When Genevieve and Jason Mcnew were house hunting in 2005, they had one thing in mind. “We told our realtor, ‘Don’t show us anything unless it’s 100 years old or older,’” Jason recalls, and then he laughs. “But we didn’t quite know what we were getting into.”
They were attracted to their Aspers, Adams County home because “it had a comforting feel, even with its quirks,” says Genevieve (Genny). “You could see the potential.” The front room, showcasing exposed, original log walls is what sold them. That, and the home’s cornerstone, bearing an elegant “1760” within the stone foundation. They believe it to be one of Adams County’s oldest homes. The McNews could also envision their children growing up and playing outdoors on the picturesque one-acre property. It’s located on a long, winding country road and their next-door “neighbors” are apple orchards with rows and rows of trees rippling up the hillside. Since purchasing the property 15 years ago, the family’s historic home has undergone a series of renovations—providing plenty of adventures.
“I like older homes—they have character, but sometimes this house has a bit too much character,” Genny jokes.
Turning the drafty old house into a cozy warm home was one of the family’s first priorities.
“When we first moved in, we all slept together in the same bedroom, because there was no heat upstairs,” Genny recalls. At that point, the family included two children; today there are four children—two girls and two boys ranging in age from 11 to 17.
There was a “house rule” that prohibited the kids from walking barefoot in the house. Not only was it cold, but the old wood floors would give them splinters. Today, both issues are resolved. Jason installed geothermal heating and new, sturdy flooring.
LIKE LINCOLN LOGS
From the outside, the home appears to be an old farmhouse with white wooden siding. But when you step inside the front door, you are transported back in time to the home’s original log cabin walls, which line the foyer and continue to the home’s central staircase. This project began in 2006: Breaking through drywall and uncovering the home’s original log walls was a long, dusty process that took years to complete.
The 2,800-square foot home includes three main areas—the original log home in the front, an old addition, and a new addition to the back that the McNews completed and finished with hemlock siding from a local sawmill. One of the perks of that addition includes a partially-finished hot tub room off the master suite. Throughout the home, modern conveniences are woven into a historic backdrop.
The cornerstone's “1760” script set into the concrete of the kitchen sink
THE HEART OF THE HOME: RESTORING THE KITCHEN
The kitchen is the most recent project—a 5-month renovation transformed the space last summer.
“The old kitchen was so cold and drafty that ice would literally form in the sink against that outside wall,” Genny says, gesturing across the kitchen.
“We wanted the new kitchen to be efficient, spacious, allowing me to cook in quantity, with a rustic, historic look,” Genny says.
The McNews designed everything themselves—from the layout to the cabinetry and appliances—while consulting with Jason’s brother, a contractor. The entire project cost about $35,000. Jason says it could have easily cost much more, but doing the majority of the work themselves helped trim costs.
First, the entire family pitched in to demolish the old kitchen, over one weekend. The family’s RV, parked in the driveway, provided a temporary kitchen.
The new design was “challenging,” Jason says, because it had to flow around structural beams—which he encased in reclaimed barn wood sourced in Carlisle. Using a contractor gave them secure footing—literally—with the new flooring installation. The family jokes about the relatively low ceiling, just over six feet.
“Shaquille O’Neal won’t be able to visit us—he couldn’t fit in here,” Jason says.
Kitchen splurges include the steel-tiled backsplash. Gennie insisted on a double wall oven, but the family drove to Baltimore to purchase a discounted one with a barely-noticeable ding. Son Logan put together all of the ordered cabinets—another money-saving move.
“The counter tops had to be wood. No granite for us, because these old floors can only hold so much weight,” Jason says. He used durable Acacia wood—a historic wood mentioned in the Bible.
But the centerpiece of the sparkling new kitchen is the concrete sink and drain board.
“We wanted something interesting, timeless, and durable,” Jason says. He wasn’t concerned about the weight there, because the sink is located along an outside wall.
Jason and his sons tackled the DIY project after lots of internet research, including YouTube how-to videos and concrete “recipes.” They even included the cornerstone’s “1760” script into the sink’s design by creating a replica template. Once set, the sink was wet-sanded, polished, and sealed with wax. Atop the sink, a rustic window sill was constructed with wood salvaged from the home’s former backdoor.
Finishing the eat-in area of the kitchen is among the family’s next projects. Jason has built storage benches, which need to be finished and covered, around the family’s kitchen table. There is a large cutout wall space where Genny envisions a green wall of herbs.
Located eight miles north of Gettysburg, the home was originally built by John Lawrence and called “Oxford.” At the time, the property’s 400 acres would have been considered York County. Adams County was created, split from York County, in 1800.
Genny researched and documented much of the home’s history, kept in a big binder. She discovered that all three of Lawrence’s sons, plus a number of grandsons, were either politicians, lawyers or judges. In fact, grandson George Van Eman Lawrence was a state representative, state treasurer, and U.S. Congressman.
But the home’s most famous owner was David Wills, the Gettysburg lawyer credited with organizing and creating the National Cemetery following the Battle of Gettysburg. It was Wills who invited President Abraham Lincoln to speak at the cemetery’s dedication. And it was Wills’ Gettysburg house, located on Lincoln Square, where Wills stayed the night before that address and finished penning the historic words of the Gettysburg Address.
But according to Genny’s research, David Wills also owned their current Menallen Township home, as a “country house” which he called “Mountain View.” He owned the property jointly with Hiram S. Wright—documented on an 1872 township map. Genny’s research leads her to believe that Wright was Wills’ caretaker for the property.
“Every so often it hits you,” Genny says, reflecting on the home’s history. “Two hundred and fifty years ago, what was someone doing here? Obviously their life would have been much different.”
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DAVID WILLIS
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Letter David Willis wrote to Abraham Lincoln inviting him to come speak
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FIGHTING TODAY’S DIGITAL WARS NEAR HISTORIC CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
From this historic home base, you might be surprised to learn the McNews own and operate a modern, cutting-edge business—Stronghold Cyber Security. They founded the business in 2017, following Jason’s 10-year IT position at nearby Camp David. He’s quickly made a name for himself in the growing field, and he’s often quoted as an industry expert in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, on CNBC, and other national news outlets. His clients have hailed from across the globe; currently, he primarily serves defense contractors.
GROWING UP UNDER A HISTORIC ROOF
Home renovation projects “are opportunities to teach the kids practical skills,” says Jason. That hands-on experience has also led to hidden treasures and surprises, including a 1775 British half penny discovered in the earthen basement. During last summer’s kitchen reno, it was Alexandra, 17, who found an old arrow (like those used in archery) in the wall.
Jay Leno, the snapping turtle found in the family's basement
Logan, 15, found a baby snapping turtle in the basement this past fall. “My family didn’t believe me at first,” he says. But now, the turtle, which he named “Jay Leno” has his own tank and food in his bedroom.
Ask the McNews about animals and they’ll rattle off a list of critters discovered in the home, over the years: bats, birds, frogs and toads, snakes, mice, and now—a snapping turtle.
Rosella, 11, describes her main job during the kitchen renovation: “I had to keep vacuuming the log walls and ceiling—it was very dusty!”
The McNews installed a central vacuuming system to make everyday cleaning, as well as renovations, easier. The modern system, ironically, is tucked away behind a historic-looking, small red door underneath the home’s main staircase.
Treasures found by Conner, 12, include shards of 1800s pottery—“and worms!”—while helping his dad dig for the new HVAC system’s ductwork. When asked what it’s like to live in a historic house, Conner replies, “It’s fun but annoying—every time you fix something, then something else breaks.” His parents joke that he has learned a lifelong lesson about home ownership.
THE FAMILY'S ADVICE FOR OTHER DIYERS
“Plan five times the amount of money and time, because you’re always going to run into a problem,” says Genny. “The TV shows always make it seem easy, but in real life there are lots of stories, and it’s helped us form a lot of memories.”
For more behind-the-scenes photos and history, check the McNews’ website, 1760loghouse.com
