2648 East Overlook (1990)

Originally part of the Euclid Heights development created by Patrick Calhoun, this Meade-designed home once belonged to George Humphrey, Treasury Secretary in the Eisenhower administration. With the present owners acting as general contractors, the 65-year-old house has been completely restored to its former glory, the entire project taking a brief and very busy four months. The fresh decor conveys a warm but sophisticated sense of style.

In the living room the ceiling and crown molding are new, the floors refinished, the walls stripped and painted. The piano was once the prized possession of the owner's great-great-grandmother. Sliding French doors, which had been completely painted over, have been refinished and rehung. The front leaded glass bay windows were repaired and are repeated in the dining room, where the walls are covered in silk. In the den the leaded glass windows are original, and the hearth has been converted to marble.

Original items in the kitchen and pantry include the tin sink, cabinets, some hardware, stainless steel counter tops, and the old buzzer system for servants. The recessed lighting, wine rack, and Italian tile are new. An open eating nook was created by removing a door and part of a wall, an island was added, and the sink and stove area switched. In the back hall the inner doorway was enlarged and the stained glass transom above the rear door added to match the rest of the house, as was the stained glass in the downstairs lavatory.

On the second floor, five bedrooms have been converted to four, plus three full baths, a cedar closet, and a lady's dressing room. in the master bedroom is the original walk-in closet, with storage space perfectly suited for men's attire.

New electrical wiring has been installed throughout the 20-inch thick walls, storm windows have been added, and the front yard has been re-landscaped. A rose garden and stone wall in the backyard add a gracious touch to a truly gracious home.