Thomson F. could have begun Huntley at any time after January 1, 1817. On the 29th of January 1818, he paid Alexander Baggett $37.79-1/2 for, among other things:
40 Ft. Double Architrave
18 Ft. Jamb lining
1 Carpet strip
2 pr hinges put on
1 mortice lock put on
2 Flush Bolts
135 Ft 4/4 clear boards
locks, hinges, bolts, nails, and Springs....[23]
Also included is one item labeled "folding doors" (double doors). No double doors have been located at Huntley, although Mason is not known to have been building elsewhere at this period. During the latter part of 1819 he was still building and paid $28.00 for:
Sept 20—20 bushels plaster
Sept 22—20 bushels plaster
Oct 10—10 bushels plaster....[24]
There was probably a structure at Huntley by 1823, for in February of that year Mason sent "to his farm by surry ten bushels shoots and six bran...."[25]
By 1826 the house must have been substantially finished, for in that year Mason's Grandmother Chichester wanted:
to spend a few days at Mr. T.F. Mason's farm, but was deterred from doing so by the apprehension that, as Mr. Mason resided in Town, and there was no other white person on the farm but the overseer ... she would not be secure.[26]
By implication there was a dwelling at Huntley ready for her occupancy.
Another letter written to Mason on August 18, 1827, now incomplete and in poor condition, suggests finishing some construction work and notes that the writer, whose name is missing:
... had understood you had only rented the place by the month, tho the man has a little crop on the land growing and if the season proves good at the end of the year may be worth ... [the rest is missing][27]