Recent updates enhance 19th century home rebuilt in mid-1980s
Contributing writer
Sam Eckenrode of Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors is happy to explain the fact that there was an octagon house movement in the mid-to-late 1800s in the United States and in Canada. That’s because she has one on the market in Yellow Springs at 111 W. Whiteman St.
“(This is) an iconic local landmark home now available for sale for the first time in 35 years,” Eckenrode said. “The proximity to the library and downtown Yellow Springs makes its location ideal.”
Current owner of this historic home, Sue Andrew Jackson, was a longtime friend and caregiver of the late author Suzanne Clauser, who redesigned the interior of the home in the mid-1980s, keeping intact its original 1856 charm.
Jackson speaks of Clauser’s rebuilding plan and interior design, which takes advantage “of all the wonderful features of an eight-sided home. She had a space-utilization theory that every (inch) counted,” said Jackson.
The home boasts many built-ins, easy functionality, versatile gathering spaces, a see-through fireplace and several stained-glass windows.
“All the stained glass was crafted by Yellow Springs artisans,” said Jackson.
The two-story home offers about 2,180 square feet of living space. A fully equipped 400-square-foot efficiency apartment was added above the garage in the 1990s. In 2016, a 17-by-14-foot, in-ground Endless Pool with remotely controlled current movement was installed in its own room adjacent the screened porch.
Eckenrode has listed this home for $499,000.
From the wraparound veranda, the front door opens into an entry hall with angled walls on both sides. Stained-glass inserts accent the door, the transom and the sidelights. Slate tile covers the floor, and a partially open staircase ascends to the upper level.
Angled walls and a stained-glass window create an interesting space in the full bath, which has a glass-enclosed shower with ceramic-tiled walls.
A wide opening leads into a two-room gathering space with walnut flooring separated by a central see-through fireplace, which is enhanced on both sides with brick-and-mortar facings and matching wood mantels. Either one could serve as formal dining room or living room. One has a crystal chandelier; the other has triple windows facing front with a window seat and pocket doors to enclose the kitchen, when desired.
Cork-tile flooring adds comfort in the workspace, which is partially separated by a peninsular counter. Large windows are shaded with Roman blinds. Angled cabinets along one wall incorporate the dishwasher, the built-in microwave oven and the smooth-top range. Nearby are double pantry cabinets and the side-by-side refrigerator. Stacked washer and dryer are installed in the laundry room, which has additional storage shelves.
The gathering space extends into an inviting screened porch with brick flooring and a tongue-and-groove coved ceiling.
At the top of the stairs is a small loft area. There are three bedrooms and a full bath on this level. Two rooms are used as offices. One has an exposed brick partial wall and floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves. The other has access to a small balcony overlooking the front yard.
Upper and lower interior shutters shade the windows in the third bedroom, which has two double-door closets.
Installed in the full bath is an enclosed tub with a built-in seat and a hand-held shower head. One corner holds the sink vanity while the opposite corner space is used for another counter with upper and lower cabinets.
The fourth bedroom is part of the efficiency apartment that was added above the detached garage. The kitchenette is equipped with a small refrigerator, a two-burner electric cooktop and a bar sink. The area has its own heating/air conditioning system. Abundant natural light shines through multiple windows, including a stained-glass window. The full bath has a glass doored-shower, a raised vanity and a built-in hair dryer.
Jackson, who is a professional landscape designer, has created an outdoor living room, where something is in bloom almost year round. Abundant ground cover, blooming plants and mature hedges are complemented by brick walkways and an attractive brick wall of medium height.
Eckenrode said, “She is such a good designer that everything sings.”
YELLOW SPRINGS
Price: $499,000
Directions: Xenia Avenue (U.S. 68) to West Whiteman Street
Highlights: About 2,180 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2-story built 1856, essentially rebuilt in mid- 1980s, versatile open gathering areas, equipped kitchen, unfinished 3-room walk-up basement, wood deck, patio, built-in grill, in-ground Endless Pool added 2016, brick privacy fence, 400-sq.-ft. efficiency apartment above detached 2-car garage and additional heated storage garage, whole-house generator, roof and gutters replaced in 2015
For more information:
Coldwell Banker Heritage
Sam Eckenrode or Minerva Bieri
(937) 470-1867 or 430-0843
www.yellowspringsproperties.com
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