|
THE HOME of Paul and Ramona Crouch, located at 717 E. Chestnut, Bridgeport, is being remodeled in the fashion most recognizeable in homes located in Savannah, Ga. The shades of pink colors, however, are enhancing the local home to fit its Victorian style.
Pink house is local longstanding dreamhouse  Share
It is not one of those ''little pink houses'' as described in music icon John Cougar Mellencamp's 1984 Billboard chart hit song, ''Pink Houses;''...but, it just may be one of the biggest pink houses that residents in the area have seen. The 126-year-old Victorian-style home at 717 E. Chestnut in Bridgeport, owned by Paul and Ramona Crouch, which has been undergoing an exterior renovation for several months is a dream coming true! Ramona got her inspiration for the project from watching the HGTV-channel and reading ''Painted Lady'' books about Victorian homes. In addition to those resources for ideas and tips, she has enjoyed looking at the Savannah, Ga. architecture. In the past year, the Crouches have visited Savannah three times just to enjoy the architecture and climate. They hope to retire and spend winters in the southern state. While pink may not be a common color for homes in Lawrence County, pink is Ramona's favorite color and choice for the home's primary exterior color. Varied shades of the color on specified areas are chosen to enhance the home's architectural details. Even the contrasting green ceiling on the porch has a specific purpose, Ramona said...it is a deterrent from the nuisance of bugs! The local home has its own history that is sure to be passed along through generations to come. According to Ramona, the deed on the home shows that it was constructed in 1883 by the Berlins. It was later purchased by Frances and Curly Johnson who owned the hardware store in town. Frances also wrote personal news for The Bridgeport Leader after she retired from teaching. When Curly passed away, Ramona's in-laws, Web and Helen Crouch, bought the home in 1978. Ramona and her husband have owned the home since 1987. They have three children and three grandchildren.
The family has been talking about renovating the home for more than six years. They finally decided to hire a contractor which ended in dissatisfaction. According to Ramona, the contractor removed the vinyl siding, worked on the porch, painted and did some other detailed work; but, he wasn't meeting contracted deadlines in exchange for her prompt payment. After failing to come to work at the site for a period of five weeks, Ramona said that her husband and family members will now be doing the work. The installation of wood siding will be a project that will require several hands. The plans are to enlist the help of family for a long weekend of work. Since some of the family will come from a distance, they will get hotel rooms. While the men put on the siding, ''the women are gonna cook, watch the kids, and do the go-ferring,'' Ramona said. The wood slat siding and fish-scale siding was special ordered from Bloomington, Ind. Ramona said she had to seek out some of the materials from sites on the Internet. To meet specific insurance requirements during the renovation process, porch rails had to be added to the original structure by August 1. The brick chimney was also removed and replaced for insurance liability reasons. Interior upgrades have included a new furnace and water heater. The home still has its original natural woodwork with such features as recessed room divider doors. Last year, the couple put on a new roof. Other remodeling has included replacing 15 of 30 windows which includes five basement windows. Ramona's pride... a small round window in the upper level on the front of the house, as well as lead glass and stained glass windows, are eye-catchers of the stylish home. Next year, the corner lot will further its resemblence to the Savannah, Ga.-style properties as Ramona plans to finish it out with landscaping by adding a courtyard with a fountain and pebblestone driveway. In addition to its 2,900-square-feet of living space on two floors, the home has a full basement and attic. It has four finished bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is just right for those large family gatherings! Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
|
This Week's Front Page »
Related Stories »
|
