2009 Tour Homes

498 Ridgecrest Drive – The Oakes House
213 South Peachtree Street – The Cofer House
634 Sunset Drive – The Johnson House
5976 Gaines Street – The Paulsen House
87 Holcomb Bridge Road – The Leverett House

498 Ridgecrest Drive – The Oakes House – Circa 1903

This circa 1903 foursquare home was originally built on Pike Street in Lawrenceville by Judge Isaac Oakes and his wife, Ione Corley Oakes.  When Mrs. Oakes died in 1952, the house was divided into apartments and fell into disrepair.

Standing vacant in the early 1970’s, the real estate agency that owned it made the decision to tear it down.  Driving past one day, Peggy Auchmuty fell in love with the house – seeing it not as the dilapidated structure it was but rather a lovely vision of the Southern charm it once held.  With determination, she and her husband Bob purchased and relocated the home to Norcross.  They lovingly restored it to its original beauty, paying special attention to save details that made it unique, such as 12 foot ceilings, heart pine floors, stained glass windows, three working fireplaces with original summer doors and oak mantles, pocket doors and hefty newel posts gracing the stairway.

Tom and Julie Foster bought their home in 2007 and have worked for the past two years to create a place that meets the needs of their two active sons while retaining the character of an historic home.  They expanded and renovated the kitchen and master bedroom addition as well as a carriage house with garage and in-law suite for Julie’s mother.  The Foster’s renovation returned period details that had been altered during prior remodels.  They replaced vinyl flooring with hexagonal tile, recreated the butler’s pantry by rescuing the original kitchen cabinetry and rewired and installed the hanging antique light fixtures found in the basement.

During the renovation Julie and Tom worked to be environmentally sensitive by using salvaged materials and choosing energy efficient insulation, HVAC, windows and exterior doors.   They re-purposed old six panel doors, a clawfoot tub, pedestal sink and even the tops of door frames used to display photos in an upstairs hall.  In the kitchen, the Fosters kept a section of the exterior stairs leading to the sleeping porch where the Oakes would have slept during hot summer nights.

When they replaced the old cracked driveway, Julie asked to contractor to leave it for her rather than haul it to a landfill.  Pieces of the driveway can now be seen throughout the backyard used to create paths, retaining walls, and a patio.  Visitors will also notice the shed built with repurposed items including the two back doors removed during the renovation.

The Fosters honor the historic feel of their home by surrounding themselves with family heirlooms such as the antique zither hanging in the parlor, which Julie’s grandfather brought when he emigrated from Germany.  The guest room features quilts made by various family members along with Julie’s grandmother’s hope chest and vintage sewing machine.  The Navy theme in their son’s room is a nod to Tom’s father’s career as a Naval aviator.  A porcelain tea set hand painted by Tom’s great grandmother is also displayed.  Throughout the house, old family photos adorn the walls connecting the Fosters with their past.  Visitor may also want take a few minutes to look at the reconstruction scrapbook.  The Fosters hope that you enjoy the eclectic mix of antiques, holiday decorations and attention to period details that make their home so unique.

213 South Peachtree Street – The Cofer House – Circa 1890

Milton C. Lively, a founding father of Norcross, built this late nineteenth century gabled-wing cottage in 1890. Although the house changed hands a few times in the first half of the twentieth century, it is known to locals as The Cofer House and is named for the Henry Howell Cofer family, who purchased it in 1943.  At the time of the purchase, the lot on which the house sits extended all the way to Buford Highway and included a barn that housed the Cofer’s family cow, which they milked each day. The Cofer House is the oldest home on our tour this year.

Mr. Cofer moved his family into the city of Norcross in 1929, where he worked on a relative’s farm. Mr. Cofer served as a Mason, and for a time as a Gwinnett County deputy sheriff.  Longtime residents remember him as the kindly owner/operator of the town’s only “filling station” who, during the Great Depression, offered free services and gas to those who could not afford to pay.  Mr. Cofer operated the service station for thirty-two years and lived in this house until his death.  Together, he and his wife, Mardell, raised five children.  Their twin sons, Royce and Troyce, like several local boys of their era and before, followed the Norcross tradition of playing professional baseball.  In 1988, three years after her mother’s death and 45 years after her parents had purchased the house, Helen Cofer McClain sold it and moved with her husband out of Norcross to Bent Tree in north Georgia.

Linda Leece purchased this house in 1996, moving from Peachtree Corners into Historic Norcross because she was looking for a neighborhood with small town appeal and a sense of community.  When she found the house, it was in serious need of repair.  Her friends wondered if she had made a mistake, and even asked her if she could get her money back.  But from the start, Linda could look beyond the huge renovation task ahead of her and focused on her vision to return the house to its original charm. Linda has reopened closed-off hallways, uncovered the kitchen and dining room fireplaces, removed eight layers of kitchen flooring to uncover the beautiful heart-of-pine floor, and removed the screening from the large front porch.  During the last year Linda has added an inviting garden pond to enjoy while resting on the front porch.

As you tour this home, you will find the careful and thoughtful touch of the owner complementing the original architectural characteristics of this house.  Enjoy the primitive décor that is found throughout, highlighted by Linda’s collection of baskets and quilts, including the spectacular Indiana State prize-winning Cornfield Quilt that graces her living room wall.  Also of special interest is the exposed fireplace and chimney that Linda uncovered in the kitchen as well as the New England Cranberry Sorter that serves as an island in the kitchen.  Please also note the claw foot shower in the master bath, the heart-of-pine floors throughout the house, fourteen-foot high ceilings, and original doors.   Thanks to Linda’s vision, her labor of love has restored this lovely cottage to its original beauty for Norcross residents and visitors to enjoy.

635 Sunset Drive – The Johnson House – Circa 1958

Prominent Norcross businessman, Alan Johnson, built this expansive ranch home in 1958.  The house has a traditional style for that time and has been well maintained during its 50 -year history.  Current homeowners, Janet and Bucky Johnsons, purchased the home in 2003 and began to update it, adding their own charm and style.  Bucky installed the wainscoting and wallpaper in the dining room, as well as the chandelier, which was purchased from the old Norcross Antique Store.  The hardwood floors replaced the carpet and linoleum and the kitchen has been completely renovated.  The entertainment center in the den was created from wood recycled from the original kitchen pantry.  The powder room has also been remodeled and now includes a light fixture from Atlanta Symphony Orchestra conductor, Robert Shaw’s estate. The Johnson’s created the master bath by retrofitting two other small bathrooms.

As you tour, you will want to take note of the many antiques and family heirlooms throughout the home, including the English gate-leg coffee table, the small desk in the kitchen, and the grand piano.  The hope chest in the green bedroom was originally Janet’s grandmothers and the dining room table belonged to Bucky’s parents.  The Johnson’s love of music is easy to assume as you note the many instruments and related décor.  The arched window frame in one of the upstairs bedrooms was originally in the Georgia Tech Music Building.

Decorations for this holiday tour include a number of beautifully themed Christmas trees. The most classic style tree is decorated with gold and burgundy ornaments and accented by packages wrapped in gold with musical-themed ribbons. The media room’s rustic tree displays wooden ornaments and flannel ribbon and is surrounded by wooden toys and old fashioned gift wrap.  The sun porch tree is soothingly trimmed in blue and white while the back yard tree is brimming with dried hydrangeas from the Johnson’s and neighbor’s gardens.  Bucky and Janet look forward to having all the family together in their home for Christmas this year and welcome you as well – enjoy your day in Norcross!

5976 Gaines Street – The Paulsen House – Circa 2006

Built in 2006 as a part of SEVEN Norcross, the Paulsen House is the newest on this year’s tour.  Owner, Leslie Paulsen, had dreamed of living in Historic Norcross for years.  She was eager to end her 64 mile round trip commute and SEVEN, with it’s mixed use housing options and walkability to downtown, offered just what she’d been looking for.

You enter Leslie’s lovely townhome through double carriage doors as might be found in an old stable.  The farmhouse feel is carried through to the entryway with beadboard wainscoting.  The 11’ ceilings, solid oak floors and antique light fixtures help the home to fit well in its historic community.  The kitchen is a cook’s delight, and boasts a collection of Leslie’s Grandmother’s antiques on the cabinet tops.

The main guestroom is decorated with a baseball theme and memorabilia from son Ben’s years of playing.  (Today, he plays for the Colorado Rockies!)  Don’t miss saying hello to Shoeless Joe Jackson or Ted Williams!  You will also find an intriguing antique toy collection displayed behind glass.   The master is completed by a spacious bath and a surprise bonus “lounge” that Leslie uses for quiet reading or watching a favorite movie before bed.

An avid traveler and art lover, Leslie has many of her journey’s finds displayed throughout her home.  You will enjoy her artwork from Sienna, Italy, Newport, RI, Asheville, NC, Boston, MA, New York City, Charleston, SC, and Amelia Island, GA to name a few.  Her décor also includes a number of wonderful antiques, like the turtle leg armoire in the living room, and the bedroom suit in the guestroom in the basement.

Leslie’s townhome, her “forever home, as she calls it, offers her the luxury of beautiful grounds, family-like neighbors, distinct custom features and little to no maintenance to support her active social calendar.  Leslie and her Golden Retriever Bailey hope you enjoyed your tour and wish you a Merry Christmas.

87 Holcomb Bridge Road – The Leverett House – Circa 1940

Katie Pearl Johnson and family built this lovely ranch home in 1940.  Constructed during wartime, the original home was simple and utilitarian.  It did not have a bathroom until one was added in the 1950’s.  Changing hands several times over the last 50 years, the house has had several additions and modifications.  Present owners, Katie and Brian Leverett, were attracted by the home’s WWII charm and it’s potential and purchased it in December of 2008.

In a short year’s time, the newlyweds have taken on a number of projects to make the home their own.  Their biggest by far was the kitchen, which now has re-faced cabinets, granite counter tops, new flooring and stainless steel appliances.  Katie installed the glass tile backsplash herself.  They dramatically changed the feel of their interior with paint.  The cool, rich colors and faux finishes have added what they laughingly call a “touch of funky” to the practicality of the WWII bungalow.  Their furniture and art complete the look.  The Leverett’s Claw Foot Chairs were a find at a taping of PBS’s Antique Road Show.  Katie’s mother, artist Jeanne Faulkner, created many of the paintings displayed throughout the home based on the couple’s decorating palette.

The back bedroom has a beautiful Lawyer’s Chest that is an heirloom from Brian’s grandmother.  Father Christmas stands in the study surrounded by packages and you will find art created by Katie’s father there as well.  Please take note of the whimsical “Kissy Fish” and Radko ornament trees that are some of Katie’s favorite holiday decorations.  The master bedroom’s rustic tree ornaments are Katie’s mothers and complement the your view of the expansive front yard.

The Leveretts love their home’s proximity to downtown and the relatively low-maintenance grounds that allow them the free time to pursue other interests.  They especially enjoy walking to all the great restaurants and shops in Norcross, hanging out with friends, and spending time with their Springer Spaniel Charlie, Poodle Mix Razzy and their fat cat Tater Tot.   Please enjoy the Leverett’s jewel of a bungalow for this holiday tour!