This Victorian gem waited a long time for the chance to recapture its former glory. In March of 2004, the opportunity finally presented itself—the right owner was united with the right house. The result has been a massive infusion of period furnishings, restoration and decoration; and a big treat for this year’s tour-goers.

One of the first structures in Cleveland Heights’ first residential development, the house was built around 1894 by Jonathan Farrow, a prosperous dairy farmer. It is a good example of Queen Anne-style, American Victorian architecture with Eastlake-style ornamentation. Queen Anne/Victorian influences include the home’s asymmetry, tower, bays, wall dormers, high ceilings, textured exterior walls (with multiple siding treatments), and original stained-glass windows on the front and third-floor side. The Eastlake impact is evidenced by the second-floor fixtures, locks, knobs and hinges. Charles L. Eastlake (1833-1906) designed furniture and interior decorations that were uniquely angular, notched and carved. Eastlake houses tend to have architectural ornamentation that mirrors the furniture.

Inside the home, authenticity now abounds. Virtually all the accoutrements are period pieces and family heirlooms, including most of the Victorian furniture, a collection of more than 60 “compotes” (candy dishes), numerous quilts, and scores of old photographs. All of the wall sconces also are original (converted from gas to electric), as are the doorknobs and door fixtures, most of which have a unique “sunburst” theme. The kitchen was fully modernized by a previous owner, but it now has several antique flairs, such as a “Hoosier” cabinet from the late 1800s that contains a built-in flour sifter and ingredient storage. There also is a strange room at the back of the dining room, that perhaps was a second butler’s pantry. The owner welcomes insights/ideas from Tour visitors.

The owner also notes the many improvements yet to come. As soon as possible, painted, period wall paper will be applied in almost every room; plaster moldings and wainscoting will be rebuilt; and additional fine-oak woodwork will be reinstalled. Down the road, the exterior will receive a more authentic paint job. The current paint colors, albeit pleasing, are not faithful to the house style, according to the owner. Most likely, the house originally boasted at least seven different colors, with increasingly darker shades in the upper quarters.

However, the property already is a Victorian treat—with everything from 19th century brass and oak beds to the original barn. The latter still has its original doors, hayloft, carriage tracks and even a “chicken entrance” at the back. With so much accomplished in six months, we can only hope that the owner agrees to another Tour appearance later in the decade.

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