Thanks for all the great input! That said, I'm still not sure where we're gonna go with this (haven't looked at the location, yet.) I doubt I'm going to do the work, but I wouldn't mind trying to engineer a good solution for the client.

Interestingly, paint is what my wife and I do, but decorative (faux) painting, using high quality materials that can withstand the elements (mostly.) Someone here mentioned paint being the best, low maintenance solution, so we'll look into that possibility. Client probably won't go for that, though..

The wood in question will probably be highly problematic in terms of stripping off what has been done to it. Probably a deep penetrating stain, and the hammerheads who did the place 'distressed' the wood with hammers and other tools for a more rustic look. Can't imagine trying to get all the nooks and crannies clean!

Then, I'm hearing multiple coats and hundreds of gallons of new product (it's a damned big place.) Only to have to re-coat within months or a couple of years.

Sadly, I don't think there's a really good solution. The client's husband had the place remodeled into a large Tuscan-style villa, then had the audacity to pass away, leaving her with something that she just doesn't like. I'd hate to tell her what's involved, but someone has to deliver the news...

Thanks again for all the help. I remain open to any other suggestions... as long as they don't involve oxygen tanks.

Rob