Today I had the opportunity (which is unusual for some reason) to appraisal a home in my neighborhood, Bywater.  When I saw the address I recognized the house right away.  It was a corner property and had originally been a corner store--a cobbler's workshop--with a living area in the rear.  I often talk about renovation of historic properties, but this house was more of a rebuild than a renovation.  It had been open to the elements for years and everything, from the piers up had to be rebuilt.  The result though was wonderful.  I entered on to an interior courtyard in the center of the home.  The owner had saved what he could--some windows, doors, some hardwood flooring and fireplace mantels, but the rest came of his handiwork.  What made the house so special was that all of the "new" millwork came was reclaimed Cypress that had come from other homes that had been torn down.  The result was wonderful: high ceilings, beaded or wood planked, heat pine flooring, restored fireplaces wainscoting.  The owner had added additional windows surrounding the court yard and the home was filled with light.  The kitchen and baths also had a back in time feeling.  It was kind of a magical place and really inspiring that a home in that poor a condition could be brought back to life.