After restoring a 160-year-old house, she returned history to former families

Lauren Iraeta and her husband bought an old house by the waterfront, not anticipating the unexpected historical journey that awaited them. After converting the 160-year-old property into a restored home, Iraeta, a 44-year-old real estate agent, became a historical investigator, delving into the lives of those who had once lived there.

The renovation process took 10 months, during which the couple made structural repairs, opened interior walls, and added bathrooms while preserving the house's historic charm. Once completed, Iraeta began researching the house's history, eventually discovering it was built around 1860 by a sea captain, a fact not previously known from local town records.

As she explored the house's features, Iraeta found names carved into the widow’s walk, a rooftop element where wives historically watched for returning ships. She compiled a list of all the property's owners and their respective living periods. This research led her to the descendants of former residents, including the 80s-old grandchildren of the home’s third owners, who were unaware of their late father's penned memoir from 1910 about his childhood in the house and surrounding area.

Iraeta contacted these descendants and presented them with the family document, bringing to light forgotten history. She also discovered a pet cemetery in the backyard, and continues to reach out to descendants to uncover more stories and names associated with the animals buried there.

Having spent 21 years as a real estate agent, Iraeta has gained a newfound appreciation for the stories behind houses and property ownership. She expressed her gratitude for being part of this historical journey, feeling connected to those who came before, and eager to uncover more secrets the house may hold.