The Original House of Brian Manor
House Renovation of Brian Manor
In 1981, Chris purchased a derelict property from Lucy Sweney Cowan that had originally been built in 1885 on 40 acres by her father, W.W. Sweney. Lucy was born there in 1908. When purchased, the house was 900 square feet with an attic and a basement on 1 1/2 acres without indoor plumbing; it had an oil space heater and a 60 amp electric service. Attached to the house was a back porch and a summer kitchen with a coal room. There was a nickel stove in the living room. The last wallpaper had been put up in 1941 by C.D.Winner (he signed it!).
Also on the property was a chicken house, a single car garage, an outhouse, a cistern, and an open pit well. Foundation footprints for a log cabin were also found. There was an old metal fence between the house and the barn, and a 1920’s surrey in the barn.
Soon after purchase of the house, Chris added plumbing, electric, heating and air conditioning, doing all work himself. During this time, he also established and ran an insulation company, working there during the day, and on the house in the evenings. In 1983, he purchased the barn and cornfield (5 acres), and in 1998 purchased 1 1/2 acres behind the creek. The final 6 1/2 acres at the corner of 48 & 122 was purchased in 2002.
In 1990, more changes–the stairway going up to the attic was reconfigured, the attic became a second floor, and the roof was raised. A new kitchen and deck were added on to the back of the house. In 1995, Chris began the construction of the wall that would become the enclosure for the magnificent courtyard. It was standing alone until the next house addition in 1997; it was then attached to the house. The basic framing of the house and garage was done by others, however, Chris laid the foundation himself and did all of the brickwork, as well as most of the interior finishing (drywall, tile, woodwork and trim).
There has never been an architect involved in any plans or design; however, the paneling and fireplace surround in the foyer and the cabinetry in the office were built and installed by Gary Recker.
There were no specific plans for the wall surrounding the courtyard, only inspiration from visiting an 800 year old monastery in Rome. Chris was struck by the permanence of the structure and felt that he wanted to create that feeling on his property. The wall has evolved over the years as he was building it; completed in 2017, it now contains over 100 arches as well as decorative corbelling throughout, sitting/eating areas overlooking the courtyard and arboretum, three turrets, a fireplace, waterfall, and bar area. It attaches from one end of the house to the other on both the upper and lower levels, and can be walked on top of or underneath. It is a testament to vision, hard work, perseverance, and following a dream.
In spring of 2008, Chris and partner Jan Berg commenced a rededication and redecoration of the entire house and landscape. Their vision of establishing a place of celebration, nature and spirit, creative and healing arts, and teaching and learning has now become a reality. Their beautiful home is now open for purposes of renewal, joy, learning, and peace, as well as a romantic getaway.
