Completed in 1914 by builder W.W. Jepson, this Tudor
Revival style home is thought to have been built as a model home by
the Van Sweringen brothers. As is typical of homes along Fairmount,
the yard is called “garden-sized” which means narrow and
deep.
The current owners are maintaining the home to reflect
its early years. The interior of the house is finished in the style
and materials of the Arts and Crafts period. This style includes birch
woodwork stained a mahogany color and oak hardwood floors throughout.
The fireplace in the living room takes center stage with
its carved wood detailing and deep blue Grueby tiles. Opposite the fireplace,
and balancing its scale, is a nine-foot long window seat.
The coffered ceilings in the living room and dining room, which were
a later addition, give the home an Arts and Crafts feel. In keeping
with the turn-of-the-century era, the home is furnished with period
antique and reproduction furniture and lighting fixtures.
All color, style, lamps, décor, and pottery in
the home have been chosen to match the Arts and Crafts style. The look
is easy on the eye and the feel is relaxing, warm and welcoming because
everything flows together so beautifully and seamlessly. The current
owners studied the period to design and decorate the home.
To the left of the entrance is a harpsichord that was
built by the present owner. This room was originally the office of the
doctor who built the home. The shelving is original to the home.
The kitchen features original built-in cabinetry. Granite countertops
and extra counter space have been added. The commercial stove was an
addition by a previous owner who was a chef. Notice that the bell for
the chauffeur remains.
The powder room on the first floor used to be a coat
closet. Look closely, you can still see where the hooks were. The room
was repainted and stenciled. The stencils were made by the current owners.
According to the owners, the Arts and Crafts movement
took Japanese style as its muse. For that reason, they chose to put
a Japanese gallery on the second floor.
The only deviation from the Arts and Crafts period is
the “art deco” room on the second floor. This room was designed
to match an original light fixture which was found by the current owners.
The light fixture is on your right as you enter the room.
In the master bedroom, the sleeping porch floor was raised
and opened to the master. A new light fixture was added. The only change
made to the master bath was to replace a sink – with one that
looked exactly like the original.
The third floor is called the “Minnesota Room” because of
its light, open and airy feel. The third floor bathroom was completely
restored. The cabinetry on the third floor is original, watch your head
as you exit!
The chauffeur’s quarters on the second floor of the coach house
were gutted and renovated in 2002 and made into a two-room apartment.
The décor gives a nod to the era of the property as it combines
vintage styling with modern amenities.