FORT THOMAS, Ky. – Bert and Diane Thomas decided that they didn’t want their historic home to be a haunted house. So they gave their spirits a home away from home with a "Spirit House."
"There is an old family essence that pervades the house but we chased all the ghosts and spirits into the woods. That's why we built the 'Spirit House,' a place for spirits of the land to reside after being pushed from their habitation," said Bert.
While the Thomases started some major renovations on their Fort Thomas, Ky., home in 2007, one idea took precedence. It was a newly constructed addition to their property, a "Spirit House," which was born in ’06.
"We conceived the idea of a building a 'Spirit House' in early 2006 in the early days of the restoration," remembered Bert. "It started with a drawing of a small, windowed seasonal structure on poles perched on the back hillside."
Over the next three years the concept grew.
The "Spirit House" is based strongly on that architectural style, with its corner pole construction.
The couple asked the architect that they were working with on their restorations, Ashli Slawter, to bring the concept to a practical design and then gave her their drawing and a couple of books on the architecture and style of Thai houses.
From that, Slawter produced drawings and handed them over to contractor J.R. Stull.
"JR's excellent resources of talented tradesmen, like carpenters Brian Connett, Chuck and Roy, made the project a huge success," said Bert.
The four corner poles of the "Spirit House" extend to the roofline and are visible from inside. The overhangs provide cover from monsoons and shade from the summer sun.
Technically, however, it is not a true "Spirit House," Bert said.
"In Thailand, when a house is built, the Thais believe you displace the spirits that inhabited the land. They build a very small Thai-style structure for the displaced spirits to inhabit and place offerings of food or other items for the spirits."
Bert and his wife, who lived in Thailand, made their "Spirit House," almost completely out of cedar and large enough to accommodate them as well as the spirits.
So far no complaints from the spirits.
You can see the historic Thomas Home and their unusual "Spirit House" on the Fort Thomas Tour of Homes on Saturday, Oct. 24 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Their home is located at 28 Barret Ave.
For more information about their home and the tour visit the 2009 Fort Thomas Tour of Homes special section.
