October 2006 - 821 Pennsylvania Avenue

Pride and quality of workmanship are two observations that come to mind when touring October's lovely Home of the Month.

The home of Mike and Cheryl George, located at 821 Pennsylvania Avenue, was built in 1925 and originally owned by Lutie Gracie. It sits proudly and welcoming on a meticulously manicured corner lot. The couple bought and moved into their 2300 square foot home in 1996. Cheryl affectionately refers to their home as "our first and last house that we own as a family..... Our forever house".

The first project the Georges tackled was the front porch. The formerly closed in space was reopened and restored to its' original purpose. Now it is welcoming and often enjoyed by the family simply relaxing on the swing or socializing with cherished neighbors during porch parties.

Mike, superintendent of Miller Construction, added square footage to their home by building a master bedroom, family room and loft. He also turned a "trunk room" off of the kitchen into a master bath. His expertise shines with his ability to match the existing trim in the house along with creating the new addtions to appear as if they have always been there. Working side by side with his son, Mike has recently completed building a Florida-style porch which includes four custom columns off the back of the home. Their future plans for this beautiful outdoor space is to install a brick fence.

Highlights of this historical home feature original wood floors, original natural stained trim throughout and the original brick fireplace. Cheryl, a teacher, has decorated their home in a lovely traditional fashion. The kitchen is large and inviting with its' combination of light and dark gray checkered floor tile, black counter tops, white painted wood cabinets and soft green walls.

Mike and Cheryl, along with their two high school age daughters, one college age son, and their seven year old basset hound, Trusty, truly enjoy life to its' fullest in their very charming "forever house".