Takin’ It Downtown - Old Town New Vibe

The Victorian homes of Historic Downtown Brunswick are major part of the area’s charm. They demonstrate a wide array of styles and architecture from a bygone era. Here we take a peek inside three of these homes and meet the couples who own them. 

As residents of Historic Downtown Brunswick, Lance and Kate Sabbe always wanted to purchase and restore a historic home. This became a reality for them in 2013, when they acquired the Captain Lomb house just a block from the landmark Lover’s Oak. Lomb, a tugboat captain, built the house in the late 1890s for his Swedish bride. Brunswick was an ideal place for him to settle as he escorted ships into the ports of Brunswick, Savannah, Darien, and Jacksonville. Lomb is credited for introducing to Glynn County its first Camellia. As the plant is native to Japan, it's likely he acquired seeds from one of the many merchant vessels he encountered.

This historic home had seen some rough times over previous few years and need some major TLC. The Sabbes took on the challenge with installation of a new roof, complete kitchen remodel, complete plumbing replacement, and paint and floor refinishing. Old houses are a project of love, and this husband-and-wife team doesn’t mind putting in the hard work to cross projects off the list. The most recently completed project was custom built-in cabinets and shelves in the main dining room. And no doubt, many more will follow!

Candice and Steven Murray had been dreaming of a home in downtown Brunswick for a while. She explains, “I love the energy of the historic district. There is a closeness among the neighbors that sets this corner of Glynn County apart. They have their own vibe based in the simplicity of life and kindness, and a love of old homes. We just wanted to be a part of that.” So, when the opportunity arose in winter 2020 to purchase the downtown home that had been owned by the Hart family for almost six decades, they knew they couldn’t let it pass. With an added flourish from Candice’s PR background to express the sentiment she feels every time she gazes out over Halifax Square from the front porch swing, the house is now known as Sweet Hart House. She says, “It’s a sweet old house that will make you fall in love with the past. Old houses just have heart!”

Candice and Steven are still trying to research the house’s history, but they know it was built in 1900 or earlier, possibly initially without indoor plumbing, though the house boasts 3½ bathrooms now. Candice says, “The most difficult decisions during the renovation process were resolved by sticking with our promise to the house: to honor the history and craftsmanship while balancing cost efficiency. We want her to be here for another 120 years, hopefully with our descendants still enjoying the front porch.” 

Lauren Doucet and her husband Michael Brown couldn't imagine living anywhere other than downtown Brunswick! Lauren explains, “We love being surrounded by the beautiful oaks, savoring the fun eclecticism, and having friends sprinkled throughout SoGlo.” For years, their dream house had been The Ferguson House originally built in 1919 and previously owned by Ernie and Joy Craft. “In 2021, the stars aligned,” Lauren says, “and thanks to a handwritten note and impeccable timing, it became ours. Much like it was Mr. Craft’s, our favorite space in the house is the screened porch.” The Live Oaks in front of the house are named Sarah and Edna, after the Ferguson sisters, the home’s original owners, and are registered with the Live Oak Society of Louisiana.