The present owners of twenty-four fell in love with Linwood Avenue after renting an apartment on this historic street back in 2003. Besides having to remove three tons of trash and debris, the house, which differs little from its original form, is a preservationists dream.
This former parish house was constructed by the Church of the Acension in 1898, and housed priests and their families until the late 1980's after which it was used as additional office space by the church. It remained property of the church until 2000, and was bought by the current owners in 2006.
In true late 1890's style, the house boasts an eclectic mixture of architectural features, including elements from shingle style, Queen Anne and colonial revival. The horizontal appeal of the house makes it feel big and important, while the impressive thirty-foot high roof and its six dormers draw the eyes upwards.
The house boasts forty oversized, double-sashed windows, which lets in copious amounts of natural light from sunrise to sunset. The large brick and brownstone porch with intricate wood detailing and formal columns is one of the owner's favorite late afternoon retreats.
Upon entering the large oak door, one passes through the vestibule, with built in boot box, leading into the great hall. While divided by another heavy oak door, the two rooms are visually united with matching oak paneling granting a sense of continuity to the visitor.
Once inside, the first glimpse of the hall is the six foot wooden mantle with original tile and marble surround. Can you believe this entire room and staircase was covered in indoor/outdoor carpeting? To the right, the grand staircase spills out onto the floor leadings to the upper stories with six bedrooms and two bathrooms while passing by the first landing settle.
When the current owners took possession of the property, the staircase had commonplace modern bathroom installed underneath. Luckily, the previous owners had taken care not to damage the original woodwork too severely during installation.
To the right of the fireplace is the entrance to the side parlor. This room boasts original French doors, two large windows, and its own cozy fireplace, which is currently under restoration.
The dining room and formal parlor, like all formal rooms, are separated from the hall by fully functional, six-inch thick pocket doors - allowing an open feel with the option for privacy. Both rooms are drenched in natural light from the prominent bay windows, giving an unobstructed view of the neighboring courtyard.
The dining room, which has its own fireplace with marble and tile surround, is connected to the kitchen by a swinging server's door that allows easy access between both rooms.
The formal parlor with its 1894 pump organ and antique furniture certainly finish the room with a nostalgic charm.
Besides updating the kitchen most future renovation plans are exterior in nature and include painting the house a period appropriate, natural green color scheme this summer and restoring the front second story and rear porch off the French doors.
excellant description!