Sunday, February 21, 2010

Guest My Nest - Maple Street (During)


Remember the Maple Street house I blogged about last year?



Kevin and I used to walk by it every morning and just dream about what it would be like to live there.

It's one of those houses that always smiles at you as you stroll by.



It's one of those houses that never looks lonely, even if no one is living there at the time.



It's one of those houses that makes you feel all sunny inside.



Shortly after I published my first post about it in April of 2009, I got an email from the couple who had just made an offer on it. They happened upon my blog post while searching Google one afternoon, and said they'd love to have us come by for a visit some time after they moved into the house.

Fast forward to this past Saturday. Tony, Lisa and their daughter Madelyn have been living in the house for a couple of months now, and we were so excited to meet up with Lisa to see what they've been up to lately.

While Kevin ran around and shot photos and video footage of the house, I chatted with Lisa about her experience buying and living in it.

I was dying to know what she thought about the house the first time she saw it.
She told me she had been in love with the exterior of it for about a year, but it wasn't until she entered the home for the first time that she realized how much work the old place needed. As she and Tony walked from room to room, she wasn't sure if he was going to be up for the challenge of renovating it. But much to her surprise, at the end of the walk-through, Tony looked at her and said, "I think we should make an offer". That was exactly what she was hoping he'd say. :-)

She went on to tell me that the house was built in 1898 by a relative of Daniel Pratt.



Mr. Pratt founded the town of Prattville in the 1830's, and his cotton gin factory quickly became the largest producer of cotton gins in the world. Before becoming a successful industrialist, he worked as an architect in Georgia, designing huge plantation homes for wealthy planters in and around Milledgeville and Macon. Apparently, his homes were some of the most beautiful in the state, featuring large white columns, broad hallways, and spiral stairways. I would have loved to have seen the home he designed for himself here in Prattville, but unfortunately it burned down at some point in time. I searched for information about it on the internet and found an article that described it as a "white frame house that featured New England architectural elements characteristic of Pratt's style." It had a narrow, two-story portico with a balcony, an art gallery in which he displayed paintings by southern artist George Cooke, and a grape vineyard on the hillside behind the house that provided Mr. Pratt with wine for entertaining. Sounds pretty dreamy, eh?

Well, you can imagine how happy Tony and Lisa were when they found out one of Mr. Pratt's sofa's was included in the sale of their house...



Isn't it beautiful? It's still got the original upholstery on it, and it's in perfect condition. Lisa said she's going to use it under the large window in her dining room.



Which, by the way, is far from being finished- but has come a long way from when they first moved in...



Lisa has plans to repaint the walls, refinish the original wood floors (which I think look great already!), remove the previous homeowners window treatments and display her gorgeous china in a big, old china hutch. She's also looking forward to moving her plants back onto the porch as soon as it's warm enough. :-)

Just off the dining room there's a small butlers pantry...



Such a neat little surprise of a room separating the dining room and kitchen!

And speaking of the kitchen, Lisa also has plans to have the 1930's metal, art deco-style kitchen cabinets professionally re-finished, but I think she's done a great job of updating them in the meantime, don't you?...





Here's what they looked like when she and Tony moved in...



I have to admit, I think the seafoam green was pretty too! :-)

While we're talking about the kitchen, check out the beautiful blue beadboard inside the pantry...





And get a load of the old liquor cabinet located near the floor...



It still had the original key in it!

The day we stopped by, Lisa was working on what will eventually be their master bedroom...



She said they had recently removed lots of wallpaper and bleached the walls. The day we were there she was in the process of re-plastering parts of the walls that had been damaged over the years.



Once she's done re-plastering, she's going to paint the walls a dramatic, smokey blue color...



Since it's not a super huge room, she's going to keep the furniture to a minimum. All she plans to use is this antique dresser and a huge, four-poster bed.


(check out the fireplace in the reflection!)

Her goal is to have the room finished by Easter, and she promised to let us come back and take a look at it when she's done. (Woo hoo!)

For now, they're calling this room their master bedroom...



It looked like this when they moved in...



Quite a transformation so far, huh? It's located on the back side of the house, and because of all the windows, it had a very "sleeping porch" feel. When Tony and Lisa move over to the room that will eventually be their master bedroom, they plan to use this room as a guest bedroom. (Lucky guests!)

Just outside the room they're currently sleeping in, there's a small sitting room...



With an incredible built-in cabinet...



Lisa got the chairs at my favorite flea market (J&G) for $15 a piece. She plans to give them a mini face lift at some point, as well as remove the wallpaper from the walls, paint and refinish the wood floor. (I bet those bin pulls on the built-in cabinet would look gorgeous stripped of the paint that's covering them too!)

Since this sitting room is also off their daughter Madelyn's room, they plan to use it as a den for her and her friends to hang out in.

Other projects on Lisa's list include removing the paint from the transom windows and french doors in the parlor...



(Can you believe someone painted over them!?)

Replacing all the old window treatments...



And decorating with lots of pretty, antique elements...





But other than tearing off the scalloped trim across the front of this mantel, she's leaving the "man cave" alone. This room is strictly Tony's domain and Lisa said she's going to leave the design decisions totally up to him.



Check out that old swing-arm pot holder!

We had a lovely time touring the house with Lisa, and enjoyed meeting their 16 year old dog, Bernard, too...



He is an absolute sweetheart, and you're going to love his appearance in the video Kevin shot...



We look forward to hanging out with Tony, Lisa, Madelyn and their precious pets again sometime, and we can't wait to see all the changes they make to their "Maple Street Marvel" too!




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70 comments:

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

The hood above the stove is so cool!

DustyLu said...

Wow what a stunning home. Great bones and amazing potential! Fantastic, we have nothing like that out here in cali, everything is trac built. Still beautiful but, no character at all like the homes you have shown us. Alot, of work, but what they have done thus far is amazing..hope to see more of this special home. ~lulu

TheVirginiaHouse said...

I am speechless! What a transformation already. I look forward to seeing the completed look someday. That house is amazing! Your pictures were great too. great job.

angela walker jewelry said...

What a great post! This home is amazing! I am sure it will be even more beautiful when they are finished. I love Kevin's video with their dog and cat : ) How sweet!

Chris said...

I've been in love with this house since the first time you posted about it, and I'm SO glad to see it getting the love it deserves! They are doing such a great job! I hope they don't mind you (well...all of us) checking in again someday!

Erin @ The Impatient Gardener said...

It is not too late for someone to apologize for painting those transom windows! EEK! Criminal, I tell ya.

Cool house ... lots of work, but very very cool.

Vanessa Greenway said...

Fabulous!!! Lucky you to have this chance and meet with them for a house tour!

Seagrass Interiors said...

Lucky you guys!!! Layla, I bet you were itching with ideas for that house! SO neat they invited you over!

Melissa

KellyMellyBoBellyBananaFanna said...

what a neat thing to do! i can't believe you met the neighbors that way.

i love the house. so many interesting historic elements.

kelly

Lauren1964 said...

Very cozy home! Lots of personality!

The Little Red Shop said...

What fun! Don't you just wish you could have been there... (anytime anyone have ever done a sloppy paint job on beautiful woodwork/windows)...to stop them and say, "Um, hello! What are you doing?" Yeah, I sure would like to know who painted clumps and lumps and bumps of layers on my 100 year old staircase...which is entirely seafoam green!!!

Thank you for the tour. I can't wait to see their completed master bedroom!

: )

Julie M.

pogonip said...

I loved the peek into this charming old home! I'm so glad it got the family it deserved--Bernard is a sweetie.

The architectural detail is a delight. The green walls didn't do anything for those awesome kitchen cabinets, did they! And that unique stove hood. What a nice way to end my weekend--thanks!

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

Such an adorable house. It has so much charm and character. Lucky new owners. They have done a gorgeous job so far transforming the place. I can't even comment on the transoms. Unbelievable.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Wow, the historical gorgeosity of it all. What? That's a word. ;)

Layla the befores and afters of my small bathroom remodel are posted today. It's the one I was having problems with and asked you what you would do if you had no money. Then we decided to spend money. Check it out if you get time. I think you'll like it.

Red Door Home said...

Looks great already. So glad a family who appreicated the house and was willing to bring it back to its former glory purchased it. Looking forward to seeing more.

Crafty Niche said...

What a beautiful home. I also look forward to seeing the completed transformation.

My Cottage Charm said...

Wow, I love the old architecture and the history of the home, amazing. :) I have to tell ya though, those pets just captured my heart..... just something about a big ol' dog licking a kitties ear! :-)
I cannot believe someone would paint over those gorgeous old transoms..........where are peoples heads!? Yikes! Can't wait till they invite you back for more! :)

Jess said...

I can't wait to see the house completed-- the owners deserve a crown for taking on such a project, but it will be absolutely lovely when they are all finished! I would love an old house like this-- so much built-in character!

dedeetsyshop said...

One word. Bernard. What a sweet dog! The house is great too! :)

Roeshel said...

I love old homes and what a beauty! Thanks so much for the tour! Tony and Lisa are doing an amazing job!

:)

Roeshel

Hana said...

What a beautiful old home with great bones and so much character! I can't believe someone would paint over those windows...uh, helloooo!! Crazy people! Thanks for the peek inside! I'm sure it will be gorgeous once they finish all of the projects they have planned!

Hana
MomTog Diaries

Anonymous said...

Layla and Kevin,

Thank you for including us on your tour! Tony and Lisa have been busy! I can tell you from experience, old house projects (especially when the houses are over 100 years old) ALWAYS turn into a series of projects. There are no quick fixes but they are SO worth it.
Love the old lovable dog with his cat.
So enjoy your blog -- but you know that already. When we are done with the Fairfield House I will have you for a weekend. (Who cares if we all need walkers by then!) HA!

- Deborah

labluvr78 said...

Gorgeous! There was a time my hubby and I used to dream about building a new house and loved to look through model homes. We have slowly changed and now love looking at older homes that just need a little TLC (or a lot in some cases)! I LOVE your blog and can't wait to see the next post. In the meantime I am still trying to find flea markets around here (MD/NoVA) with the great deals you are finding in your neck of the woods!

Sarah said...

I am so in love with this house! It already is beautiful, but I bet it will look incredible once their finished renovating it!

The icing on the cake was the sweet dog licking the cat - my heart melted! Thanks for sharing this one of a kind house with us!

Remodelaholic said...

I dream of having transom windows someday... But i think I will need a different house for that!

The Country Nest said...

What a beautiful home. You and Kevin must have had a zillion ideas to share with them. Can't wait to see more. The home looks great already.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

What a great home and such a fabulous tour. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

EAC said...

This house clearly shows what so many homes in newer developments (like mine) are lacking- character! The appropriate mouldings, the doors, the door hardware, the wood floors...everything that costs a fortune to replace and/or add your homeowners are already blessed with. I'll be watching for the updates...

Shannan Martin said...

Thanks for the tour! What a gem of a place. And maybe you already know this tip (my husband discovered it, of all people!)... For paint-encrusted hardware, plop it in a crock-pot full of soapy water. Turn it on high and leave it overnight. He just tried it for the first time last week and the layers and layers of paint literally slid right off the hardware. It looks brand spanking new (old)!

Sharon Brown said...

There are so many things about this house that remind me of my great-grandmothers house in North Carolina where I used to go as a child when she was still alive and which was the most wonderful place ever. The butlers pantry pass through, the kitchen, the doorknobs...so many things. The pictures almost made me cry remembering.

Geezees Custom Canvas Art said...

What a charming beautiful home.

Unknown said...

Its more than i imagined although, i would have taken a razor blade to those painted windows when i signed the papers... they are too cool... like unwrapping a present! Cannot wait to see their master bedroom done!

Amber Lynae said...

The house is beautiful. All the changes look great, I can't wait to see more updates.

annie said...

What a great house!!
This one will be fun...
annie

Bette said...

what a great house. I love all the old details. Bernard licking the cat in the video is precious!!

Sonia said...

that house is amazing! I can just picture sitting out on the porch sippin' sweet tea enjoying the summer breeze. Is that Prattville Alabama? And Bernard...what a sweet fella. I have a very soft spot in my heart for old dogs.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a beautiful home. You had me at the first photo, of the outside.Thanks for the tour, how fun!
xo Lidy

Folkman's said...

How neat is that, that you could go back and see it after they had moved in and were starting to put their own stamp on the house! That would be such a neat experience! Houses of any kind are a part of my heart and I just think that is so neat! What a neat post to see! I do remember that house from when you posted it and I also looked it up on the MLS. Love the History!

Anonymous said...

Keep us posted on this charming home. They've done a nice job already. A butler pantry is one of the best things for a house to have. To bad about the paint on the transoms .. do they work?

Amber said...

So pretty! Really makes me miss the South! I can't wait to see what else they do with it.

houston249 said...

I strongly suspect that the liquor cabinet was originally cold storage (aka cold closet) unit.

They were used to keep things cool before there were refrigerators. Once the ice box came around they were still used. Vegs and fruits during the summer months and as a fridge during the winter. After all why pay for ice when mother nature is right there to do it for you!

If the owner were to look under or on the outside of the house there should be some evidence of a former "vent".

If there is no evidence of a vent. The empty spot above the cupboard might have been where the lead lined ice box of a "built-in icebox" was originally located.

mellybean said...

I loved this post! It's always fun to see what the inside of a "dream home" looks like. I hope they follow up with you once they are completely finished!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful home! Love all the details in the original structure! Thanks for sharing.

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

What a gorgeous home even before the renovations! They just don't make houses with that level of architectural detail anymore. Pity.

Judy@cutest-little-things

Erin Southwell said...

My gosh, everything about this house is just wonderful! The butler's pantry and the beadboard are my favorites, next to the antique wallpaper that I HOPE can be salvaged!!! It's gorgeous-especially next to all the white trim! My heart fluttered at the "I think we should make an offer"-dream words from your man-better than "here's this diamond for you." :) I can't wait to see the house as it progresses, it's already just stunning.

Katy said...

This is such a cool home!

Connie said...

What an adventure ~ both for them & you! It will be awesome to see the afters.

Staci at Craftify It ! said...

Thanks for sharing! Just beautiful. The picture of the door way with all of the white wood around & above it is beautiful. My husband came home for lunch & I pulled it up & asked if he could design a headboard for our bed to look similar to the wood above the door with all of the squares. He said he would try! I can't wait!

Laura said...

That is a gorgeous house with so much potential. I love what they've done so far and can't wait to see more!
blessings
~*~

Heather said...

The work they've done already is very impressive! Interesting facts about Daniel Pratt also. I lived in Milledgeville for years and I go to Macon all the time. I'll have to look up the houses and see if I've been in any of them!

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

What a beautiful home! Such a cool thing to have a home with such history, and furniture too that's been passed down. I can see the beauty hiding in there, just waiting for her new owners to really let her shine! Thanks for sharing, it was fun!
Blessings,
Stacey

Caroline said...

L-O-V-E THIS HOUSE!!!!!

Deserae said...

I loved this house from the very first moment I saw it!! How fun that they invited you back to see the progress they have made so far! I hope they invite you back again when they are finished....I'm sure it will be fabulous?!?!?! Tell them great job :o)
~Des

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Layla, that was great! Beautiful home! What a sweet, sweet doggie! BTW, whoever did the filming...kudos! It's not easy to walk and film at the same time and to do it so smoothly. It was very easy to watch...love the music you paired with it. Great tour...love a good home tour! :-)

jan said...

I love your blog and love the new post. We have renovated one house here in Mckinney Texas and are in the middle of purchasing a 1928 Tudor which is in need of some renovation. I love the Maple Street house. It reminds me so much of the house we are in now. It will be so hard to leave after 11 years but as with everyone who loves to renew and renovate, it is calling our names!! Thanks for the inspiration you are giving me!

Kimmie @ Hello Mess said...

Beautiful. So incredibly beautiful. That house DOES smile at you. Love it!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

What an amazing house and the video showed it off so nicely. Their dog is precious! It will be fun to follow along with the progress of the house. Thanks for sharing. Love & blessings from NC!

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Loved the WHOLE thing!

Not only is the house beautiful but the "work" you two do is as well. Your photos, video and music make it so much more special! Watching everything to music almost brings tears to my eyes. Literally... I can't wait to see what you show us all next!

angela | the painted house said...

Bless the people who revive old beauties like this house! How wonderful that you all connected. I so love the hood in the kitchen. Wow!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful home, I've always loved the older style American homes with their little white picket fences and attic windows. Would love to have my own one day, just in Australia... I can't wait to see what they do with it :)

Samantha

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful home, I've always loved the older style American homes with their little white picket fences and attic windows. Would love to have my own one day, just in Australia... I can't wait to see what they do with it :)

Samantha

Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup said...

Love that house!!

Anonymous said...

that surprise inbetween room is awesome. its called the butlers pantry

Shannon said...

Thank you for the tour. I LOVE seeing other homes... and what a gem this one is. Gorgeous inside and out! I hope that our hardwood floors look that great when we rip out our carpet (one of these... years... :))
I can't wait to see their journey!

Thrifty Decor Chick said...

Oooooh it's lovely! I cannot believe someone painted over the GLASS?? Wow.

Angie said...

wow, i love that house! what a gem! i am a walk-by drooler too... even known to peek in the windows if the house looks vacant. then i say to myself, "dream on, dreamer!"

and... that dog loves that cat so much! its adorable, and i don't even like dogs and cats!! (don't tell my daughter)

Milly Studios said...

Hello! I was reading Centsational Girl's blog when she mentioned you, and of course I clicked over. While reading this, I realized you aren't far from me at all! I live in Troy, AL, just south of Montgomery.

I need to be shopping in the thrift stores you are going to, it seems!

If you're ever down this way, stop by Brundidge (just past Troy). They're the "Antique City" or something.. soooo many stores to scour. :)

Rachel Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful home! Looks like a lot of work though.

Unknown said...

Wow! What a transformation! It is wonderful to see someone continue the love for this house the previous owners had for it. Knowing that mildew and mold were about four feet high on the walls, this is great! Repainting the metal cabinets gives me hope for my 1957 house!

ItchyBits said...

What a fantastic house! Music selection a little strange for the vid - house stalkers!!!!