Coming home to an 1880 English country manor in Montgomery County

Jim and Jennifer Wissing, residents of a three-bedroom, 2 ½-bath ranch home in the North Shore area, have meticulously transformed their 1963 house into a Victorian-era abode, reflecting their shared passion for the period's aesthetics and history. The couple, who acquired the house in 1977, initially decorated it in a traditional style. However, about two decades ago, after their children moved out, they began collecting antiques, progressively upgrading their pieces over time. Their collection is not merely an assortment of old items; the Wissings specifically seek out pieces with a historical connection to Milwaukee. For instance, they own three documented artifacts from the Schandein mansion, which once stood at 24th Street and Wisconsin Avenue. These include a large wood carving of a court jester, a newel piece shaped like a lady, and two carved wood panels that extend their crown molding. These particular items were acquired from the Alpine Village restaurant when it was sold. Another notable acquisition is a wrought-iron lunette by Cyril Kolnik, originally an archway piece from the Blatz Hotel on North Water Street, also sourced from the Alpine Village sale. Their collection further includes a chandelier from the Josiah Noonan House and hand-carved wood statues from the Brumder mansion. Beyond purchasing antiques, Jim Wissing contributes significantly to the home's Victorian ambiance by crafting furniture that aligns with the era's style. He constructed the three-piece bedroom set in their master bedroom, designed by Jennifer, as well as bookcases in the office, a decorative block front chest in the living room, and wall paneling in the family room. When asked about their choice of a ranch house over a period home, Jennifer explained that while they considered Victorian homes in areas like Concordia, they ultimately prioritized their preferred neighborhood, close to their parents. They have adapted the ranch structure to better suit their Victorian decorating style by installing new six-panel oak doors with gold leaf corner blocks and adding thick molding and trim throughout the house. A primary challenge has been fitting large Victorian pieces into the ranch's smaller spaces, necessitating creative solutions such as using a smaller gaming table from the 1880s or 90s in the kitchen and shortening chandeliers to accommodate lower ceilings. The home’s interior colors are all Victorian-inspired, with Jennifer drawing inspiration for the living room from “Victorian America, Classic Romanticism Through Decorating” by Wendell Garrett. The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, with Jennifer designing custom cabinets with raised panels and a hutch, built by Jim. They also incorporated stained glass windows from a house on Brady and Prospect Avenue, black granite countertops with bronze flecks, and hardware chosen to match the bronze accents. The couple collects epergnes, decorative glass pieces for dining room tables. The family room features a French hunting cabinet from around 1850, two 1870s newel post figures, and a three-piece parlor set. The living room is furnished with mahogany pieces, reupholstered in teal sculpted velvet, and includes high-back chairs from an Atlanta courthouse. The guest bedroom showcases an R.J. Horner & Co. three-piece set from the 1880s, with a bedspread made from reproduction fabric from St. James Place castle in England. The dining room boasts an antique oval table that extends to 11 feet, with six chairs upholstered in sculptured velvet damask, and custom-made window treatments. Large gasoliers, typical of Victorian mansions, are present in most rooms, including a piece by Cornelius & Baker in the dining room. Their future plans include transforming the basement into an old beer hall. The exterior complements the interior with an English garden, chosen for Jennifer’s love of roses and its suitability for the light-colored brick exterior of their home. #VictorianDesign #HomeRenovation #AntiqueCollection #MilwaukeeHistory #InteriorDecorating #RanchHomeTransformation #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalSalvage #PeriodStyle

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

The article details the journey of Dea and Jamie Poston, who became the fourth owners of an 18th-century farmhouse on Foulk Road in Wilmington in the fall of 2020. This historic property, dating back to 1799, caught Dea's immediate attention, with its 6,000 square feet, six bedrooms, four full and two half baths, and a semi-detached 1,000-square-foot carriage house. The previous owners, Jean and Dana Pyle, had overseen significant renovations and expansions between the 1970s and 2009. Upon their passing, their daughters, Jocelyn McCord and Val Voge, hoped to find new owners who would continue to cherish the home's legacy, a wish fulfilled by the Postons. The Postons, already experienced in home renovations, embarked on an ambitious restoration shortly after purchasing the property. Their initial focus included the kitchen, butler’s pantry, and laundry room. Despite facing challenges such as supply chain delays due to the pandemic and unexpected repairs, including a new roof and windows, they persevered. Opening walls for water damage repairs led to additional projects, such as a downstairs powder room, the conversion of two upstairs bathrooms into a large primary bathroom, and updates to two full baths for their daughters. The renovation process involved a mix of professional contracting and hands-on work by the Postons, often with the help of family and friends. A notable challenge was removing old wallpaper, which proved so difficult that they eventually hired a professional. The majority of the interior work was managed by contractor Eddie Laubsch. The Postons also started a Facebook page, "Foulk Road Farmhouse," to share their renovation progress, attracting a local following. One notable visitor was Jim de Ford, the last living member of the Sinclear family, who had lived in the house prior to the Pyles and shared his memories. The home's interior design thoughtfully blends its historical character with modern amenities. The kitchen features a creamy palette with brushed brass fixtures, a custom mahogany-stained oak vent hood, and floating shelves, creating a warm and inviting space for entertaining. The downstairs powder room showcases a William Morris "Strawberry Thief" wallpaper, complemented by a deep blue paint, crown and panel moldings, and restored original brass and crystal chandeliers. The Postons incorporated vintage items, including antique dressers, a reclaimed wood fireplace mantel, and period wallpaper designs. The butler’s pantry, originally the home's kitchen, now boasts soapstone counters and ample storage, reflecting the couple's love for entertaining. The first phase of renovations concluded, and the Postons are planning the second phase, which will focus on the exterior, including a hot tub room, a stone porch, the backyard, and the primary bedroom. The article highlights the Postons' dedication to preserving the home's history while infusing it with their personal style, ensuring that the Foulk Road Farmhouse continues to be a cherished family home. #FarmhouseRenovation #HistoricHome #WilmingtonDelaware #HomeRestoration #InteriorDesign #KitchenRenovation #BathroomRemodel #18thCenturyHome #HomeDecor

Interior stylist Leah Ashley Finn, returning to Texas from California, collaborated with her father, Gary Wright, known as “Builder Gary” of River Hills Homes, to construct a multi-generational farmhouse in Dripping Springs, Texas. The family had purchased 7 acres of rural land previously as an investment, which had served as a retreat for picnics. As their family of four outgrew their current home, particularly after Finn’s mother moved in during the 2020 pandemic, they decided to build on their land, which Finn describes as the ideal environment for her children to grow up. Finn's vision for the Finn Family Farm was a home that appeared to have existed for generations, drawing inspiration from the German immigrants who settled in Central Texas over 175 years ago. The design, chronicled in the streaming series _Home to Homestead_ on The Design Network, incorporated a limestone exterior reminiscent of historical regional architecture. A key aspect of Finn's approach was sustainable living, including a rainwater collection tank and raising chickens for fresh eggs and fertilizer. The project emphasized integrating with the natural surroundings; instead of a traditional grass lawn, the property features native Texas pollinator plants, reducing maintenance and promoting water conservation with its 65-gallon rainwater collection system. Contrasting with modern open-concept designs, Finn opted for a more traditional layout with distinct rooms, fostering a sense of discovery within the home. The kitchen, for instance, includes a U-shaped breakfast alcove with nostalgic groove paneling and built-in seating, completed with a bistro table and woven leather chairs. Finn also champions 'slow decorating,' a process of patiently sourcing preloved and reclaimed items. The mudroom showcases this philosophy with an 1800s French pharmacy cabinet and a vintage cast-iron sink, both found at the Original Round Top Antiques Fair. The interior design further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor elements by using the same smeared exterior limestone for kitchen walls, referencing early German settler homes. A custom kitchen island was designed to mimic a vintage piece, and refurbished pendant lights from Nomadic Trading Co. contribute to the rustic aesthetic. Instead of popular indoor/outdoor living features like large sliding doors, Finn emphasized natural light through numerous large windows and French doors. She also practices repurposing furniture, exemplified by a living room cabinet bought on Facebook Marketplace for under $200 and antique dining chairs from a Llano, Texas, garage sale. The guest bathroom features a thrifted side table converted into a skirted vanity using vintage Etsy fabric and brass fixtures from Signature Hardware. The guest rooms showcase a playful use of patterns and textures. One primary guest space, designed for frequent visitors, combines neutral patterns on walls, upholstery, and linens to create dimension. Custom draperies by Everhem are adorned with large pink tassels from Round Top. Another guest room includes built-in bunk beds painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Pewter Green, offering additional sleeping arrangements for both children and adult guests. For a modern touch in the bathroom, Finn blended metals, such as brass knobs with polished nickel faucets and showerheads. The space includes a silver cast-iron tub, a plastered walk-in shower, and an outdoor shower. Travertine tiles from Taylor Designer Floors and small vintage rugs complete the neutral palette, adding warmth. #FarmhouseDesign #TexasHome #SustainableLiving #ReclaimedDecor #InteriorStyling #MultigenerationalHome #ArchitecturalHistory #DrippingSprings #CustomHome

The Southern Living House Plan Number 1870, known as the Farmdale Cottage, is designed to evoke the charm of a country cottage, suitable for both rural and suburban settings. This particular plan is praised for its ability to maximize living space and create a welcoming atmosphere, even within its modest footprint of 2057 square feet. The design, as highlighted by architect Taylor Norris, initially featured a front porch that was cleverly enclosed to add over 300 square feet of heated living area, transforming it into a versatile entry and dining space. This architectural decision not only expanded the usable area but also contributed to the home's distinctive character. The interior design of the Farmdale Cottage incorporates elements traditionally found on the exterior, such as brick floors and vaulted ceilings in the dining area. This integration of materials blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, contributing to a sense of spaciousness and an informal, convivial ambiance. The dining room, for instance, is described as having a "breezy casual feel," making it an ideal setting for social gatherings rather than formal dinner parties. This design choice aims to enhance the home's perceived size and functionality, making it feel larger and more accommodating than its square footage might suggest. The house plan features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, providing ample space for residents and guests. The design emphasizes comfort and hospitality, key aspects of Southern living. The front exterior is notable for its inviting brick walk and a pergola over the front door, which offers an opportunity for homeowners to cultivate climbing plants, further enhancing the cottage's aesthetic appeal. This detail adds to the overall country charm and curb appeal of the residence. The collaboration with James Farmer, a well-known lifestyle expert, suggests an emphasis on a cohesive design that extends beyond structural elements to include interior decor and garden design. Farmer's involvement likely ensures that the home's aesthetic aligns with a classic Southern style, characterized by comfort, elegance, and a connection to nature. The article suggests that the Farmdale Cottage fulfills a long-held dream for individuals seeking a perfect country retreat, whether on a sprawling farm or nestled within a suburban neighborhood. Ultimately, the appeal of Southern Living House Plan Number 1870 lies in its thoughtful design, which balances practicality with aesthetic charm. The strategic enclosure of the front porch, the use of exterior materials indoors, and the overall focus on creating an inviting environment contribute to a home that is both functional and beautiful. It represents a successful execution of a country cottage ideal, offering a comfortable and stylish living space that feels larger and more open through innovative design solutions. #JamesFarmer #CountryCottage #FarmdaleCottage #SouthernLiving #HousePlan #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign