Exterior Restoration of Historic Berrong-Oakley House Nears Completion

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A before and after pic show the progress being made on the Berron-Oakley House project.

Press Release

The Berrong-Oakley House has undergone a major transformation in recent weeks as work

continues to preserve the historic Hiawassee landmark for future generations.

Thanks to community donations and fundraising efforts led by the Towns County Historical

Society, the home’s exterior restoration is now largely complete.

One of the largest portions of the project involved restoring the home’s wooden siding. After

carefully inventorying its condition, the restoration crew determined that the majority of the

original siding could be saved. Only boards that were beyond repair were replaced, with new

pieces custom-milled on site to match the profile of the historic siding. Crews also repaired

architectural features that contribute to the character of the house, including its crown molding

and decorative gingerbread details in the gables. The work aimed to preserve the home’s historic

appearance rather than alter its original features.

Following the repairs, the exterior was washed and prepared for painting. A specialized primer

was applied before the final coats of paint, which were completed through a combination of

spraying and detailed handwork. The exterior colors were selected through a community survey

conducted by the Historical Society last year, allowing residents to participate in the restoration

process.

“This house belongs to the community, and we have tried to include the community in its

restoration whenever possible,” said Tyler Osborn, president of the Towns County Historical

Society. “From selecting the paint colors to supporting the project through donations, residents

have played an important role in bringing this landmark back to life. Seeing this phase of the

project nearing completion makes this transformation even more meaningful.”

The porch ceilings were painted “haint blue,” continuing a tradition commonly associated with

Southern homes. The custom has roots in Gullah Geechee culture along the coasts of Georgia

and South Carolina, where shades of blue were traditionally believed to protect homes from

troublesome spirits known as “haints.” Over time, blue porch ceilings became a familiar

architectural feature throughout the South as the trend spread. Detail lighting has also been

installed along the front porch. In addition to highlighting the home’s restored features, the

lighting will support its planned use as a community event and heritage center.

The remaining exterior work includes addressing minor areas of weather-related surface

deterioration along the foundation before it becomes a structural issue, custom-building the

arched railing for the front porch, and repairing the rear porch steps while retaining their historic

character.

Although the exterior is approaching completion, additional work remains before the Berrong-

Oakley House can open to the public. The Historical Society will continue its fundraising efforts

to complete the building’s interior and prepare it for its future role in the community. To learn

more about the project or make a tax-deductible donation, visit townscountyhistory.org/boh.