It is not known what happened to the old Markham homestead, whether it burned down or was torn down. What is known is that Ambrose and his wife, Rebecca Bailey built the present house in 1884. It was originally a “two-over-two”, two rooms downstairs and two upstairs, with the present suite built behind the house as a separate building for the dining room and kitchen. Around 1900, the Goodes connected the kitchen building to the main house and built an addition on the front where the present kitchen is located. They used the space as a parlor.
In 1946, the Goodes sold the farm to the Franklin Brothers. The Franklins ran what had become known as the Goode Farm as a farming operation and the house itself as rental property until they sold it to Doug Sowers, a local land developer in 1982. Mr. Sowers then sold the house and 25 surrounding acres to the Craddock family in 1983.
The Craddocks completely renovated the house, including tearing out the original pine planks, building a new sub-floor and then installing new flooring which looked like the old pine. They also rebuilt the back stairway and added the present entranceway to the dining room. The Craddocks sold the house to the Adams family in 1986 who, in turn, sold it to Jean Thayer in 1990. She bought it for her daughter, Gail Richter who wanted a place to raise horses. Gail added most of the existing white fencing.
Ms. Richter moved away in 1995 and the house became rental property once more until John McBride bought it in 1997. His intention was to operate a country inn where he could host weddings and other social functions. He tore off the front of the house and built a 2400 sq. ft. addition including the front porch and columns. Mr. McBride continues in his role as site and event coordinator.
In its long history, this land has been used as a hunting ground, farm, dairy, private residence, horse operation and now, a place for people to gather in celebration of life. It has become a tranquil island of what once was surrounded by a sea of modern suburbia. One can only hope that Amber Grove can stay that way for many years to come.