Second-place winner of national contest will use $1,000 prize to continue home improvements

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HILLSBOROUGH - When Karl Neuendorf and his wife purchased a 106-year-old farmhouse on the Albert Mines Road six years ago, it was in rough shape and a real fixer-upper.

But the low property taxes, peaceful surroundings of the countryside and the breathtaking view of Shepody Bay convinced them it was worth the effort. They put on a new roof, new siding, windows and other improvements around the house. Indeed, the house is a work in progress.

Neuendorf's home improvement plans got a boost yesterday as he picked up a $1,000 gift card for second place in the Home Hardware chain's Ugliest Kitchen Contest.

"This is a real nice birthday present," Neuendorf, 52, said as he collected his prize at the Home Hardware store in Hillsborough. "I sure can put it to good use."

Brian Black, manager of the Hillsborough store, said it was great for someone from this small community to win a prize from the national contest.

Neuendorf had submitted photos of his kitchen to the contest and received word this week that he had been judged winner of the second place prize.

While much of the Neuendorf's house has been renovated, the kitchen had not been a priority. The couple moved here from Winnipeg six years ago and both work in Moncton, so time is always limited and they have been working away at it piece by piece.

The kitchen has obviously been changed and painted quite a few times over the last 100 years or so, but still has some original touches and definitely could use some work. There is a brick fireplace with a warming oven on the side and ancient-looking lathe and plaster that is crumbling with age.

Several colours and patterns of wallpaper can be seen, along with a collection of more than 25 hinged cabinet doors painted in a gaudy shade of bluish-green.

The six-inch wide wooden floorboards are well-worn and appear to be made of either pine or spruce, with plenty of knots and grain that add historic character in contrast to the modern appliances and sink. The kitchen, which faces the south and overlooks Shepody Bay, makes use of three large skylights and new windows which bring in lots of natural light. It serves as both a kitchen and a sun room and is furnished with a kitchen table, a big comfy couch, and a bed for the family dog.

A spokesman for Home Hardware said entries with photos of ugly kitchens were received from stores across the country. A panel of judges used a scorecard with several criteria to select the winners. The first place winner receives a complete kitchen renovation done by professionals.

The name of the first-place winner was not available from Home Hardware yesterday because the winner had not yet collected the prize and signed a release form. Officials at the chain's head office would only say the first-place winner resides in Napanee, Ontario.

Neuendorf isn't sure when he'll start work on his kitchen, but is happy to have $1,000 to get started.