By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Rutledge residents Jeffrey and Michelle Jeffcoat have embarked on a captivating adventure, weaving their dreams for tomorrow with the threads of yesteryear and the rich tapestry of local history by restoring a historic local home. 

The couple recently found themselves drawn to a property just over the Crenshaw County line in Butler County. The property, steeped in stories of days gone by, was once home to the Hamilton family. 

Among its treasures is a photograph of Paul Hamilton (1923–2014), the seller’s father, as a young man standing proudly beside a blooming gardenia bush. In a beautiful twist of fate, that same shrub still graces the grounds today, filling the air with its timeless fragrance and acting as a living connection to the past.

For Michelle, the allure of historic homes has always been part of her personal story. “I’ve loved old houses for as long as I can remember,” Michelle said. “When I was a little girl, my grandparents’ house on [Crenshaw County Road] 77 was my favorite place. It’s still standing. Every other Sunday after church, I’d run through those big rooms, get to help in the cozy kitchen and enjoy their small farm. I just adored every bit of it.”

This love for the charm of bygone eras led the Jeffcoats on their search for land. However, their journey has not been without its hurdles.

“It felt like every time we found something, it was gone the next day,” Michelle said.”

Then, just before Veterans Day, Jeffrey stumbled upon a new listing and, half as a joke, sent it to Michelle.

“I think he thought I’d outright dismiss it,” Michelle said. “Well, the joke was on him.”

Drawn to the property’s potential, the couple decided to visit that very Friday. The moment Michelle stepped onto the grounds, she was smitten. 

“The old house, the serene pond, the sprawling land — it all felt like it was meant to be ours,”she said.

That day, they signed the contract, transforming a long-held dream into reality. For Michelle, the historic property brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth. 

“I think the thing that reminds me most of my grandparents’ house is that it feels like a gathering place—a place for family to come together. It’s almost as if you can feel the love an old house holds,” she said. “It’s smaller than my grandparents’ old house, but there’s something special about it.”

The Jeffcoats’ journey is just beginning, and each discovery promises to reveal special treasures and tales from the past. 

Editor’s Note: This article is the first installment in a five-part series focusing on the home’s restoration. Stay tuned next week for part two as the blend of history, preservation and new beginnings continues to shape the Jeffcoat’s adventure.