Homes

In the heart of Decatur, Georgia, Columbus-natives Jenna and Caleb Gross created the perfect balance of modern and traditional style with a daring array of colors.

The Gross’ were on a mission to plant their family roots in the Decatur neighborhood in a home that would not only provide the perfect setting for their growing family, but reflect the fresh, creative atmosphere of the area. The original home was built in 1980 and, according to Jenna, left a lot to be desired. The game changer was the backyard, with the amount of space the lot offered Jenna and Caleb couldn’t pass it up.

After purchasing the home, Jenna drew up the floor plan on a napkin and handed it off to the architect, Adam Stillman, who made their dream a reality along with Thrive Homes in Atlanta. The renovations began in 2011 and were completed in March 2012. Jenna and Caleb were involved in every aspect of their home’s design, from the hardwood flooring and paint selection, down to the grout color.

Mar 07

PRESENT TENSE

Interior Decorator SaSa Bickerstaff revamps an older, classically inspired house, adapting it to the lifestyle of the Ellis family.

The house on Hilton Ave was built in 1948 by Mr. And Mrs. Clark Prather. Madden and Sally Hatcher purchased the home in 1963, and soon made renovations that turned the attic into an upstairs bedroom. Sally and Madden lived in the house until their son, Madden Hatcher III, and his wife Martha purchased it in 1996.

With more renovations in mind, the Hatcher’s turned what used to be the garage into a playroom with a bathroom and a kitchen. This area is now the pool house. They also extended the exterior of the home to include the brick back porch. The mature landscaping that is visible today was first planted by the Hatcher’s in the 1970s. The current homeowners, Dan and Katherine Ellis, were attracted to this home’s charm and character and central location in Midtown.

The kitchen, the master bedroom and the master bathroom were extensively remodeled, and a pantry and a powder room were created in one of the halls. Columbus contractor Steve Anthony was in charge of the project.

Credit for the updated floor plan goes to architect Jack Jenkins, who drew the plans and interior decorator SaSa Bickerstaff, who was hired to create spaces that are both attractive and functional for a lively family. The end result is an older home that lives well in the present day.

Dec 19

GREYSTONE FARMS

For Greystone Farms this isn’t just a tagline but the foundation of their organization. From spacious apartment homes to an abundance of amenities and services, Greystone Farms strives to anticipate the needs of current and future residents, and exceed every expectation.

Greystone Farms is a distinguished com - munity located in North Columbus off Blackmon Road. The community seems tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of Columbus yet is conveniently located, close to all the shopping and restaurants the area has to offer.

The community is less than three miles from Columbus Park Crossing which hosts a variety of shops and eateries such as Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Olive Garden, Red Robin, TGI Fridays, and many more. Greystone Farms is approximately 12 miles from the main gate of Ft. Benning and less than 6 miles from uptown Columbus with easy access to Highway 80 and Interstate 185.

The apartments features, which vary according to floor plan, include granite countertops, custom cabinets in cherry or white finish, built-in surround sound, connections for cable and high-speed internet, crown molding, gourmet kitchens, with pantry, sunrooms, patios, or screened porches, garden tubs, separate showers, washer/ dryer connections, intrusion alarms, and oversized closets.

For Residents who prefer activities with air-conditioning, there is a business center with computers and printers, a state of the art cardio fitness theatre, and a warm, inviting clubroom which can be reserved for private parties at no charge! With all the apartment features, amenities, and service Greystone Farms offers, it is clear that they mean business when they say “Anticipating and Exceeding Your Expectations.”

Wildwood Original

A California-inspired home is ripe with several generations of Southern history and culture.

In 1905 John K. Hinde brought a piece of the West Coast to the Southeast when he built the first craftsman bungalow style home in Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Hinde, a native of California, built the original home to reflect the style of his western roots with five connecting rooms and an open air sleeping porch on the back.

In the early 1950s Ed and Mary Ann Neal received the home as a wedding gift from her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Flowers. The Flowers owned the home and rented it out from 1937 until the newly married Neal’s acquired the home around 1951. Shortly after they moved in, the Neal’s began to make their own renovations; including the addition of the entire upstairs floor, complete with three bedrooms and one bathroom for their three daughters.

The home’s unique outdoor garden space was created by Ed Neal during his residency and provided the perfect backdrop to multiple weddings and events. The columns came from the old Trinity School located on Macon Road. The garage and the large gas lanterns were salvaged from old homes in downtown Columbus that were being torn down. The serpentine brick walls in the back yard were also done by Ed Neal and the grill area was built later by the Kendusts, as was the current landscaping.

A mix of antique pieces gives the Kendust’s dining room a warm, inviting holiday feel.

Throughout the life of the house, several renovations were made. In 1995, when Ed and Denise Kendust moved in, the first room they renovated was the kitchen. The kitchen went through a second renovation in 2005 when they enlarged it, adding granite countertops, built-in pantry and appliances, including a side-by-side refrigerator and 200 bottle wine cooler.

The front bedroom on the first floor was originally the home’s parlor, complete with a large pocket door and fireplace. It was converted into a guest bedroom in 2003 when the Kendusts converted the original guest bedroom into their master bathroom suite. The original fireplace was retained in the new master bathroom suite.

In 2003, the Kendust’s converted one of the guest bedrooms into a master bathroom suite which included the original fireplace. The parlor was also turned into a bedroom in 2003 and the original sleeping porch has transformed into the men’s game room and cigar lounge.

The den is a unique blend of brick and wood walls with large picture windows offering panoramic views of the brick terraced garden and fountain.

Nov 01

SOUL SEARCH

Ernie and Kim Wright have returned to their roots in Columbus with a stunning home, complete with an outdoor oasis.

After a decade hiatus from Columbus, native Ernie Wright and wife Kim returned to the area in 1995 from Peachtree City to Maple Ridge before they moved to Hilton Avenue, setting their family’s foundation in a truly special home. Built in 1964, the Wright home is located in the Midtown neighborhood, only a few blocks from where Ernie was raised in Hilton Heights.

Originally attracted to the home by the large fenced lot for their dogs and the privacy, they purchased the home in August of 2011 and started their renovations right away with family-owned business Ray M. Wright, Inc. With the help of skilled professionals and collaborative interior design guidance of Jeanie Hinson Bross, of, the Wright’s Georgian style home flows beautifully.

The lush green and spacious yard is a favorite area for the family dogs and maintained by Chris Harman of Wildwood Gardens and the plants and trees are from Blooming Colors of Auburn, Alabama

The large dining room is another Wright family favorite and features a centrally located dining table with seating for ten below a grand crystal chandelier. A focal point of the room is the beautiful hand-made 15x18 rug and custom silk drapes that compliments the dark wall color to create an elegant atmosphere for dinner parties and special occasions.

The elegant foyer, decorated by Hinson Galleries, leads to the master bedroom. The settees were the design inspiration for the area and the focal point upon entering is a bronze lamp that belonged to Ernie’s mother, Jane Wright. The custom silk draperies, combined with the chandeliers, make this an elegant entrance to the Wright household.

The Wright’s truly favorite room in the home, the sunroom, is filled with bright natural light and large windows and features a bright pop of red from the fabric occasional chairs and Sumack rug. The fabric on the throw pillows was chosen to compliment the adjacent dining area and create a cohesive design palate.

The dining area adjacent to the sunroom provides a perfect setting for sharing a meal with family and friends with comfortable yellow checkered Parson chairs around a round wood table. The sideboard with hutch on the far wall showcases vintage china plates and family photographs.

The kitchen is a favorite place to be after its complete renovation; the large granite island makes it easy to prepare food. They also put French doors that open to the outdoor pool and pool house. The light gray marble of the island is from Innovative Marble & Granite, gourmet stainless steel appliances are from Daniel Appliances that include a Viking range, refrigerator and under the counter refrigerator. The dark wood flooring was done by Sellers Tile.

The breakfast room, just off the kitchen, provides the perfect place to drink coffee, read the paper and gaze out the French doors to the pool area. The natural light from the windows intensifies the striking blue wall color and enhances the bold painting above the sideboard.

Ernie’s “his” den is one of two in the home and is the true definition of comfort. With brown leather and complimentary fabric occasional chairs that bring out the bold colors in the rug. Some featured furniture pieces from Hinson Galleries and gorgeous wood flooring by Sellers Tile.

The pool area and pool house received an overhaul by Alex Epp of Ace Enterprises. They raised the roofline, added an exquisite outdoor kitchen, stone fireplace and half bathroom to create an incredible outdoor living space for entertaining and hanging out with family and friends. The complimentary teak wood outdoor furniture is from Wildwood Gardens.

The pool was recently remodeled by ASP Pool and Spa Company of Columbus to include the addition of a six-person spill over spa.

Aug 22

RIVER FEVER

When Tracey Tomlinson purchased the lot her home is now on in 2008, she knew exactly what she wanted to create. She enlisted the help of builder Tray Brinegar and Architect Stan Bailey to make her dream home a reality and got to work. With Tray’s help, Tracey was able to include her own personal style to various details throughout the house during its construction.

The home was completed in January of 2009 and Tracey quickly began adding her element of design to the interior. The home has three bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a covered porch, outdoor pool and dock on the river. It is a place that not only feels like home, but is close to family as Tracey’s parents live in the home next door. Tracey was born and raised in Columbus and moved to her new home in Hamilton in 2009 where she has made an oasis that suits her family perfectly.

With the help of her mother, Tracey decorated in a traditional style that was built around her two beautiful daughters, Shelby and Mackie and incorporating their artwork throughout the house. An inviting and cozy atmosphere was the goal and Tracey certainly achieved her goal.

Their home is a place where kids, friends, family and their two dogs, Bell the Vizsla and Liviee the German Shorthair Pointer, come to spend time together. The porch is a favorite spot where time is spent hanging out, watching sunsets, eating dinner, and working on homework.

Some say home is where the heart is and that certainly rings true for the Tomlinson’s, but it’s also where the art is according to Tracey who says that 90% of the art in her home was created by her girls. The art ranges from when the girls were much younger to more present designs, and provide a constant reminder of Tracey’s love and admiration for her daughters.

Jun 12

LOOKING TO THE PAST

Alittle history goes a long way, and the historic home of Lisa andJeremy Jeffery on Hilton Avenue is no exception. The home was completed in 1938 by civic and industrial leader, Charlie Frank Williams for his wife, Ethel, and their four daughters. Mr. Williams hired premiere local architect, James J.W. Biggers, Sr., to design a home that embodied the Southern architectural traditions of Columbus.

The property has since served as the home of four families – Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Lewis, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. James W. Woodruff, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Jose C. Serrato, Jr., and, most recently, Mr. and Mrs. W. Jeremy Jeffery, who hired Brock Jones Contractors for major renovations.

Boasting a total of 4.3 acres and an expansive 8,500 sq. ft., this structure has three floors with formal gardens in the back grounds of the house.

The first floor features an enclosed sun porch, library, living room, 1 bedroom with a full bath, dining room, breakfast room, powder room, kitchen, and laundry room. The second floor hosts 5 bedrooms (including the Master) and 5 full bathrooms, including his and her bathrooms in the master. The basement includes 2 living rooms, a study, 1 full bath, 2 half baths, a theater room with a stage, fitness/playroom, and a fireproof storage room.

All of the exposed wood and wood flooring throughout the house is heart pine, either original from the wood mill owned by Charlie Frank Williams, or replaced. There is also a generous 3 car garage and an elevator within the home runs to all three floors. This historic home is currently on the market, from more information contact Mary Varner of Waddell Reality Co. svm

Apr 18

PASSION FOR MIDLAND

For Chris and Shelly Blanton, a dream became a reality when they partnered with Mark Alexander to build their home in Midland, Georgia.

In 2001, newly engaged Chris and Shelly spotted a home in Southern Living magazine and fell in love. Jokingly, they saved the picture and hoped that one day they could build it for their family. When that day came, they pulled out the saved picture and commissioned the help of contractor Mark Alexander. Loving the look of the home, he jumped on board and called on his father, architect Joe Alexander, to modify the floor plan for a single family home while maintaining the integrity of the exterior.

The result is a gorgeous lakeside home on 4 acres of land designed in a low country style with 3 bedrooms and 3 and ½ bathrooms. Sprawling covered porches in the front and back of the home, along with 2 decks provide the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon gazing at the lake and sipping southern sweet tea. A dream home became a beautiful reality for the Blanton’s and they even dedicated their son in the living room of their home surrounded by their pastor, family and friends.

Midland felt like home to Shelly, who is from the area, and has proven to be as peaceful and serene as the woods and water that originally attracted them to the plot of land. From fishing on the lake, to running and walking in the woods, they have the feel of the country while remaining close to town. Interior design was done by Shelly with the help Mallory Harris and Lauren Bryan during the building process.

Close friend Sharon White also assisted in the original selection of paint colors, tile, carpeting and hardwood. More recently, Carol Fortune and Marilyn Bush from Blueberry Hill, helped facilitate some redesign and staging in the home. Joyce Fiame of Hinson Galleries played a decorating role and Greg Sparks of Greg’s Contracting did all the interior and exterior paint.

The low country style is accentuated throughout the home with several family antiques combined with fresh pieces and pops of colorful fabrics. svm

Feb 15

Family Matters

When George Cecil “Bumpsey” Woodruff, Junior built his Midland home, he wanted 21st century amenities while preserving historical integrity.

The Woodruff home has a rich history deeply rooted in the appreciation for the natural beauty of the great outdoors. Originally, Julie Woodruff’s grandfather, George Cecil Woodruff, Sr., moved an old Harris County school house on the land surrounded by three lakes.

Later, Julie’s grandmother renovated the old fishing house and made it her summer home. Julie visited the summer home often as a child and later decided to make it her own home where she raised her three children, Klay, Bond and Jinks Camp on the family land.

Julie and her family lived in the old school house across the lake from her father, George Cecil “Bumpsey” Woodruff, Junior.

She inherited the home from her father, who wanted to spend the rest of his days on the land he loved so much. Mike Socci of the Woodruff Contracting Company constructed the house and George moved in upon its completion in May 2009, and lived there until his death. He insisted that it must be finished before his 80^th birthday, and so it was.

This home is truly a family affair, built by her father on land with many cherished memories. It was decorated in Southern Low Country décor by Melanie Davis of Davis Design in Atlanta, Georgia combined with Julie’s eye for an eclectic flair. Between celebrations with friends and family, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Georgia football games watched outside on the porch, the Woodruff home is full of history old and new.

Dec 30

RUSTIC MASTERPIECE

The high ceilings and spacious living room is accentuated with the interior design expertise of Balsam Home. All upholstery is by Lee Industries, with chairs designed in fabric by Cowtan and Tout. Charlie West lamps add illumination to the space and the cypress cabinets and beams are by Phillip’s Cabinets.

A vintage Oushack rug, lends a bold pattern and the settee is covered in Cowtan and Trout fabrics. Adoring the walls are sepia wildlife prints and vintage antler chandeliers throughout the home, from Balsam Home, add to the rustic elegance that is captured with unique interior design placement and accessories.

A distinctive vintage leather chandelier, side chairs, sisal rug and gorgeous drapes are all by Balsam Home. The drapery fabric used is by Colefax and Fowler and adds a strong pattern to contrast the dark wood features of the table and stone accent wall.

The kitchen features custom built pecky cypress cabinets by Phillip’s Cabinets which truly define the space. All of the high quality, stainless steel appliances are from Daniel Appliance.

A tranquil master bedroom suite and master bathroom were decorated by Balsam Home. The drapery fabrics are by Brunschirg and Fils,the textured carpet is by Stanton, and the matching accent chairs are by Lee Industries in Cow tan and Tout fabric. The luxurious bed linens are by Bella Notte. Completing the look with Charlie West lamps with custom shades and vintage bamboo table from Century Antiques.

A third bedroom upstairs features the design and furnishings of Balsam Home. The upholstered headboards and leather chair are by Lee Industries and the antique chest is from Century Antiques.

Upstairs bedroom wall paper by Nina Campbell. All furnishings by Balsam Home. Bed Linens by Notte Linens.

Upstairs the boys have a special “Camp Room” designed by Mary Ann How and and Lauren Averett where they sleep and play during their visits to the country. The unique built-ins were custom designed by TNT Cabinets of Phenix City. The havana fans are by Ferguson Enterprises, and circa lighting fixtures add to the overall feel of the room. All linens are by Balsam Home and custom embroidered by Cotton Blossom.

In the corresponding master bath, all plumbing fixtures are from Ferguson Enterprises. While the gorgeous accents of an antique console, tufted stool, lamps and mirror were purchased through Balsam Home.