Managing an unwanted headstone on my new property

[aiden_c]

I recently bought a house on one hundred thirty acres and discovered that the previous owner left a custom headstone in a clearing so he could always stay on the land. It is engraved with names and photos of him and his wife and I really do not want it on my property. I am considering having a stonemason grind down the top layer to remove the faces so I can repurpose the granite as a stepping stone or a heavy duty tabletop for my leatherworking. I even thought about returning it to the previous owner by placing it at his new address but I am not sure if that is the best way to handle it. It is strange to have someone else's memorial on my private land and I want to find a respectful but permanent way to get rid of it.

 

[dawndusk01]

Have you checked with a local monument company to see if they can sandblast or resurface the stone so you can use it for a different masonry project?

 

[El VMX]

I recently bought a house on one hundred thirty acres and discovered that the previous owner left a custom headstone in a clearing so he could always stay on the land. It is engraved with names and photos of him and his wife and I really do not want it on my property. I am considering having a stonemason grind down the top layer to remove the faces so I can repurpose the granite as a stepping stone or a heavy duty tabletop for my leatherworking. I even thought about returning it to the previous owner by placing it at his new address but I am not sure if that is the best way to handle it. It is strange to have someone else's memorial on my private land and I want to find a respectful but permanent way to get rid of it.

You should verify with a lawyer or your title company if there are any recorded burial easements that might require you to keep the stone in place.

 

[block2s]

@aiden_c Does the stone have a separate base or is it a single piece that could be flipped over and used as a smooth garden bench?

 

[purriitttooo]

You might want to reach out to the previous owner and offer them a deadline to pick it up before you have it hauled away or repurposed.

 

[aiden_c]

I already talked to the previous owner, and they decided to pick it up. At least I did not spend even a dime to have it removed.