Sydney Dorrell has a passion for "mill houses" These homes were built in response to the need for housing when Brooks-Scanlon and Shevlin-Hixon mills put Bend on the map as a lumber town.

Sydney does more than just renovate homes. She feels strongly about recycling and reusing building materials and fixtures and incorporates that philosophy in maintaining the integrity of the homes.

Sydney states "These houses are what Bend is all about, this is our history." Her renovation honors the style that these homes were built in. Her additions enhance the existing structure rather than cover it up.

When she purchased her first mill house, estimates for renovation came in at $121,000. She is near completion with having spent only $55,000. She did much of the work herself and has purchased many of the materials at Bend Area Habitat for Humanity's ReStore and Pakit Liquidators (who gave ReStore its start). Sydney removed the painted siding, turned it over, bleached and sanded it and rehung it. The result is beautiful natural wood siding that makes the home come to life.

Sydney was so pleased with the effort and charming results, that she has purchased two more mill houses to renovate and sell.

Smart shoppers purchased the paint and shutters at the ReStore. Just look at what they accomplished!