Last November I was in Southern Pines for one night. I had been looking forward to seeing the progress that had been made on the house and grounds of the property at the southeast corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Ashe Street.

In January 2004, I wrote a letter to the editor expressing concern and disappointment over the condition of the property that was vacant at that time. The Pilot titled my letter "Help Neglected Home."

What a difference five years can make! The house has now been carefully restored. The interior has become a new home with 21st century amenities. The exterior has been thoughtfully restored to reflect its Queen Anne origins along with attractive enhancements. It is a joy to behold.

The icing on the cake of this fabulous project is the landscaping with seasonal grass and beautiful shrubbery that will mature and add softness and warmth to the house.

I salute Jarrett Deerwester for his vision and perseverance in bringing this special project to fruition.

My family members who are all deceased now would be so proud of him. I wish Deerwester and his wife a long and happy life in this wonderful house.

Louise Milliken Howard

Savannah, Ga.