Greek mythology tells of the phoenix that rises from the smoldering ashes to begin life anew. Much like that bird, the home of Brian Boyer and Todd Kemp, in the heart of old Fernandina, has been given new life after suffering through three devastating fires,the last of which left it with a collapsed roof, charred floors, and a foot of water in the structure. Investing their time, effort, money, and most of all, vision, this talented duo has brought the building back to life. They are the type of welcome newcomers who are saving the vintage architecture of Fernandina Beach, one house at a time. 
Brain works for a national banking firm in Jacksonville, and Todd owns and manages apartments buildings there. The two are also semi-professional home renovators who had restored a number of homes in Jacksonville. In fact, they planned to restore this home and make aprofit re-selling it. Once they got into the project, however, they began meeting people on the island and they soon became attached to this friendly and warm community. Their plans have slowly evolved, and --just maybe-- they will call Fernandina home after all. They received a very warm welcome when they threw an open house, inviting neighbors to see the renovation. People came with flowers, wine and food, thanking them for salvaging a house that had become a nuisance for the neighborhood, a place known for drugs and other illicit activities.
 Built prior to 1877, the home was originally owned by the William Woodward family, who were part of the early Florida railroad. Some papers indicate that Woodward also served as Vice-Counsel for Uruguay, at a time when Fernandina's port was packed with international shipping and many foreign consulates dotted the harbor.
In the 1950's, the home was owned by a concrete supplier who "modernized" the structure by removing upstairs porches, installing concrete floors, making the kitchen part of the house. By the 1980's, it was divided into a duplex and began its downward spiral, resulting in the final fire in 2005. As the house needed a new roof, Todd and Brain decided to revert to the original roof style, and they were also able to add a number of modern conveniences and energy-efficient features. New wiring, plumbing, sprayfoam insulation, instant gas hot water, and a sound system in each room were all added. The house is now pristine and filled with distinctive antiques collected through many years of carful scouting -- all displayed with great panache. Some of the original items from the house have been salvaged, including the heart-of-pine floors, some of the banisters and newel posts, and most creatively, the spindles from the original porch, which had been thrown under the house. They were re-configured as handsome and unique wall decor.  Of the decorating, probably the most "you've-got-to-be-kidding" piece greets you at the front door. A lion pelt shot by Todd's grandmother on an African safari in 1920 is used as a rug at he entrance! Other antiques, although more sedate, as also quite interesting: there's an 1870's French mirror, purchased here in Fernandina, but traced to Andy Warhol's estate; several paintings are from the Hudson River School; and oyster shell chandeliers and a shell entrance table add a beach theme. Robyn Branch of Absolute Fabrics and Home helped put the finishing pizzazz in the decor.  Descendants of the original Woodward family visit the island often. They were amazed and delighted by the renovations undertaken in the home of their ancestor. How blessed the entire area is that this home has landed in such caring and creative hands and has now risen from the ashes.
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