There have been many updates to the home since we purchased over 20 years ago. We bought the home for $125,000. Then over the years we spent $50,000 on updates and upgrades at wholesale contractor prices. The home boasts a beautiful brick exterior and with the addition of vinyl soffits and gable ends, means very low upkeep. The house is well insulated which helps reduce your energy costs no matter the season. By pulling in cool air in the mornings and evenings with the whole house attic fan, then closing the windows keeps the house cool all summer. We only run the air conditioning when extremely hot and humid. Move your furniture in, sit back and relax to enjoy the four seasons and the spectacle of color, wildlife and beauty in this peaceful setting. Scroll down to see just some of the updates over the years.
Geothermal heat pump added in 2008. Click here for details
We refinished the original wood floors in 2010. They are tongue and groove wide oak planks of various lengths, staggered and screwed down with cherry pegs. Underneath the that is a tongue and groove pine sub-floor. There are no "squeaks" or issues with the beautiful floor. We preserved the natural patina that results from years of aging. It must be seen to be believed. Simply dust mop and occasionally run a polishing mop with floor cleaner if needed. The wide plank floors are in the dining room and the living room. The bedroom hallway and 2 of the 3 bedrooms have a narrower oak plank flooring (including the closet floors).
The kitchen was completely renovated in 1999. All new Wellborn oak cabinets which have upgrades to 7-ply plywood back, drawers are 5/8 birch dovetail, with under drawer glides. There are custom tile counters, backsplashes, and floor. The cabinets are finished with crown molding and go to the ceiling (42" tall). The floor tile is from Spain and brings all of the colors together. There is plenty of storage space and a large peninsula perfect for breakfast, or just rolling out cookie dough. The laundry is in the kitchen which makes it ideal to have all of your work in one place. The whisper quiet Frigidaire dishwasher was also installed in 2006. There is a separate breaker box with GFI breakers, for the kitchen in the basement. The sink and ice maker are hooked up to a reverse osmosis system.
In 2006 we completely renovated the east wall in the large living room. We rebuilt the bookcases with oak and added oak veneer to the cove moulding. An antique mantel was also refinished and added over the existing fireplace. The old white painted bricks were covered with custom tile work. The original slate hearth is all that exists from the original look. The open fireplace offers a warmth not met with enclosed gas fireplaces. The crackling logs and heat that radiates long after the fire burns down, make this a great addition to any cold autumn or winter evening. For ease of cleaning there is a trap door that dumps out into a clean out in the basement.
In addition to the attached two car garage you will love the one car garage that was added to the large west lot in 2007. You can easily store a full size car or just your lawn equipment in this separate garage. There is a loft are for additional storage with decking that can be accessed with a ladder.
Trees and shrubs have ground cover around the bases. There are various types of plants used depending on the lighting. The yard can be mowed entirely on a riding mower with no trim mowing, weedwacking or other trimming of the lawn. Much less weekly work means more time to enjoy the yard and wildlife.
Low voltage lighting and rocks were added to the front yard in 2005. Simply blow leaves out in the fall and occasionally wash down with a light bleach solution to keep the rocks looking new. The lights are on a timer system.
New roof and refaced chimney in 1998. The rook shingles are by Capstone and we added a sealer in 2011 to prevent stonewash. The chimney has a stainless steel cap and caging to prevent animals from entering. The eaves and gable ends and shutters are all vinyl for a maintenance free exterior. The back porch and den have a 0.6 mil extra thick rubber roof. There was also a new drain field installed in 1993.
We seal coated the driveway in summer of 2011. Also added more insulation to the attic so we have a hefty 18 inches of insulation to help keep heating and cooling bills low. Using the whole house fan to pull in the cool air in the mornings and evenings, then closing up the house usually maintains it at a nice 70 degree temperature, even in the summer.
We seal coated the driveway in summer of 2011. Also added more insulation to the attic so we have a hefty 18 inches of insulation to help keep heating and cooling bills low. Using the whole house fan to pull in the cool air in the mornings and evenings, then closing up the house usually maintains it at a nice 70 degree temperature, even in the summer.