The Hench House in York, Pennsylvania, built in 1887, had long been abandoned and crumbling, a decaying shell feared by neighbors and slated for demolition. When retired couple Jim and Jean Leaman bought it in 2006, most saw a hopeless ruin, but the Leamans saw a masterpiece waiting to be restored. Over five years, they dedicated themselves to returning the Queen Anne Victorian to its original glory, removing inappropriate additions, salvaging period-accurate features, and meticulously restoring intricate woodwork, stained glass, and flooring.
The exterior was transformed from a gray, collapsing structure into a vibrant, historically accurate showpiece, inspiring neighborhood revitalization. Inside, the house—now called “The Lady Linden”—boasts soaring ceilings, grand staircases, and rooms filled with period antiques, including a 19th-century organ, creating a magical, museum-like atmosphere. Modern updates like new plumbing, wiring, and sprinklers ensure the house will stand for generations.
Ultimately, the Leamans didn’t just save a building; they preserved a piece of York’s history, opening the Lady Linden as a bed and breakfast to share its beauty with visitors. Their story is a testament to what vision, passion, and relentless dedication can achieve—turning even the most neglected house into a symbol of architectural and cultural heritage.