Jake and Wendy Jacobs, high school sweethearts, married and headed for college in eastern Kansas in 1963. From there, it was a stint in the US Air Force for Jake, including a tour of duty in Viet Nam as an F-100 fighter pilot. Back in the states, Louisiana to be exact, Jake partnered with a friend and started a real estate company, then built and operated central Louisiana's first state-of-the-art health and fitness center. Wendy modeled professionally, recorded a gospel album, entertained all over the south, and together the two of them raised two active sons, Marc and Clay.

It was when they decided to purchase their first old house that the Jacobs discovered they truly shared a common gift....that of home preservationists, in every true sense of the word.

The couple had a way of seeing through years of neglect, peeling paint, sad, sagging timbers and every manner of degradation that often befalls these antiquated relics. Said Wendy, "A new home is all clean and shiny, but it has no history, no character." In the 1980’s it was the complete restoration of Evergreen Plantation in Louisiana.

They later moved to the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and in 1999 purchased a ranch north of Gunnison, which included an 1885 cabin and barn. The roof on the cabin had all but collapsed, but the outer logs were sound. Through a two-year process Jake, Wendy and their carpenters worked to restore the place to its original integrity. Today Hinkle’s Spur stands as a tribute to what can be done to preserve history with care, hard work and dedication. The old railroad grade is still visible and the last remaining stockyards along the route remain intact on the ranch. "Log Home Living" has come calling and wants to feature the cabin in their magazine. But the "greatest reward," said Jake, "is to have old-timers stop by and say, we’re so proud of what you have done to save this place."

*Note: In 1955 Hollywood movie director John Ford brought a cast and crew to Hinkle’s Spur and filmed winter snow scenes for the classic western movie "The Searchers," starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter and Natalie Wood. In 1964 he returned again for "Cheyenne Autumn," starring Richard Widmark. Actor Jack Elam later included the historic landmark in a western movies documentary.

Fast forward to 2005....the day Jake drove past the Gaston Livery Stable in Aiken, S.C.and noticed a realtor putting a sign in the yard. He knew it was meant to be, particularly since he and Wendy had talked about the magnificent old place many times and about how it needed rescuing. They purchased the property, then hired arguably the best historic preservationist in South Carolina, Grant Larlee, and embarked on a new adventure.....to bring "The Stable" back to life. At present, restoration on the house is all but complete. Next comes the 12,000 square foot brick barn......Yes, when the Jacobs are in the market for a "new home," they start with an "old one."