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This charming home of Dutch Colonial influences with a large front
porch, was built in 1925 for Mr. Packard, who held a high level position with
Standard Oil.It was also at one time
the home of the great-grandson of President Garfield.It was severely damaged by fire in 1995, and the current owners
courageously and with great sensitivity, rebuilt it over a period of nine
months.Much of the house was restored
to its original state, although some features were enhanced and an addition was
built on the back of the house.In the
living room, the original arch over the fireplace was enlarged, dentil molding
was added, and a built-in china cupboard now graces the dining room.The new features blend in beautifully with
what remains of the original house.
Rescued from the fire by valiant members of the Cleveland Heights fire
department are an exquisite hand made dining room table and chairs inlaid with
mother of pearl, as well as the baseball collection of the owner's son.
The second floor has four bedrooms, with the baseball collection on
display in one of them.A spacious
master suite with a Caribbean theme features two walk-in closets.
As fire began on the roof, the third floor is completely new.Large, open, and with recessed lighting, the
third floor serves as office space for the owners.
The family room was unaffected by the fire, and original windows and
some original cabinetry are extant in the kitchen.Hickory cabinets, Corian counters and the oak floor are part of
the restoration to the kitchen.A
pass-through from the kitchen to a screened-in back porch makes this area a
convenient and delightful place for summer meals.The porch, which is a highlight of the new addition, features a
ceiling fan, hot tub, and the beauty of nature, in the form of a large tree
surrounded by an outer deck.
An unlikely survivor of such a raging fire was a book entitled Expect a Miracle.The spirited owners have miraculously
survived an immense catastrophe and have restored to Cleveland Heights a home
which is a true gem.
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