way of life that is slowly fading away around him through his interviews with citizens who remember " Old Burnside " and his studies of the period. Instead of framing it as dwelling on memories, Becker reminds guests of history ' s importance to tell stories of meaning, and restoration is the act of " preserving items to save for children and those children ' s children."
For a century standing tall, the West Lakeshore property has been home to only four owners, each with their own tales of remodeling and settling into the house, regardless of its physical attributes, yet always special to them. Judge Slone said that what made her family ' s stay in the Burnside residence so sentimental was " not necessarily the house, but the home." Moreso, the fun holiday parties in the foyer, opening presents, learning how to drive up the long driveway in the wintertime, dancing the jitterbug in the living room, and feeling the unmistakable warmth of coming home from school in the cool spring breeze and smelling her mother ' s soup beans and cornbread wafting through the air— intangible things that make ornate hallways come to life.
Becker remains close with the Gregory clan and welcomed Slone ' s son to take wedding photos in the home, posing along the same stairway where his mother ran down as a child and took prom photos. Spurred by this moment, Becker is now opening his doors for private photography sessions on the property, proclaiming it " Magnolia Hall Estate." The house has been open to the public before during holiday home tours; however, it is now officially branded as a " timeless setting " for a variety of yearround special occasions, such as bridal shoots, prom photos, and classically styled portraits, bringing a new vibrance to the property.
Professionally, Becker keeps tabs on local real estate, with a special interest in older homes, but is more focused on helping buyers find the perfect home for their lifestyles. Although he might not recommend that amateur families take on a sizable undertaking as he did, Becker offers his firsthand expertise in restoration construction when advising potential buyers. He called back to his early days of new home ownership, saying, " I remember being that young person who was scared and not knowing what to do …( New homeowners) need someone to hold their hand, and that is the job of the Realtor."
Although working the housing market steadily, Becker ' s cherished pet project is not for sale anytime soon.
Apologies to onlookers who aim to continue the tradition of leaving a successful, hopeful contact card inquiring about the property, as the young council member claims he will reside here in his " forever " Burnside home.
� Living room with working gramophone. Submitted by Brandon Becker
( 606) 219-0033 krphoto. ky @ gmail. com
� Hidden cinema in the attic. Submitted by Brandon Becker www. kaylariderphotography. com
March 2026 SEKY- Southeast Kentucky Life • 9