added on the front and the back of the building, bringing light and space into this area. Two modern bedrooms and a bath have been built, and there is an ample closet lighted by one of the original attic windows.

The basement can be entered from within the house by a central staircase or from the ground-level door on the east. There is a single large room on the south with a large cooking fireplace. On the east wall, the date 1792 is inscribed, perhaps dating the house. The northeast room of the basement has a brick floor, and in the northwest is a brick, barrel-arched root cellar. Set at right angles to the main arch is a smaller arch that now has been closed. This must have provided ventilation at one time.

When the present owner of the house bought the property, the dormers, as well as the family room, had been added; and a sensitive restoration had been finished some time earlier. However, there was a twist in the east wall of the structure that began to look dangerous. Masonry experts discovered that the stone wall had been laid directly on the clay, without foundations. Greatly concerned, the owners consulted engineers and hired a contractor. The mud was excavated and foundations laid. Repairs seem to be holding.

Eye Trap is filled with lovely period pieces and a collection of early lighting devices. There are many plans, many future projects; but, in the meantime, it is a lovely home.

Pat Schooley is a member of Washington County Historical Trust and Washington County Historical Society.