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my Irving's home, a converted barn in Westchester County, was destroyed by fire in 2009. The cause remains unknown, but the loss was a significant setback for the actress, who is best known for her roles in "Carrie," "Yentl," and "Crossing Delancey." However, Irving handled the situation with remarkable composure, even joking about not having to do spring cleaning.

    Months later, while dining with friends, Irving mentioned her intention to rebuild the house on the same site as a barn. A friend recommended Heritage Barns, which dismantled old barns and restored them for reuse. The company's process was like something out of the movie "Witness," where Harrison Ford's character builds a barn from scratch.

    Irving and her husband, Ken Bowser, worked with Heritage Barns to create their new home, a unique structure that showcases its wooden beams and joists. The interior design is a blend of rustic charm and modern touches, with yellow-painted walls, a stone fireplace, and woven fabrics. The couple's first acquisition for the house was an indoor swing, which has become a favorite spot for visitors.

    The fire meant that Irving and Bowser had to furnish their new home from scratch. They found many treasures in antique shops, including a coffee table, side table, and plant tables from Monique Shay Antiques. Irving also collected vintage cans, which she displayed on her kitchen cabinets. When they surveyed the damage after the fire, Bowser spotted a ceramic vase and a handmade silver "Alice in Wonderland" clock, which were salvaged.

    One of the most meaningful items to survive the fire was a carousel horse that Irving had bought for her first home in Santa Fe. She had taken it with her to every successive house, but lost it in the fire. When she saw another carousel horse at a local furniture store, she burst into tears. Bowser immediately bought it for her.

    Irving's love of music is evident throughout the house, which features an acoustic guitar and microphone in one room. She sings daily and loudly to keep the lyrics deep inside her. A guitar given to her by Willie Nelson during the filming of "Honeysuckle Rose" hangs on a wall near the piano, signed by Nelson and his band.

    The conservatory is where Irving and Bowser have breakfast and tend to their plants. It's also home to a grouping of ceramic rabbits on a picnic, created by Santa Fe artisan Ward B. Kerr. Irving's family photos, including ones from her childhood productions with her mother and father, are displayed in a cozy alcove near the stairs.

    A sculpture made by Irving's maternal grandmother when she was 23 years old is also on display. The piece won a contest, and Irving's siblings and brother all want it after their mother passes away. However, Irving knows what truly matters: family, not material possessions. The fire taught her to appreciate what's important in life, especially compared to the loss of her husband by her mother.

    Irving's attitude towards the fire is reflected in the family Christmas card that year, which showed a mountain of detritus with the message "Keep the home fires burning."