This 1920 Center Hall Colonial is an ideal blend of old and new. It has been completely refurbished both inside and out since its purchase in 2002. By the following year, it was decided that the large evergreens in front of the house would have to go as they completely obscured the view. As a result, two beautiful Colorado blue spruce were donated to the City of Cleveland; one magnificent specimen was used for the yuletide tree display on Public Square in 2003. Next, the entire outside of the house was stripped down to the bare wood and repainted. A new porch was created using existing sandstone and new brick.

Before moving in, the current owner had all of the floors stripped and refinished. Every room was painted in warm, rich tones. As you enter, notice the original leaded glass windows in the front sitting and dining rooms and the beveled glass door. The mosaic tile in the entryway is original to the home.

To the left of the front door is the sitting room; painted in Martha Stewart’s ‘carton’ shade, it features a new fireplace made of tumbled marble. The owner describes all of the furnishings in this home as a mix of “grandma’s things and garage sales.” Through the sitting room is a screened porch furnished with antique rattan. Next is the sun room with a television set from 1950 and a 1938 original Raphaelo art deco poster.

But nothing prepares you for what awaits in the kitchen! It is all new with slate floors, concrete countertops, custom-designed slate backsplash, cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances and trim. During the remodel, the back doorway was moved and a new deck added. The kitchen features a breakfast nook with sitting area where one can enjoy views of the yard and tree house. The original butler’s pantry was preserved and provides a transition from the kitchen to the traditional dining room.
The second floor features an office, which has been appropriately painted in a color called ‘chat-room.’

The second floor bath has been completely re-done in marble. Some original subway tile was preserved on the walls. Go ahead--open the shower curtain to see the magnificent marble shower. Moving back to the old, the guest rooms are decorated traditionally with more of “grandma’s things” and garage sale finds. The master bedroom, carpeted in Berber, holds an interesting collection of political mugs.

As you descend the stairs to exit, notice the half bath in the hall. An inspiration of space-saving, this room, decorated with limestone tile and slate trim, contains a corner toilet and sink.

Watch For: