Historic home gets modern updates | News, Sports, Jobs

“It has a modern floor plan that preserves the historical features,” said Fish Real Estate Agent Denise Reis, who is familiar with the home.

Built in 1898, the home has a storied past with prominent families such as the Plakenhorns and Lundys residing there. “This is a landmark home because when the Plankenhorns bought it, they bought a lot of acreage around it,” said Reis. That land later grew to become the residential community of Grampian Hills.

Originally, the home was a brick Victorian but was converted to its present iteration as a French Chateau in the 1920s.

When the current homeowners moved into the 122-year-old home, it needed updates inside and out. One of their first projects was to restore the patio area. After removing a plethora of overgrown bushes and weeds, they carved out an entertainment space adding a firepit, rustic adirondack chairs and new landscaping.

Two original banks of steps lead from the patio up to an inground, salt-water pool surrounded by mature trees and lounging chairs.

Within the home’s interior, you are met with a mix of open concept design harmoniously coexisting with defined spaces in 5,418 square feet of sumptuousness. Gratefully, the 2016 remodel of the home maintained its original charm. Reis said of the home’s transformation, “There is so much character and craftsmanship.”

That craftsmanship is evident in its winding staircase with wrought iron railing, herringbone wood floors, wrought iron archways, coffered ceilings, carved wood doors and built-ins.

In terms of design, the homeowners were not afraid to make a statement with their choices of bold colors. For example, the large formal dining room is dramatic with its red walls and white trim. Two built-in cabinets flank french doors that lead to a flagstone patio. Additional bold color choices in the home include a cobalt blue study and red foyer.

The newly expanded kitchen has more subdued colors but is still sublime. Gray and white tiles that were handpicked in Mexico surround the stove contrasting nicely with butcher block slabs that top the large island and countertops. White cabinetry with glass fronts and a farmhouse sink complete the space. “When you are at the sink, you can take in the courtyard and garden,” said Reis.

The house successfully melds modern day conveniences with old world style. It is a difficult balance to achieve but this French Chateau does it with grace and panache.