PHOTO GALLERY: Betteridge family works to restore family legacy in Crestmead Mansion

July 25, 2012 | 7:58 p.m. CDT

Ann Betteridge has worked for the past four years to restore her family's historic home in Cooper County after fire struck in 2008.

Crestmead Mansion, located six miles south of Pilot Grove, has been restored after a fire in March 2008. The restoration included the return of the third-floor observatory. | Dak Dillon

The library at the front of Crestmead Mansion is shown July 19. The library was largely destroyed in the fire, but most of the furniture was saved and later restored. | Dak Dillon

Ann Betteridge shows off a bed she purchased at a Sedalia antique store. | Dak Dillon

Above the dining room and part of the original 1837 house, this room survived the fire with only some smoke and water damage. The room is Ann Betteridge's favorite place and includes many historic items. | Dak Dillon

These cabinet doors in the dining room were saved after the fire, even though construction workers said saving them would not be possible. | Dak Dillon

The dining room table at Crestmead Mansion near Pilot Grove shows all of the original dishes from the house that were saved and restored. | Dak Dillon

Ann Betteridge holds a copy of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" at Crestmead Mansion. The book escaped the fire with only water damage. | Dak Dillon