Believed to have been built by U.S. Senator (1875 – 1876) Allen T. Caperton for his daughter as a wedding gift, the home is shaded by mature trees and retains its original 19th century character. The exterior is white-painted brick and wood siding.
A large front porch, spacious enough for abundant seating, leads to double front doors. Inside, a master suite is situated to the left, a U-shaped staircase straight ahead, and cozy, book-shelf lined parlor to the right. The parlor with its wood-burning fireplace, old-style radiator and dark wainscoting is the perfect space for winter evenings.
From the parlor, there are two steps up to a dining room with intricately stenciled walls. For a touch of history and intrigue, a small patch on the wall reveals the original wallpaper. Previously owners have meticulously maintained the virtue of the original structure while updating the amenities for comfortable, modern living.
At the opposite end of the room, a doorway leads to a sitting room just off the kitchen. In 1824 the kitchen was a separate building located behind the house along with a cabin that was likely slave quarters. Those structures are no longer present on the property.
Sometime during the first half of the 20th century the kitchen was brought inside to what is now the sitting area. Then, in the 1970s a second kitchen addition was added along with a back porch. This large kitchen includes a breakfast nook encased in windows. A central island provides extra counter and a second in-kitchen eating space. All kitchen appliances convey.
With the adjacent sitting room and open flow into the kitchen, this versatile space is the heart of the home, a perfect spot for entertaining or simply hanging out. The most recent remodel revealed original heart pine wood floors in the original portions of the home.
Adjacent to the kitchen, what was previously the back porch has been converted to a utility room with ample cabinets and pantry as well as a separate laundry room and powder room. This abundant storage space has been created without disrupting the integrity of the historic structure. A side porch was converted to a study or sitting area with generous windows and more built-in book shelves.
The downstairs master suite includes a built-in wardrobe in keeping with the pre-closet architecture of the home and a fireplace. A full bath with his and her sinks is connected.
Additional closet space has been created beneath the stairs. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms each feature fireplaces and built-in wardrobe closets. There is also a second full bathroom upstairs.
This well-maintained home is sturdy and benefits from shade and a natural front to back breeze throughout the warmer months when the front door and kitchen windows are open. The current owners report having turned the air conditioning on only once in the previous year.
A back patio, featuring a winding rock wall and crushed marble fountain, overlooks an expansive back yard. The perimeter of the yard has been landscaped with carefree gardening in mind. Bark mulched beds keep weeds at bay. A second garden room with raised beds is positioned at the back of the lot, partitioned by an arbor featuring wisteria and honeysuckle. A garden shed offers space for storing equipment.
Nearby, a chicken house has been cleverly converted into a soundproof studio. The exterior of the studio still appears to be a chicken house, but upon entry, a completely built-out studio space is revealed. The space has heating and air-conditioning for use as a year-round workspace or office.