"Pink House" memories

Dear editor:

I, too, have memories of the pink house, now the Dusty Rose Inn.

Being a Mountain Home native, I have watched this house as it changed throughout the years, the various shades of pink it wore, the magnificent trees and their seasonal attire. I was saddened to see it fall into a state of disrepair over the years.

It has been exciting over the last 5 years to watch it being brought back to life. The grounds now host a variety of gardens and lush green lawns. The home is vibrant and once again full of color inside and out, inviting laughter and relaxation.

When Jen and Jon Sowers fell in love with the "pink house" they moved in and while living in the home the last for the last 5 years, they worked on everything they could do on their own. They had both porches rebuilt, brought the electrical, plumbing and heating up to code and started on refinishing the wood trim, among many other tasks.

This was all done while they also worked at full time jobs.

I have been lucky enough to actually participate in the end stages of the restoration. I have seen only a portion of the blood, sweat and love for the house that has gone into bringing it back to life. I am in awe of the amount of research and planning that has gone into their effort to maintain the integrity of the heart of this home and their respect of its history.

They were able to incorporate much of the original material, like the amazing windows and old doors, leaving the original trim inside with its great little details.

They are even working on having the house listed with the

Historical Society. I know they would love to hear even more stories regarding life in the pink house, perhaps even have them written up so the guests could read and enjoy them.

The Dusty Rose is not "just a business," it is a home, brought back to life with love and determination and a patience seldom seen. A place, for people to gather, a place for new beginnings, weddings, family reunions. A place to attend Christmas functions, egg hunts at Easter and a place that will become a center of life in this town. This is now a gathering place with open arms and a warm and comfortable interior in which to sit and enjoy the architecture that was so painstakingly preserved.

I for one, would like to thank the Sowers for the work they have done in preserving what is an icon of sorts for our town and giving it a second chance at life.

Diane Robson