The house seemed on the brink of collapsing until one family took charge
Tucked away in the heart of York, Pennsylvania, stands a grand Victorian structure that was once forgotten by time. Built in 1887, the Hench House was, for many years, nothing more than a decaying shadow of its former self—a hollow shell with sagging walls, rotting floors, and boarded-up windows that whispered stories of the past to anyone who cared to listen. For decades, the home was left to the mercy of the elements. Its once-proud frame was deemed too dangerous to enter, let alone inhabit.
But in 2016, something changed.
That year, Jim and Jean Leaman—an adventurous, newly retired couple with a deep appreciation for history and craftsmanship—stumbled upon the house during one of their neighborhood walks. Where others saw ruin, they saw possibility. Where others shook their heads and passed by, the Leamans paused and dared to dream.
A Leap of Faith
Purchasing the Hench House was not a logical decision—it was a leap of faith, driven by heart, intuition, and a shared love of old-world charm. The Leamans had never undertaken a restoration of this magnitude before, but they felt an undeniable pull toward the home’s rich architectural features: its ornate woodwork, tall windows, and classic Victorian rooflines. Even in decay, the house exuded a rare, haunting beauty.
What followed was five years of unwavering dedication, sweat, and patience. With no large construction crew and no reality TV makeover budget, the couple poured themselves into every nail, beam, and brushstroke. They stripped back layers of neglect, uncovering original features and painstakingly replicating those that had been lost. They salvaged materials where they could and brought in skilled artisans when needed, always prioritizing authenticity and care.
A Home Reborn
Today, the home has been transformed into something extraordinary. Renamed Lady Linden in honor of the street it rests on and the grace it exudes, the house is now a vibrant, living piece of history. It functions as a bed and breakfast, welcoming travelers who are curious about its past and eager to experience its present.
Walk inside, and you’ll be met with a warm kaleidoscope of color and texture. Stained-glass windows, restored to their former brilliance, cast glowing patterns on hardwood floors composed of five distinct wood types. Each room reveals thoughtful design choices that blend historical charm with modern comfort. The parlor invites quiet conversation beneath original ceiling medallions. The kitchen—once gutted beyond use—has been brought back to life with handcrafted cabinetry and vintage accents.
Upstairs, five bedrooms each tell a different story. One is adorned in soft pastels, evoking a sense of peaceful nostalgia; another bursts with deep, rich tones and antique brass fixtures. No two rooms are the same, yet each one feels like home. In the attic, what was once a dusty crawlspace has been reimagined as a cozy office nook—a quiet retreat for reading, writing, or simply gazing out the dormer window.
Beyond the Boards and Beams
But perhaps the most powerful element of the Lady Linden story is not what’s visible—it’s what was restored emotionally. For Jim and Jean, the house became more than a passion project; it was a purpose. A shared mission. A new chapter in retirement that blended creativity, resilience, and legacy-building.
The transformation of the Hench House has resonated far beyond its neighborhood. Preservationists, old-home enthusiasts, and curious locals have flocked to see what’s possible when two people decide not to let something beautiful disappear. Schools now bring students to learn about Victorian architecture and the value of restoration. Fellow homeowners seeking inspiration often knock on the door, asking for advice—or simply to say thank you.
A Lasting Legacy
The Hench House, now the Lady Linden, is more than just a home—it’s a symbol. A reminder that history doesn’t have to be erased. That love and labor can resurrect even the most broken places. And that with vision, respect, and hard work, we can build bridges between past and present.
Jim and Jean Leaman didn’t just save a house—they breathed life back into a landmark. In doing so, they created something timeless.