The Homestead at Rehoboth: An Extreme Makeover!

On an early January weekend, a call for help went out and the community responded with vigor, power tools, and Krispy Kreme Donuts.

The story involves Rehoboth gals Judy Hedrick and Mary Ford, who recently moved into an old farmhouse right in the middle of "suburban" Rehoboth. Located at the corner of Old Landing and Plantation Roads, by the well-known four-way stop sign, the house was listed as a working B&B, but the old Three Maples property was anything but ready for guests.

With it’s circa 1899 farmhouse and spacious site, potential was great. But the place, which had been part of a working farm until the 1980’s needed a complete make-over.

The place needed new bathrooms, new paint, new floors and new ideas. There were handicapped access issues to solve, floors to sand, and colors to pick. The new proprietors re-named the former farmhouse The Homestead at Rehoboth and made lists and lists of chores to be done before they would ever think of inviting the public to take advantage of their hospitality.

They tackled the list of chores and buckled down to do the renovations.

As often happens, life’s unexpected events intervened. Family issues and injuries played a role and slowed the evolution of the new B&B. In addition to the farmhouse, the two-acre site, with swimming pool, cabana house, and yes, real barn, complete with room for haystacks, needed more attention than the duo could give it before spring.

Help!!!!

Sharon Messina, a.k.a. DJ Shark, who publishes an e-mail newsletter keeping lots of local women appraised of the events in town put out the call: "Our friends Judy and Mary purchased a local B&B, which is why you have not seen them for a good long time! Due to personal and physical setbacks, they need help getting the B&B ready for the 2004 season.

Judy and Mary have been there for us so many times, generously opening their former home to us for potlucks and parties. We will be just as welcome in their new digs, and they look forward to hosting us after their grand opening.

BUT FIRST, it is time for us to give back.... They are in great need of painters, carpenters, electricians, movers, helping hands and moral support.

Anyone interested in helping, come Saturday, January 3 and January 10 starting at 10 a.m. Coffee and goodies will be provided to get going in the morning, and we’ll finish the day with pizza and beer (and soft drinks, or course!).

If you have any special skills (painter, electrician, etc.) please call them directly to speak about their needs in advance. Otherwise, just show up, be ready to receive marching orders and pitch in…"

The response was swift and energetic.

By 11 a.m. teams of women were stationed throughout the house, following the lists of chores that had been posted in each room.

The plumber, the painter, the candlestick maker worked independently. The person pulling the staples out of the previously-carpeted hardwood flooring on the stairs had patience beyond measure. One fearless soul stood knee deep in the crawl space re-routing plumbing.

"Right after people arrived, they traded in coffee cups and chat for paint brushes and spackle. It was wonderful to see people lend a hand—especially right after the busy holiday season," said Judy.

The crews included Donna Chmielewski, Sharon Messina, Bonnie Quesenberry, Georgia Mitchell, Tedi Kohinke, Mary Ellen Sauser, Gail Berkman, Chris Oakbrae, and many more.

"The place looked like a whole new house at the end of the first day," says Mary, who saw her friends pitch in by hauling debris, spackling, pulling nails or whatever it took.

At one point, Mary’s brother Dan and his wife Kim dropped by just to say hello and next thing anyone knew, they were hauling wallboard.

There were other friends who stopped by to prepare food for the troops, and still others who came by just to keep everyone energized.

"There was certainly something for every skill level—or lack there of!" said Judy, laughing at her own efforts.

By 3 p.m. Saturday, most of the rooms sported bright new colors, old furniture had been deposited at a thrift shop, and the gang was admiring the newly-revealed hard-wood floors.

As it gets closer to spring, and the official opening date of the all-new Homestead at Rehoboth, the place is really starting to shape up.

Judy, a retired teacher, and Mary, who works for Dupont, envision a comfortable beach-house resort. "It will be a friendly place, where people can enjoy a bit of the country along with their beach experience. We’ll be pet friendly, and there will be accessible rooms for people with disabilities."

And just like the spirit of the team that got the work done at the Homestead, the place will echo an inclusive welcome to all who visit.

Stop by and check it out.

For more information on The Homestead B&B, call 302-226-7625.