“Rose Heights Cottage”

Ellis Home               1233 Allston Street

The owners of this charming Heights cottage had two objectives when they commissioned architect Anthony E. Frederick: they wanted a design that would fit into the streetscape of the Houston Heights and one that would pay homage to the earlier cottages of the lower Mississippi River valley. The resulting house, completed in 2006 by Allegro Builders, features an efficient floor plan of bright, generous spaces. The lush landscape was created by A Garden’s Delight and is highlighted by the home’s rose garden and a New Orleans-style bricked courtyard. Interior decorations include English, French, and American antique furniture as well as a collection of small nineteenth century antiques relating to sailing ships.

HEAD DOCENTS:   Diane Easley and Jennifer Rennie

FLORALS:  Darlene’s Flowers

Goff-Martin Home    1421 Columbia Street

Built originally as an American four square, this cozy cottage will celebrate its centennial in 2010. Since the house was purchased by the current owners in 1990, it has undergone two major renovations: an attic conversion in 1995 and kitchen and bath renovations in 2007. These, in addition to several “minor” renovations, typify the owners’ vision of home as an ever-changing canvas. Their love of color and art is evident in every room. Their diverse collections represent locally and nationally renowned artists. The deck and lush landscape provide additional space for living and entertaining. Designed and maintained by these avid gardeners, this haven for all living things is a certified wildlife habitat.

HEAD DOCENT:   Jim and Donna Bennett

FLORALS:   J. Aubrey Sellers  

Poirrier Home                    1524 Allston Street

When the owners purchased this home in 2005, it was one of just a few Craftsman-style designs remaining in the Heights. They fell in love with the home and welcoming neighborhood but realized they would quickly outgrow the 1000-square-foot floor plan. In 2007, they added approximately 1300 square feet of space including a large living room, powder room, laundry room, and master suite. By matching new woodwork and trim to those of the original home, maintaining the 10-foot ceiling height and utilizing reclaimed heart pine flooring, the owners and their architect, Richard Odom, created an addition that reflects the integrity of the original. The front porch features an unusual Union Jack flag design repeated on the beams.

HEAD DOCENT:   Angelos & Carol Sofianopolous

FLORALS:   Village Greenery & Flowers

 Palmer-Lindsay Home            1218 Heights Boulevard

Built in the early 1930’s, this charming bungalow has been restored and expanded to include John Palmer’s fine art gallery, his studio, and the private space he shares with his partner, Ryan Lindsay. Heights designer Sam Gianoukos planned the living quarters to be spacious and comfortable, providing a relaxing retreat separate from the business of art. Homebuilder Terri Robinson worked painstakingly to maintain the integrity of the historic home while creating a chic environment for modern art. In addition to John’s own paintings and sculpture, the home features a mosaic installation by Chris Silkwood and an oversized bed that was a collaboration between John and famed Houston designer Kelly Gale Amen.

HEAD DOCENTS:  Julie Pettit

FLORALS:  Central Market 

  
Stephenson-Piké Home      1233 Tulane Street

When the homeowners first eyed the “big white beast” in 2000, this house had been divided into three apartments and was sheathed in plastic and aluminum siding. Even the 12-foot-deep wrap-around porch had been enclosed. Over the next seven years, the owners transformed the structure into a beautiful and livable single-family home, doing the majority of the work themselves. After Hurricane Ike put a tree through the roof, however, they hired contractor Greg Hartley to restore the kitchen they had built and loved. Original hardwood floors, windows and doors blend compatibly with new slate flooring and industrial features to create a remarkable home that is an attractive blend of turn-of-the-century and contemporary design.

HEAD DOCENTS:  Katy Bomar Childs and Linda Eyles

FLORALS:  Jana’s Flowers, Another Place in Time

   
Mathews-Douglas Home    1623 Harvard Street

Built in 1910, this home is termed a “Boulevard Bungalow,” as it was larger –with four original bedrooms– and more finely appointed than the traditional bungalows of its era. Remarkably, many of the home’s Craftsman features and much of its Victorian detailing have survived the home’s 95-year history and assorted list of owners. With the goal of enhancing the home’s livability while maintaining its architectural integrity, the current owners hired McIntyre + Robinowitz Architects and Don Broman Construction to do a renovation, completed in 2008. Though they added just 200 square feet to the home’s footprint, it now features an expanded master bath, closet and study. The new landscape plan incorporates a lap pool, Jacuzzi and complete outdoor kitchen.  

HEAD DOCENT: Jan Cottage

FLORALS:  Lexis Florist