A small Victorian vernacular farmhouse was originally constructed on this site in the late 1800’s, but had been expanded over several decades, including a “craftsman” porch embellishment that was added in the 1920’s.
After sitting vacant for several years, the new owner wanted to do an extensive renovation, and remove several of the layers of poorly constructed additions.
The owner liked the unique charm of the Craftsman porch elements, and wanted them to remain and be used as a reference for the new addition. The Victorian vernacular forms had to be retained as well, to meet the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission requirements and guidelines for the Twickenham Historic District.
The design solution kept most of the original porch and original Victorian farmhouse, with new additions that expanded the house to the side and rear. By expanding to the side, the house widened along the Locust Avenue façade and the design incorporated a 2 story addition to portray an expansion developed over time. Brackets, panels, pilasters, and columns were designed to blend the Victorian and craftsman elements over the entire project. The owner salvaged interior historic elements which were incorporated throughout the house as focal elements.
A new detached carriage house garage was added in a secluded paved parking court beyond the porte-cochere. Terraces, a green house, a barbecue pavilion, and several other site features were included to provide a comprehensive solution to the sloped site conditions.
