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4B • THURSDAY. TULY 3, 2003
House
She made an offer on the home that day, and by the time she had flown back to Houston, the bid was accepted. Martin called a woman who had expressed an interest in her Texas home and sold it that night.
When Martin returned to Bay St. Louis, she traded in her career as a college professor to begin her own company, Historical Assets. Now, Martin helps other people restore their historic homes.
Martin’s home, however, is not like most other historic homes. Charles Gray, a representative of the Hancock County Historical Society, said her home is possibly the oldest house on the Coast. He said the owners of a home in Pascagoula claim to have the oldest home, but he doubts the home’s age.
Gray also believes the home was never actually the Spanish Customs building. He said the house probably received its name because the customs inspector once lived there.
With its rich history, Martin set to work adding her own touches to the home. Most of her work included restoring the house, but Martin has introduced additional features.
In December 2002, she had central air and heat installed in the home, which she believes will help preserve it.
Her most recent project includes a new staircase in the second floor master bedroom that matches the main staircase downstairs, which was built in 1810. This addi-
Above photo courtesy of Julie Martin
A 1950s photo of the Old Spanish Customs House. (Right) Julie Martin renovated a portion of the house to create a roomy kitchen.
tion leads to the attic, which Martin is transforming into a third floor living space. She may use this new' space as a home office.
“I tried to preserve as much as possible while updating the home and bringing it up to code,” Martin said.
The restoration, however, has not been a piece of cake.
In March 1999, a bolt of lightening struck the home and literally blew the roof into the air. Martin said the roof twisted sideways a bit and landed back on top of the house. The lightening
also blew off the gables and blew out the windows and wiring.
Another	incident
occurred in 2001 when the fireplace collapsed and nearly landed on a worker.
Aside from its history
Five generations