This Tudor Revival house is on a grand block in the Vollentine-Evergreen Historic District. Also known as VECA, this neighborhood and Hein Park were both built to reflect the Collegiate Gothic style of Rhodes College. Both neighborhoods are showcases of the Tudor Revival and are full of these little English-style cottages clustered around what amounts to a medieval enclave.
The Tudor Revival was noted for its high-peaked, multiple gables, with the look of half-timbering in stucco atop a lower level of brick and stone. Often, as seen here, there’s fieldstone stacked around the chimney and cut limestone surrounding the principal entry and repeated inside at the fireplace mantel. Windows are often diamond-paned, as in this house, to resemble medieval leaded casements, and chimneys can end in multiple stacks to suggest multiple fireboxes inside, even though there’s really only one. The flattened Tudor arch often appears in doors, fireplace openings, and interior arches between rooms.
All of these hallmarks and more are on display in this detail-rich house. The front-facing main chimney is a marvel of masonry construction. There is handsome flat stonework around the main entry, which is now almost invisible because it has been painted to match the dark brown wood trim. A pale, limestone paint color would accentuate this entry surround by contrasting it to the dark polychrome brick walls.
There is a surprising side porch, more commonly found in large, landmark Tudor Revival houses. It is pleasantly embellished with a bracketed canopy extended over steps to the drive — a clever, simple detail that provides much the same benefit as a porte cochère.
The interior has generous rooms and nice materials, but it has also been appealingly updated. The original narrow-board oak floors and unpainted doors and trim are in great shape. The original radiators have been augmented with dual air systems for the main floor and attic living areas.
As is the fabulous confection of a chimney on the exterior, the kitchen is the showpiece of the interior. Lots of cabinets you would expect, even some with leaded diamond-paned glass. Double ovens and a gas downdraft cooktop are most attractive and functional. The dark-green, Arts and Crafts ceramic-tile counters fit well with the house. But the drama comes when you look up and realize the original ceiling has been removed to vault the room all the way to the roof’s peak with light filling the space from two glazed, cross gables. To further the enjoyment, an exposed stair leads up through this space to a family room in the attic.
Three bedrooms and two baths complete the interior. The master bedroom on the rear has a private bath and a new triple-casement window that looks out over a nicely landscaped backyard. A two-level deck features a shady, vine-covered arbor near the kitchen and an adjoining sunny area with built-in seating. A double garage with an electric gate and a high wooden fence ensure privacy for outdoor activities, whether they be jousting or slightly more modern pursuits.
924 Kensington Place
Approximately 2,700 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths; $249,000
FSBO: Tim Martin, 252-2206