NORTHUMBERLAND — A grand old house in Northumberland is coming back to life as a venue for weddings, receptions and other events, thanks to the efforts of two men.
David Hollobaugh and Mathew Strauser bought the former Savidge family home at 620 Front St. at auction last summer, and for the past several weeks they’ve been hard at work with a crew landscaping the two-acre site.
“We’ve brought in a number of cast iron items, including the gates and a 20-foot fountain,” said Strauser. “We’ve planted 100 roses for a rose garden.”
Strauser and Hollabaugh, former owners of the Riverview Bed and Breakfast in Sunbury, have plunged into their latest venture with their usual enthusiasm.
“It’s a great old property,” said Strauser, taking a break from planting shrubs around the fountain. “We hope the former owners looking down from above are pleased.”
The Savidge home, a two-story structure with Italianate accents, was originally built in the 1850s for Frances Priestley, a granddaughter of Dr. Joseph Priestley, who married Harry Toulmin in 1859.
In 1918, it was purchased by Claude and Mary Savidge. The property was so isolated at that time that the Savidge family spent the winters in town.
Dr. Luther Savidge, a well-known general practitioner, who lived there with his sister Blanche, an English and Spanish teacher, were the last members of the family to live there.
Strauser and Hollobaugh recruited family and friends to help with the initial clean-up of the grounds, Strauser said.
Anyone who remembers the recent genteel shabbiness of the property will be surprised at the newly mulched flowers beds, statuary and other improvements.
They’ve cleared out the azalea beds and trimmed the hedges and trees and planted new ornamentals.
Strauser said two large topiary animals are expected soon.
Once the outside work is completed, Strauser and Hollabaugh will turn to the interior of the grand old house.
“There’s a suite in the front that will become a bridal suite,” he said. He envisions the suite as a place for the bride and groom to stay after the wedding, since they often don’t leave on their honeymoon until the next day.
Strauser is especially excited about a large handmade tent that will be available for weddings and other events.
“It’s very colorful, with decorations and even fringe around the edges,” he said.
In addition, Strauser envisions holding monthly public events at the house, with entertainment and refreshments.
Strauser said an open house for what they’ve named the Priestley Savidge House is planned for sometime in October to show off the improvements.
Life
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Craig Urey/The Daily Item
A return to grandeur in Northumberland
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