Reclaiming the Stone Walkway at our Farmhouse
The Walkway
In spring 2014, while installing a barrel-shaped stone patio near the tasting house, we noticed large, buried stones in the lawn. Old photos suggested there had once been a walkway connecting the house to the summer kitchen.
Excited by the discovery, we started skinning the area using sharp edged shovels and a mattock. We unearthed a path made of semi-flat native stones of varying sizes. Some stones were too large to move; others were curved or uneven, and the walkway varied from two to five feet wide. We skinned the area to the vicinity of the creek and up around the western side of the house.
When Terry suggested asking our vineyard crew to help, the timing was perfect—pruning was finished, and the growing season had not yet begun. One crew member had masonry skills, and soon we were on our way. I didn’t want to buy new stones that wouldn’t match, so I began “mining” the property: I found flat stones in Dutchman’s Creek and others scattered across the farm. After a few days using tractors, chains, and digging bars, I had two large pallets of stone.
Our impromptu stoneworkers excavated a uniform trench, compacted a base of asphalt millings, and hand-set each stone. The finished path curves gracefully from the tasting house to the patio. A retaining wall built from leftover stone gave it a final historic flourish.
Rebuilt Walkway to Bridge Extended Walkway To Summer Kitchen
Reclamation Tips: Rediscovering and Reviving a Stone Walkway
1. Look for Clues
Sunken paths, uneven grass lines, or partial stones peeking through soil near old doors, gates, or outbuildings often mark the path of a buried walkway.
2. Excavate Gently
Use a flat spade and hand tools to uncover stone edges. Don’t pry with force—early stones may be brittle or precariously balanced.
3. Clean and Re-lay if Needed
Remove weeds and debris. If stones have shifted, lift them, dig out the area, lay a compacted base of soil and sand, and replace. Aim to match the original layout—irregular stones are part of the charm.
4. Mind the Drainage
Paths should slope slightly away from buildings. Regrade if water puddles or flows back toward the foundation.
5. Encourage the Patina
Moss, thyme, or creeping ground covers can be tucked between stones to echo the look of the past. Avoid using modern weed barriers or synthetic liners—they interfere with drainage and authenticity.
6. Avoid Power-Washing
Pressure washers can damage older stone and erase the aged finish. Use a soft brush and mild water rinse instead.
7. Document Before and After
Photograph your restoration process for family records—or to share on your blog or historical tour signage. A restored walkway tells as much story as the buildings it connects.
© 2025 Terry Housel. All rights reserved.
This work may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the author, except for brief quotations in reviews or scholarly works.
