HOLIDAY HOME TOUR 2008
HOMES ON THE TOUR
From School to Homestead
Rockingham Avenue
The Schlieper home will draw you in with the scent of potpourri
and freshly baked cookies, but it’s this home’s
history that you may find most remarkable. Built in the
1940’s, and once housing a school for handicapped
children, it was moved from Woodbury Avenue onto a new
foundation where it is today. Bruce and Lisa will be present
this evening to answer questions about their showcased
home. Bruce, a partner in K&S Contracting, did all
the renovations on his home. You may want to ask him about
the unique fireplace in the living room, as each rock was
hand chiseled to fit into place. Also, don’t leave
without visiting the notable walkout basement. With its
high ceilings and rope swing, this isn’t your typical
playroom! |
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South Meets North
Alder Way
Newly built in 2006, Paul and Rosa Delisle welcome you to their
Colonial home where contemporary architecture meets Honduras
culture. As you tour this impressive home, take note of the thought
and consideration that went into its design, including the open
and airy foyer, columns and tray ceilings. The front-to-back
living room is made bright and inviting by the light introduced
through the bay window and glass doors. The home also boasts
floors of rustic oak, a warm and cozy kitchen with granite countertops
and travertine marble floors. Contrasted with these more modern
touches are the old world art and furniture from the couples’ travels
to Rosa’s home of Honduras. |
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Family Charm
Aldrich Road
Welcome to the Leahy home, which this young family of five
is utilizing to its full capacity. The whole family enjoys
the screened in front porch together in warmer weather and
the wood-burning fireplace on chillier days. The kitchen is
the center of this buzzing household, especially now that it
has been renovated, along with the entire first floor. Please
note the tiles behind the stove in the kitchen. They were brought
back from the couples’ honeymoon in Portugal, and the
Leahys have been saving them until they moved into their perfect
home. Now that they have found that home, they have recently
renovated this 1912 Colonial and included the tiles in
their new kitchen, along with soapstone counters. The builder
also used wide crown molding, which is more authentic with
this style home. The holiday décor of this warm home
includes fragrant greens and two Christmas trees. Of special
interest are many decorations that Amy’s aunt has painted,
including carolers and wooden holiday decorations. |
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Historic Treasure
Middle Street
Welcome to the home of the Legg family. This turn-of-the-century
Shingle-style style home was built in 1902, and the Leggs are
only the second homeowners! As you enter, note the cozy
music room with its curved ceiling and the living room with its
California redwood paneling and long, comfortable window seat
and fireplace. The kitchen boasts the original bead board. Additionally,
the room still has some original cabinetry and some that has
been newly built, yet is complimentary. While the fragrance
and beauty of greens and fresh fruit greet you in the kitchen,
please notice the framed original blueprints for the home and
the servants’ bells. Adding to the classic decor
are Santa Clauses from the 1950’s. The dining room
has cypress wood paneling and William Morris wallpaper. Of
particular interest in this room is the china cabinet with its
original lead glass windows and a Dickens village set up on the
window ledge. Don’t miss the 4-season sunroom off
of the dining room, for it is the homeowner’s favorite
room. |
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Mail Order Home
Broad Street
Mike and Cathy Dailey welcome you to their cozy home. Theirs
is one of three Sears & Roebuck catalogue homes built in
Portsmouth. “The Hazelton” bungalow was erected in
1910 for the patriarch & matriarch of the Badger Dairy Farm,
which was the then preeminent creamery in the tri-state seacoast
area. Sears marketed and sold its houses through mail-order catalogues
with houses ranging in price from $650 to $2,500 including the
plans and materials. All components of the home were milled,
cut and numbered off-site at the factory and shipped via railroad
boxcars from the Midwest to the building site for assembly. This
home is featured in the book “Building Portsmouth” by
Richard M. Candee. The Daileys worked with Vintage Kitchens’ owner
Sue Booth last year to completely renovate their kitchen. As
you make your way through their warm, welcoming home, please
note the original woodwork and enjoy the decorations including
seashells and other eclectic finds. |
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Understated Elegance
Rockland Street
You’ll feel right at home when you enter the Nelson’s
1907 New Englander! When Midge and Jack renovated their home,
they were committed to staying true to the original style of
the home while adding modern convenience and comfortable space
for entertaining – their true passion. The front hall boasts
the home’s original feel with its two landing staircase
and wood banister. Floral arrangements from the Flower Kiosk
add to the charm of this beautiful home. Guests of the Nelsons
enjoy the cozy new family room with its great light and gas fireplace
surrounded by lovely tile work. Those with an eye Arts & Craft
décor will appreciate the Stickley Furniture. Let the
festive scent of fresh greens and mulled spices put you in the
holiday spirit as you enjoy the understated elegance of this
home. |
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Eclectic New Englander
Sherburne Avenue
Before you even enter Jennifer Benjamin’s lovely 1905 New
Englander, you will be greeted outside the door by large urns
filled with holiday greens designed by JNL, Inc. Inside, fresh
greens and harvested branches with berries and seed heads adorn
the home. In addition, guests will be treated to a contrast of
the home's many original details along with modern updates. Notably,
there is an expanded “galley style” kitchen/dining
area and a large family room. The funky vintage décor
is modern and chic, influenced by Jennifer's world travel and
west coast living. The home boasts custom contemporary tables,
flea market finds, antique posters and treasures. Before you
leave, be sure to appreciate the renovated 'four season' pocket
garden designed by the owner, a landscape architect. |
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Christmas Past
Scheafe Street
Step back in time to 1817 as you are welcomed into The Raybould’s
Federal Townhome. Imagine the Ghosts of Christmas Past dressed
in their city finery strolling to a parlor party where there
are merry games, caroling by the fire, and plenty of sweets!
The brick row house, one of the few surviving buildings after
the Great Fire in Portsmouth, is magically adorned with pine
boughs, trees, wreaths, vintage ornaments, a gingerbread mansion
and many more surprises. The whimsical Mackenzie-Childs table,
the hand-carved antique breakfront, and vintage artwork, all
play a part in a Yuletide celebration that would make Charles
Dickens proud! While enjoying your stroll, why not purchase a
cupcake from The Cupcake Boutique, available at the house. All
profits will go to PEP!! |
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