How do you make a 200-year-old Lunenburg house come back to life? It takes ingenuity and hard work. Steve Israel, president of the Lunenburg County Historical Society, and his wife Pat have exhibited both of these traits at Aspen Hill Farm to bring this venerable old home into the 21st century while maintaining the historical integrity of the house. Israel’s Two-Star Construction team has made this transformation a reality.

The public is invited to take advantage of this “behind the scenes” tour, as you learn about the original construction techniques used in 1818 that have allowed Aspen Hill to withstand the test of time. In addition, you will see how the house has been transformed with all of the conveniences of modern life: an attractive kitchen with up-to-date appliances, bathrooms with indoor plumbing, multiple closets for storage, a handsome master suite, a charming deck, up-to-date wiring for today’s electronic media and more.

Meet Dr. Lewis Archer Boswell who grew up in this home, a member of the third generation of Boswells to live here. Although a medical doctor, Boswell had a consuming interest in flight. He is remembered for aeronautical patents that he received prior to the Wright brothers’ invention of the airplane. Landon Bell, author of the important Lunenburg history, The Old Free State, was so intrigued with Dr. Boswell and his inventions that he devoted an entire chapter to the subject, “Dr. Boswell Invents an Airplane.”

Step back in time while admiring the modern updates at Aspen Hill Farm, located in its rural setting at 2284 Wallace’s Bridge Road. The house can be accessed by following South Broad Street out of Kenbridge. Keep straight and this will take you via a short distance on Craig Mill Road to Plank Road where you bear to the right. Then follow Plank Road for 7.7 miles until you reach the right turn off Plank Road onto Wallace’s Bridge Road. The house will be on your left about one mile down Wallace’s Bridge Road. Aspen Hill will be open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17, from 1-5 p.m. each day. The house tour benefits projects of the Lunenburg County Historical Society.