32 E Merchant

The house at 32 E Merchant St was built in 1900 and eventually became known as the Mackin Farmhouse. It holds significance and distinction as one of Audobon's Centennial homes. It was originally built as two bedroom one bath dwelling featuring American Chestnut woodwork throughout. In 1974 the home was sold and the wainscoting and trim woodwork which had been entirely pained began a three year transition of being restored to its natural state. Unbeknownst to us the technique we used to restore it was called Japanese Shou Sugi Bon. The process entail stripping the paint from the wood and then lightly burning (Charing) allowing the softer portions of it to be removed by wire brushing It was then washed and waved revealing the rich texture of the grain and deep beauty. Over the years numerous remodeling events took place adding the dormers and four bedrooms and bath as well as conversion of the kitchen and breakfast room. The back porch and IPE deck soon followed. The separate basement areas were used as playroom, workshop and storage area. The landscaping has developed over the last fifty years but the azaleas have remained the main attraction. People visit each year to see the beautiful diminutive flower of the large azalea next ro the "ships mast" cedar tree by the driveway.