Okauchee House

The Okauchee House was operated as a stagecoach stop until approximately 1874. After passing through a series of owners, it was opened as a weekend resort in 1911. Closed in 1929, the inn reverted to a private residence, and was divided into apartments in 1978. The original clapboards were covered with Transite siding in 1939, and the exterior shutters were relegated to the basement. The decorative pilasters and much of the ornamental molding was removed in 1939.

In the summer and fall of 2005 the Transite siding was removed to reveal the original white cedar clapboard siding. About 45% of the siding was in such poor condition that it could not be salvaged. New cedar siding was carefully matched to the old clapboards. In several areas the laid up planks that compose the exterior walls were rotted. These sections were carefully cut out and replaced with planking to match the original structure.

Once the siding was repaired or replaced, the inn was painted. It took 73 gallons of white primer and paint to complete the job. The old shutters were painted a deep forest green to match the original color.

Work has been completed that stabilized the foundation of the building and restored the storm cellar entrance.

Photos of Exterior Renovation By SVE Inc