When we met at Sligo with Dovetail Cultural Group a few weeks ago it was like a light bulb went off with one of the more confusing aspects of the house. I’ll try and describe it from the basement up to the 2nd floor of the house.
In the basement there are obvious remains of an old stairwell. Just above that is currently a very long and narrow half bathroom. And, just above that, is a small room just off the master bedroom that doesn’t seem to have much purpose (it was really the most confounding of spaces). However, it was our tour with Dovetail that helped enlighten us and it turns out all three spaces would have been the servant’s stairs, just on the other side of the main stairs. The picture that I received of Sligo in her original state shows a door off the front porch which would also lead one to believe that this would have been the servant’s stairs. At some point in the last 120 years that was changed to incorporate a life without servants (I’m guessing…although can I have servants? Or at least a nanny? Maybe a maid? Fine, just a personal shopper. I don’t ask for much).
Our plans for the basement space will probably be a full bath in order to incorporate apartment living on that level. On the 1st floor that space will remain a 1/2 bath but will also include a washer and dryer. On the 2nd floor we plan on adding a wall, another doorway and turning that basically unusable space into a master bathroom. It all makes sense in my head so I apologize if it reads really crazy.
I’m including pictures to try and give an idea of what I am talking about but keep in mind it’s dark in the house because many, if not all, of the windows are boarded up. Also, enjoy a cameo from Twila & Co.!
To the left, and over Johnna’s head, you can see the remnants of the basement stairs.
On the 1st floor and just above the aforementioned basement area is currently where there is a half bath. Straightaway is where the door off the front porch would have been. It is now a transom window that is just out of the picture. (picture taken from the Zillow listing, 2 August 2018)
The 2nd story portion is harder to photograph. To the right of the picture you see a door leading to the master bedroom into what is the small room. (picture taken from the Zillow listing, 2 August 2018)
Looking into the small room off the master bedroom you see a closet and to the right of the picture is the doorway leading to the actual bedroom itself.
Bringing Back Sligo 