This home was as black as coal when it was first built.
I would have loved to have seen that.
It doesn’t take long for limestone to develop a grey patina on it’s surface once it is exposed to air.
Whenever I visit the Valley and see all the stone structures that were built there so long ago I try to imagine what they must have looked like when they were new. I’m not aware of any other stone that changes it’s color over time.
The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is full of stone houses, bridges, barns, and walls… all made out of huge blocks of limestone. If you have ever desired to live in stone home, this is the place where dreams come true.
I am told that the Valley was once a huge inland sea and that over many years a deep layer of limestone sediment was created. Visit the Valley and dig anywhere you want through it’s rich soil and within a few feet you will find a floor of limestone.
One thing incredible thing about limestone… it “shapes” wonderfully. With enough focused effort large sugar cubes will come to anyone willing to swing a hammer and hold a chisel.
This
naturally occurring,
virtually unlimited,
easily malleable,
infinitely durable,
environmentally friendly,
low maintenance,
cost effective,
product, became the building material of choice.
Our ancestors chose to build not only for themselves but for the generations to come. In the Valley they chose to use limestone.
And we are thankful for that.
Originally posted 2015-03-07 17:58:18.