by John Griffin
aurelwood was once a farm.
This was the farmhouse. Built in the early 1920s on the foundation of an
even older home, it is certainly one of the earliest residences in this
area. The rebuilding in the '20s makes this house feel more like something
from Midtown. Only the spacious lot and the surrounding older trees suggest
its rural origins.
The house's detailing is subdued but suggests Prairie influence. The massive, square porch supports are the first hint. The change from narrow lap siding above to wide boards, mitred at the corners to emphasize the horizontal, is another. The large round-headed window in the front gable is a later addition. Originally, this gable contained a small, round window with a diamond pattern, matches to which still exist in the side gables.
Prairie, like Craftsman, was a
reaction to Victorian excess and designed for simpler living. Floor plans
were informal, with public rooms flowing together. The current owners, in
residence for the past 33 years, have done extensive renovations, extending
this flowing sense of space.
The first renovation removed the wall between the two front rooms. Only the fireplace was left. A coat closet was added, and this large central mass rebricked. The double-entry doors were aligned with the chimney and a slate floor installed that runs uninterrupted from foyer to fireplace hearth.
The large living room and the library can still be used independently, but there is now an ease of movement from one seating area to another. The dining room connects to the living room through a pair of French doors. Casual floor plans often required circulations through the public rooms to reach the kitchen and bedrooms. This house has an interior central hall, which means the dining room is not command central. Staircases to both basement and second floor are in the rear adjacent to the kitchen. It's a plan both unpretentious and practical.
The kitchen was reworked with plenty of work areas and storage space. There is also room for a breakfast table, a separate seating area, and a desk. A rear deck is close by, and glass overlooks it and a brick patio in the deep, rear yard. This is the perfect kitchen for friends and family to visit while the cook's at work.
The rear gable has a matching window to the front. These overscaled glass areas afford wonderful views out to the woodland setting and admit generous natural light at each end of the second floor. A large playroom/studio is at the head of the stairs. Bath, closets, and access to storage in the cross gables fill the center. A bedroom suite at the front contains a sitting room, a sleeping space, and built-in desks in yet another area. It's a well-planned ensemble of spaces.
The master suite is back on the ground floor. It
is the most recently renovated space. The bedroom with two walls of windows
is original, and two very generous walk-in closets were created. In addition
to shelves and clothes poles galore, there are small skylights which filter
natural light into each closet. It makes dressing a pleasure. An immense
bathroom was added. There are marble counters, spa tub, and a steam shower.
But the careful placement of a wall of glass looking over the lush woodland
gardens not only highlights this space, but encourages the feel that you're
still way out of town in the country.
105 Perkins Road
Approximately 3,700 square feet
3 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths; $369,000
FSBO, 767-9438