Gabel Farmhouse
Sullivan County Catskills
Styling: Major Jacks
Photography: Kris Mae Weiss
It was an honor to restore another special piece of Catskills history. This home was part of a family homestead originally built by the Gabels who came from Germany in the mid-1800s. The Gabels were farmers and had a shoemaker’s shop in the big barn behind the house (now a wedding and event venue). Gutted inside and out, this was the largest home and project we had tackled, to date.
MY ROLE
- Instigator
- Designer
- Project Manager
- Interior Styling + Staging
- Listing Agent
TAKEAWAYS
Work had just begun before COVID-19 brought the world to a halt. After shutting down the project for several weeks, panic gave way to opportunity. The small and nimble crew was able to socially distance in an open air space, and revealed the original structure and beautiful beams under decades of layers. One of our favorite elements was an intricate ceiling design, expertly executed by a talented carpenter who was not afraid to spend hours obsessing over geometry while mostly upside down. The Gabel Family visited the completed house on Valentine’s Day, reenacting prom photos from the preserved staircase and lounging in the formal living room where Grandma Gabel had forbidden them as kids. It was a trip and a treat.
