This house looked like it was about to fall into itself until one family stepped in!

The transformation of the exterior alone is breathtaking. Once a gray, decaying ghost, the house now stands as a beacon of Queen Anne design, painted in a vibrant palette of historically accurate colors. The intricate woodwork, gables, and ornate finishes have been meticulously restored, inspiring neighbors to follow suit and sparking a “snowball effect” of revitalization throughout the Avenues. The Leamans’ work was so transformative that the Hench House was eventually chosen to grace the cover of the definitive guide, Restoring Your Historic House, by Scott T. Hanson, who described the project as one of the most dramatic “before and after” examples in the country.

However, it is the interior of the home—now affectionately known as “The Lady Linden”—that truly leaves visitors breathless. Stepping through the front door feels less like entering a house and more like stepping onto a film set, with a magical, “Harry Potter-esque” atmosphere. The grand staircase and soaring ceilings create a sense of scale that is rarely seen in modern construction. The flooring is a masterclass in Victorian craftsmanship, utilizing five different types of wood to create intricate patterns. Throughout the day, the house is illuminated by a “rainbow of colors” as light pierces through restored stained-glass panels, casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the restored family room.

Each of the five bedrooms on the second floor has been uniquely decorated to tell its own story. The Leamans filled these rooms with period-accurate antiques, including a 19th-century Weaver organ and family heirlooms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that bridges the gap between a museum and a home. Perhaps the most charming detail is found at the very top of the house: a small, sun-drenched room in the attic that serves as a perfect office or retreat, offering a quiet view over the neighborhood that the couple fought so hard to save.

Beyond the aesthetics, the Leamans modernized the “bones” of the structure to ensure it would stand for another 130 years. They replaced every inch of plumbing and wiring and installed a comprehensive interior and exterior sprinkler system—a rare and expensive safety feature for a private residence. Their dedication was fueled by a desire to connect their future guests to the history of York. After the restoration was complete, they opened the Lady Linden as a bed and breakfast, using the house as a tool to encourage visitors to explore the city’s downtown and appreciate its architectural heritage.

The story of Jim and Jean Leaman is a powerful reminder that “anything is possible” when vision is backed by determination. They didn’t just save a house; they saved a piece of American history. In April 2019, the Leamans eventually passed the torch to new owners, but their legacy remains etched into every piece of natural wood stripped by hand and every Victorian-style wallpapered ceiling. The Lady Linden stands today not as a ruin, but as a “magical place” and a stunning showpiece that proves even the most neglected structures can be restored to glory with enough love and hard work.