Page 18 - Classically Carolina 2017

from the University of South Carolina with a it. There’s just something magic about that house.
degree in graphic design and began work at It was like it was a time capsule from the (19)50s.”
Sporting Classics magazine in Camden. Laurie’s estimate that it would take six months
Duncan, general counsel for Blue Cross Blue to get the old place, once a boarding house, up and
Shield of South Carolina, graduated from USC’s running again fell a little short. Nearly two years
School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree later, the contractor and his team had the house
from the College of Charleston and was part of a where the McIntoshes wanted it.
fraternity that included members from Camden. In giving the Fair Street property a makeover,
The McIntoshes started doing their homework few, if any, walls were torn down. Rooms were
for the move. One concern was their respective repurposed. The old windows and inside and
commutes to their workplaces in Columbia. outside doors were saved and refinished.
Duncan’s trip wouldn’t be much different mileage- The kitchen was one room Duncan, who enjoys
wise, but Laurie’s daily drive to her studio in cooking and trying new meals, wanted a definite
Columbia’s Vista would be longer. say in its design. He picked out the appliances and
The couple came looking for a unique place to call arranged things the way he wanted.
home in an established neighborhood. They Now settled into their new life in Camden, the
wanted what Laurie termed “a little renovation McIntoshes are becoming more ingrained in their
project.” new community.
She kept being drawn back to an 1885 Queen While Duncan continues to commute to work,
Victorian House on Fair Street. “It looked like the Laurie’s work is done in Camden in her studio
Addams Family house,” she said in referencing above Davis and Sons Guitar Shop. She paints in
the popular 1960s TV comedy.” But after walking relative solitude except for the sound of guitars
through the massive home, she decided it was a providing background tunes from the shop below.
project better suited for someone else. When he is home, much of Duncan’s time
A couple of months later, the McIntoshes’ idea is spent in the kitchen. An avid hunter and
of relocating had started to cool but Laurie began fisherman, his culinary creations are often the
fanning the flames again. “I said, ‘Duncan there’s result of his success in the fields or on the water.
this one house but it needs a lot of work,’” she “We love it over here. Our really good friends are
recalled. here,” Laurie said. “We have a lot more social life
Intrigued by his wife’s interest, Duncan came to over here than we had in Columbia. Our friends
Camden with Laurie to see the property. “He loved drop by and have a beer. People here are friendly.”

36 / Camden ~ Classically Carolina