2432 Edgehill (1985)

This dark red brick, hip-roofed house was built in 1919-20 for George A. Grieble of Grieble and Ebeling, Architects. A later owner was Carl Kolinsky, owner of the Kolinsky Sign Company. As this is san English country house type, the stone decoration over several unusually wide windows is the exterior's most formal feature, and the multi-level terrace its most unusual. Several enormous sycamore trees grace the well-shaded, half-acre property, and the present owner is restoring some of the former gardens.

The vestibule, unusual for its having square tile on only the lower portion of its walls, leads to a center hall arrangement, with, to the left, a commodious living room and adjoining sunporch, now a game room decorated with stained glass windows from a Pennsylvania church and restored by David Clark. The living room has huge windows overlooking both lawns. The fireplace screen, a recent design by the owner, is in the Art Deco spirit. Floors here and in most of the main rooms are of mitered oak in excellent condition.

A set of pocket doors, similar to the set leading from hall to living room, connects the hall with dining room. This spacious room boasts much dark oak millwork and a large leaded glass window; each of its main windows is in an alcove.

The redone kitchen is spectacular. The owner's father developed the concept, the owner worked out the detail, and architect Philmore Hart furnished the working drawings. Light, airy and roomy, the kitchen includes a new dining area which extends the house, replacing a small working area and porch. The new section has an operable skylight, and all sections of the kitchen -- even the former butler's pantry ---have an abundance of contemporary, medium-toned oak paneling, cupboards and shelves. The floor, including that of the former pantry, is of blue Japanese porcelain tile, warmed during the winter by a blower system. Counters are brown formica and porcelain tile. On the ceiling is a regal stained glass ceiling panel, designed by the owner and fashioned by David Clark. Both direct and indirect lighting make the room radiant. A quaint feature is an original package chute, now within the kitchen, in a formerly exterior, brick wall.

Off the kitchen is a new deck. A small, new Oriental garden adjoins this area, and another deck, refurbished with new wooden slats, is over an unusual and original enclosed breezeway, connecting house with garage.

The main stairway is of the simple wood pattern of the early 20th century Mission style. There are four upstairs bedrooms and two bathrooms. Both of these have gracefully shaped original tile floors; the master bath has fine original tile walls.