But despite all its individual successes, the highlight of this house is not one or even several features, but rather a great overall sense of high-quality refurbishment and continuity of design. The house also is much larger than it looks from the outside, so perhaps “deceptiveness” should be considered another highlight.

Entering what seems to be an average size dwelling, visitors may first notice the Khaki-colored paint that surrounds the frames in the living and dining rooms, as well as the burgundy wallpaper that hangs inside the frames. The look is similar to a fabric wall covering. Off the living room is a beautiful sunroom that overlooks a terraced back yard—all of which (big surprise here) was redone by the current owners.

Between the dining room and kitchen is a unique butler’s pantry that has been converted into a sitting area. Immediately adjacent, the kitchen evokes a strong Tuscan feel, with wood-faced appliances and a diagonally positioned, stone-hooded stove. This is the only room for which the owners received professional design assistance.

Immediately behind the kitchen is a large, step-down family room—once an attached garage. From anywhere in the room, one can see the back yard through floor-to-ceiling windows; even from the window seat on the far wall. The owners redesigned the mantle to match the lighter décor.

On the second floor is a “to-die-for” master bedroom that formerly was a sleeping porch. Its fireplace was remodeled by the owners to match other fireplaces in the home. An adjoining master bathroom was extended to almost double the space. Across the hall, a Jack and Jill bathroom connects a child’s room and extra bedroom—both of which were redecorated in the same open, airy, consistent way. Even the third floor, which contains a large guest suite, has a pleasantly similar look and feel.

Exiting out through the back yard, visitors should take note of a lengthy stone wall, made entirely from stones dug out of the yard. Think of the wall as a metaphor for the entire home: making something truly extraordinary, using components that were there all along!

Look For:
· 19th Century Welsh table in front hall.
· Ancient crib in the living room that once held the owner’s grandfather.
· Large World War I ammunition shells in the family room.
· Welsh brass bed in the master bedroom.
· Living room chairs and sofa (second floor landing) dating from 1830.
· 19th Century Welsh bed warmer hanging on wall in main hallway.