In the realm of architectural preservation, there are stories that defy the logic of spreadsheets and renovation budgets, existing instead in the realm of pure passion. One of the most legendary of these tales is the “heroic rescue” of the Hench House in York, Pennsylvania. Built in 1887 during the height of the Industrial Revolution, this Queen Anne Victorian had survived the turn of two centuries, only to face a death sentence in the early 2000s. Abandoned, crumbling, and condemned by local authorities, the house was considered a “big ruin” so dangerous that most people wouldn’t even step onto its rotting porch. Yet, where others saw a pile of debris, Jim and Jean Leaman saw a masterpiece waiting to be rediscovered.
The Hench House, located at 505 Linden Avenue in the historic “Avenues” neighborhood, was a shell of its former self when the Leamans intervened in October 2006. Decades of neglect had allowed the elements to wreak havoc; a quarter of the roof had been missing for years, allowing rain and snow to pour directly into the structure’s core. The result was a cascading failure of ceilings and walls. Termites had claimed much of the frame, and the attic had become a sanctuary for a family of opossums. The house was hidden behind towering, overgrown maple trees, looking very much like it was about to fall into itself. Most residents expected a wrecking ball, but the Leamans—a retired couple with a deep-seated love for York’s historic charm—decided to buy the ruin and embark on a journey that would consume the next five years of their lives.
To understand the scale of their dedication, one must look at the “day in, day out” nature of the work. The Leamans were not wealthy developers; they were hands-on preservationists who performed a significant portion of the labor themselves. Their mission was not just to fix the house, but to restore it to its original 1880s splendor with absolute historical accuracy. This meant stripping away decades of “modern” additions—removing 1930s-era Greek columns that weren’t original and replacing them with period-correct pocket doors salvaged from architectural warehouses. They even went as far as installing magnetic Plexiglas storm windows on the interior so as not to mar the intricate exterior aesthetics.
The transformation of the exterior alone is breathtaking. Once a gray, decaying ghost, the house now stands as a beacon of Queen Anne design, painted in a vibrant palette of historically accurate colors. The intricate woodwork, gables, and ornate finishes have been meticulously restored, inspiring neighbors to follow suit and sparking a “snowball effect” of revitalization throughout the Avenues. The Leamans’ work was so transformative that the Hench House was eventually chosen to grace the cover of the definitive guide, Restoring Your Historic House, by Scott T. Hanson, who described the project as one of the most dramatic “before and after” examples in the country.
However, it is the interior of the home—now affectionately known as “The Lady Linden”—that truly leaves visitors breathless. Stepping through the front door feels less like entering a house and more like stepping onto a film set, with a magical, “Harry Potter-esque” atmosphere. The grand staircase and soaring ceilings create a sense of scale that is rarely seen in modern construction. The flooring is a masterclass in Victorian craftsmanship, utilizing five different types of wood to create intricate patterns. Throughout the day, the house is illuminated by a “rainbow of colors” as light pierces through restored stained-glass panels, casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the restored family room.
Each of the five bedrooms on the second floor has been uniquely decorated to tell its own story. The Leamans filled these rooms with period-accurate antiques, including a 19th-century Weaver organ and family heirlooms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that bridges the gap between a museum and a home. Perhaps the most charming detail is found at the very top of the house: a small, sun-drenched room in the attic that serves as a perfect office or retreat, offering a quiet view over the neighborhood that the couple fought so hard to save.
Beyond the aesthetics, the Leamans modernized the “bones” of the structure to ensure it would stand for another 130 years. They replaced every inch of plumbing and wiring and installed a comprehensive interior and exterior sprinkler system—a rare and expensive safety feature for a private residence. Their dedication was fueled by a desire to connect their future guests to the history of York. After the restoration was complete, they opened the Lady Linden as a bed and breakfast, using the house as a tool to encourage visitors to explore the city’s downtown and appreciate its architectural heritage.
The story of Jim and Jean Leaman is a powerful reminder that “anything is possible” when vision is backed by determination. They didn’t just save a house; they saved a piece of American history. In April 2019, the Leamans eventually passed the torch to new owners, but their legacy remains etched into every piece of natural wood stripped by hand and every Victorian-style wallpapered ceiling. The Lady Linden stands today not as a ruin, but as a “magical place” and a stunning showpiece that proves even the most neglected structures can be restored to glory with enough love and hard work.
