Marc Blucas, renowned for his acting roles, embarked on a passionate journey of historical home restoration when he and his wife, Ryan Haddon, purchased a 1711 farmhouse in Pennsylvania. This endeavor became a central focus in Blucas’s life, offering a creative outlet beyond his acting career and a connection to his family on the East Coast. The unique architecture of the area, with its old stone barns and houses, drew the couple to Pennsylvania, providing a distinct backdrop for their family life and Blucas’s ambitious restoration project. This move marked a significant shift for the couple, who relocated from California in 2012 after three years of marriage and the birth of their eldest daughter. Ryan also had two older children from a previous marriage with actor Christian Slater.
The farmhouse, steeped in history, presented an ongoing series of restoration challenges, which Blucas embraced wholeheartedly. These projects, ranging from structural repairs to aesthetic enhancements, became a “labor of love” for the actor. He frequently documented his progress on social media, sharing anecdotes and insights into the intricacies of reviving the old structure. In one post, he described the initial daunting list of repairs and his father’s wise advice about the necessity of a tractor for farm life, a tool he initially hadn’t considered essential. Over time, as his DIY skills expanded and his historic home restoration business grew, the tractor became an indispensable piece of equipment, facilitating tasks like rebuilding the stone courtyard walls around the barn.
Beyond the restoration work, the property also became a haven for a menagerie of animals. The couple embraced a rural lifestyle, raising chickens, rabbits, and sharing their home with dogs and cats. Blucas often spoke about the abundant wildlife surrounding the property, including foxes and deer, which added another dimension to their connection with the natural world. This idyllic life was further enriched by the presence of their two daughters, who grew up surrounded by the bustle of renovation and the charm of their historic home.
Tragedy struck on December 27, 2023, when Ryan’s mother, Dayle Haddon, passed away at the farmhouse due to a suspected carbon monoxide leak. The incident brought emergency responders to the scene, where they detected high levels of carbon monoxide, leading to the hospitalization of two medics and on-site treatment for a police officer. The sudden loss of Dayle, a vibrant and creative woman, deeply affected the family. Ryan paid tribute to her mother on Instagram, describing her as a powerful yet gentle presence, deeply creative, kind, and beautiful inside and out.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the carbon monoxide leak continues, casting a shadow over the otherwise idyllic setting of the restored farmhouse. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk even in the most carefully renovated homes. The loss of Dayle Haddon has undoubtedly left a void in the lives of Blucas, Ryan, and their children, forever altering the narrative of their life in the historic Pennsylvania home.
Dayle’s passing marks the end of a chapter for the family, highlighting the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take. The farmhouse, once a symbol of restoration and new beginnings, now carries a weight of sorrow, intertwined with the memories of a beloved mother and grandmother. The future of the restoration project and the family’s life in the farmhouse remains uncertain as they grapple with the loss of Dayle and the investigation into the tragic incident. The vibrant life that once filled the old stone walls is now tinged with sadness, a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring power of love and memory.
