In 1974, the current homeowner used to walk her dog daily past this 1925 French Eclectic house and pine for it. Today, itís all hers, and it certainly reflects her love of both art and antiques. As you can see, the home’s prominent wall space begs to be brimming with fine art. After taking possession of the home in early 2007, the first thing the homeowner did was re-wire the house so that picture lights could be installed to highlight her extensive art collection. As a framer and a mother of two artists, “art finds me,” notes the owner.

The original floors were all sanded, and a painted design on the front hallway floor highlights the French Colonial feel to the entryway. The inviting wood-paneled living room features antique French doors salvaged from the original kitchen, stripped of paint, and now utilized to hide shelving. Note the picture frame encasing the flat-screen TV.

The homeowner worked with contractor David McDowell and interior designer John Koncar – well-known for his individual touch and historical accuracy when approaching a design project – in a total rehab of the house. First to go was the kitchen – down to the studs. With its French farmhouse feel, the kitchen now boasts a cozy sitting nook that overlooks the backyard stone fountain and features a stained-glass window salvaged from its isolation in the garage. The glass panels in the built-ins were discovered at an antique show and cut to fit. Note the intricate marble backsplash, which reminds us that this is a modern working kitchen after all. Wood beams were added to complete the farmhouse feel.

As you journey upstairs, take notice of the ceiling-to-floor bookcases built to house the owner’s considerable book collection. Beams were added to the high ceiling, and the detailed painting on the linen cabinets is original to the home and was gently refurbished. The first bedroom belongs to the homeowner’s son and is done in subtle masculine shades. Note the custom-sewn dust-ruffle, a nod to her son’s study of the classics. The bathroom was completely remodeled, and a wall was removed to accommodate the glass shower to give it a more open feel.

The master bath still boasts its original tile walls and flooring. It was given an update with paint and a glass covering over the shower wall to protect the paint. The master bedroom features an 1840 Sheraton canopy bed – the owner’s first antique purchase – and an original Pennsylvania painted blanket box. With its gently sloping walls, the bedroom makes creative use of space by displaying more artwork.

The daughter’s bedroom, cleverly tucked away behind the linen closet, affords privacy and a wonderful view of the backyard. The tile in this bathroom is also original. The guest room, which once hosted its own bathroom, has been gutted to make it larger and more comfortable. The back stairway features animal-themed prints, simple art plates obtained from books and lovingly framed.

Originally, this home was constructed at a cost of $20,000 for Arthur R. and Clara Leeds. He was a salesman for Brown Hoisting Machine Company, and the family lived here until 1955.

WATCH FOR:
• The small powder room window ñ formerly covered up by drywall.
• The sculpture in the corner of the dining room by the homeownerís daughter.
• The downspouts on the patio and outside the sonís room designed by roofer Michael Jackson to replicate Japanese lilies.
• The homeownerís substantial collection of antiques, culled from various antique shows and flea markets.
• The framework throughout the home ñ all done by WoodTrader