Sink-tacular!

This week has been an adventure as we've sought, found and driven to far off places (ok we didn't leave Massachusetts, but as those of you who live in Worcester County know ... the South Shore might as well be a different country) to find the sink of our dreams.

From the beginning, we knew we wanted a large, deep, double basin soapstone sink to use in the kitchen. We envisioned the way one would look surrounded by the custom cabinets and built-in appliances by New England Country. As you may know ... new, quality soapstone sinks are available, but can be very expensive. But, we never wanted a new one. We sought an antique, handmade sink that had lived many lives serving generations before us. One that would add the right character to The Joseph Maynard House.

That is what New England Country is all about – giving new life to reclaimed materials. But ... as you may also know ... finding an antique piece like this that is in "good shape" is a daunting task. We've looked at many over the past few months and either the price was well above our budget, or the ones that fit our financial parameters were riddled with cracks and chips.

This week, after a comprehensive search on Craigslist.com, we found exactly what we desired. We saw the photos, scrolled down to the price and after sitting for a moment with jaws dropped, we sprang into action. We needed this sink! And we got it.

All it needs is a little polish and shine to revive it's former glory. And the best part is, it has the history we wanted to bring to our home. The piece used to be the main kitchen sink of a breathtaking late-19th century home. The same family has occupied the mansion-like estate for more than 100 years - but after the death of the most-recent patriarch, the home is being put on the market. The sink, which had been demoted to the basement many years ago was practically "given" to us ... much to our pleasure.

Take a look at the photo below, taken on-site at the soapstone sink's former home:

Adding to our sink-tacular week was another amazing find, this time closer to home in Hudson, MA. Just last evening we acquired a massive antique deep-basin porcelain sink for our laundry room. It will fit perfectly with New England Country's plans for the custom-built laundry room.

Our banner week just goes to show that one man's trash is another man's treasure. And we couldn't be happier that the treasure is ours.