As you approach this 1920s Georgian Revival home, nostalgia pulls you back in time. Designed by architect Francis Jones, the door is centered with an impressive cast stone frame. Original gold leaf address numbers, a stylized pineapple finial, wide window shutters, and a landscaped yard enhance the historic entrance of this home. Welcome to Akron’s version of Home Alone!
Original black-and-white, diamond-patterned tiles greet you as you enter. Beginning in the living room, note the player piano and a cabinet holding original scrolls of holiday music. Shiny Brite vintage ornaments decorate the first of nine trees. Original woodwork and crown molding differ in each room, and richly paneled walls speak to the beauty of the architecture. The intricate craftsmanship of the era is displayed in the Roman fresco art and relief of the original glazed green fireplace and its surround. Notice the original chandelier, one of many throughout the home, with a ceiling medallion boasting carved flowers. Estate sale finds and a rendering of the house by David Morris enhance the room.
As you move through the foyer, sconces highlight art by Thai Mainhard, and carved treatments draw your eye above the doorways. In the dining room, behold the gasolier, as the chandelier was called before becoming electric. The painted wallpaper mural and Greek key molding surround the dining area, alongside original furniture left by the home’s first owners. A fireplace framed with exquisite blue and white Delft tiles, an intricately carved mirror, and tiny holiday houses will amaze diners. The silver, white and gold tree and the homeowners’ collection of miniature vintage trees make for a festive dining experience.
As in many homes in this Sunset View neighborhood, the kitchen was originally used as a prep and storage space. However, the young homeowners tailored the space to fit their needs. It now features a small but functional eating area, a fully stocked coffee bar, and a pantry with tall glass cabinetry. Art by the homeowner’s brother-in-law, Chris Uphues, brings artful whimsy to the room. Note the original sconces above the kitchen sink.
Next, make your way through the foyer toward the stairway to see a woodland-inspired Christmas tree. A wide stairway with turned balusters adorned with holiday swags and bows curves gently as it approaches the second floor.
Santa and his elves are waiting on the landing to deliver gifts. A pencil tree holds whimsical ornaments and a Santa hat topper. Art pieces, including a series of needlepoint holiday scenes made by the homeowner’s mother and friends, flank the wall. Two vintage chairs with needlepoint seats – another estate sale find – complete the look. The white cuckoo clock was made by Diamantini & Domeniconi in Italy. Surely Santa will find his way by midnight on Christmas Eve!
As you enter the first bedroom, groups of snowmen welcome you to their winter wonderland. They guard the fireplace surround of imported marble and stand at attention on the mantel and atop the armoire. Even more adorn the tree, which is crowned with a top hat.
The Grinch awaits in his bathroom! Presents are placed for his eyes only, and a bright green tree and window swag are there for him to sneak behind. Musical Grinch heads placed on the towel bars make his bathroom even more “Grinchable.” The original painted wallpaper mural above the tub is faded after years of Grinchy bathing.
The next bedroom is a girl’s Christmas paradise, complete with pink trees and holiday keepsakes. The trees are decked with jewel-toned pink and purple ornaments and beautiful bows. The small tree is dedicated to the homeowner’s favorite characters from The Golden Girls. The fireplace, with its marble surround and angelic friezes, provides a striking contrast to the whimsical space. A Todd Selby print of Karl Lagerfeld’s study and other treasured art pieces complete the room.
A brightly colored Jack and Jill bathroom leads to the last bedroom. Here, small trees featuring Hallmark ornaments take center stage. Holiday Legos and a village with carolers await Christmas morning.
Head to the third floor, where a narrow hall holds a vintage brass-adorned mirror, and vintage glass push panels on the double doors open to the stairs. In the original ballroom, two black marble fireplaces sit at opposite sides of the room; one can only imagine the Christmas parties up here!
Now onto the homeowners’ office, where storage space abounds with five closets. Holiday lights and decorations, a comfy sofa, holiday movies, and snacks make this a home away from Home Alone for the homeowners and their guests to enjoy!