2007 Tour Homes

39 Thrasher Street – The Cain/Verner House
71 Thrasher Street – The Medlock/Simpson House
388 Autry Street – The Lowry House
5978 Clay Street – The Hedgewood Model
225 South Peachtree Street – The Wall House
530 North Peachtree Street – The Hester House

39 Thrasher Street – The Cain/Verner House

The property on which this house sits was originally owned by Norcross founder John J. Thrasher. Thrasher then sold it to a Mr. Holbrook. Sometime after that Sylvester Cain purchased the house. He and his wife, Maybelle, owned a general store in Norcross and around 1910 were managing the Brunswick Hotel, which was situated next door to this house. The Cains had two children, Sylvester, Jr., who grew up to become Norcross’ beloved “Dr. Cain,” and Corinne, who married George H. Verner in 1917. The Verners raised two children in this house and their daughter, Janis, lived in the house until her death. Janis was an accomplished violinist and played with the Norcross First United Methodist Church for over sixty years. The Cain/Verner family owned this house from the early 20th century until the early 21st century

This handsome two-story craftsman style bungalow, meticulously restored in recent years by its current owner, Michael Lovelady, started its life as an L-shaped Victorian, and the street on which it sits was originally known as Railroad Street. In 1916, the house was expanded to a two-story dwelling and was updated with Craftsman styling. From the outside, it’s difficult to tell that this house has eight rooms, but once inside you’ll discover that the layout of this historic house is particularly inviting. The view down the hallway from the front parlor offers glimpses into the kitchen and its earthy herringbone brick floor at the rear of the house. The elegant dining room is also visible through the French doors at the back of the parlor. The dark wood trim found throughout the house evokes images of an earlier time and is complemented by the rich colors selected for the walls in each room.

You will enjoy seeing the many historic architectural elements of this charming house, including the four original fireplaces and mantels; the original bathtub, wainscoting, and fixtures in the upstairs bath; wavy glass in the back, upstairs bedroom; a telephone box; and a fire chase in one of the upstairs bedrooms. The Victorian elements include all the original doors on the first floor, plus a swinging door that leads from the kitchen to the dining room.

Beth and Jonathan Seitz have added their own artistic touches to this already intriguing house. Their dining room includes pieces of their eclectic antiques collection, such as a Civil War-era jelly cupboard which serves as their sideboard and a beautifully handcrafted early American drop leaf table. Adorning the dining room mantel is Beth’s collection of cups and saucers, some of which were left to her by her Scottish grandmother. As you ascend to the second floor, ahead of you underneath the windows sits a lovely, long cedar chest that now doubles as a window seat. From here one can sit and look upon the town that John J. Thrasher founded, the historic Depot, and the Southern Railway line that brought so many people to Norcross in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

With the painstaking restoration, its ties to early Norcross history, and the wonderful blend of Victorian and Craftsman elements, the Cain/Verner House is one of the oldest and most significant houses in Norcross’ historic downtown.

71 Thrasher Street – The Medlock/Simpson House

The Medlock/Simpson house is named for two important Norcross families. Although we don’t know the exact year in which this house was built, we do know that in the mid-1880s, Riley Owen (R.O.) Medlock began buying tracts of land in the nascent town of Norcross. The lot on which this house sits was one of many lots he purchased during that decade. Mr. Medlock was a successful businessman who owned The General Store and founded the Medlock Harness Company, both located in the building that is now Paizanos restaurant. After Mr. Medlock’s death, his wife Minnie continued living in this house, and for several years she rented rooms to the single female teachers of the town. Many, such as Ruth Jackson Davenport and Mary Hood Garner, married Norcross bachelors and settled here permanently.

In the mid-1930s, following Minnie’s death, her daughters sold the house to Mr. H.T. Simpson who, in December 1945, deeded it to his son, Grady Simpson. The Simpsons, a long-time Gwinnett County family, moved to Norcross in the 1930s from the family farm (now Simpsonwood) in the Pinckneyville area because Grady Simpson had taken a job as the Norcross policeman. He wound up serving the city as its Chief of Police for an astounding 32 years. This house remained in the Simpson family for over 50 years until 1989.

About three years ago, Don McClure, whose hobby is rehabilitating older homes, purchased this house and convinced his wife Christine to move from Peachtree Corners into Norcross’ historic downtown. Because the house was in such a state of disrepair, there was little of the original interior that could be salvaged. Fortunately, the McClures saved what they could, including the original tongue-in-groove ceilings found in the central hallway and in several rooms on the first floor, as well as the original mantels that surround the fireplaces in two of the bedrooms. They then thoughtfully began rebuilding what could not be salvaged. They replaced the floors with wide heart pine planks, added a transom in the family room entryway, and transformed the central hallway into a library complete with bookcase and sliding ladder – all architectural elements which fit perfectly into this period home.

Everywhere you look, the McClure’s furnishings, decorations, and updates complement the simple and understated elegance of this house, making it once again a bright and cheerful family home. Twelve-foot ceilings and simple, yet elegant, wood trim are found throughout the first floor. Come to the end of the hallway, and at the back of the house you’ll find a sensationally updated kitchen leading to a screened porch and a sun deck. Don’t forget to ascend the magnificent stairway, anchored by thick newel posts, that looks original to the house but isn’t. It draws you upstairs to the expansive master bedroom retreat – tastefully built into reclaimed attic space. In several rooms you can see Christine’s watercolors gracing the walls. Throughout the house new furniture is tastefully blended with heirloom pieces, such as in the guest room bedroom suite, which once belonged to Christine’s parents.

You will be delightfully surprised when you visit the Medlock/Simpson house because the McClures, with their talent, love, and dedication, have transformed this Georgian Cottage back into one of Norcross’ premiere historic homes.

388 Autry Street – The Lowry House

Situated in the west end of town, this elegant new house sits on land which is itself rich in local history. At one time this land was owned by Mr. Tom Walker, an entrepreneur and businessman who made his money in south Georgia before moving to Norcross. His wife, Ida Barkley Walker, was a graduate of Spelman College. On this property Mr. Walker maintained his residence and a general store. This new home also overlooks Rossie Brundage Park, former site of Norcross’ African American elementary and middle schools. This city park is named for Mr. Brundage, a Norcross native who was a 50-year city employee in the public works department. The park also has ties to Norcross’ long baseball history. Local baseball great Jack Tremble and others from the Negro League used to visit Rossie Brundage Park to help the youngsters learn about and play the game of baseball.

When Miller and Mandy Lowry decided to move from Dunwoody, they selected this location because they sought a quaint, charming small town – and found exactly what they were looking for in Historic Norcross. Miller, a local custom home builder, and Mandy, an interior designer, combined their talents to produce their dream house. Both the house design and the décor are a modern spin on the traditional, known in the design world as “transitional”.

The Lowry House’s exterior architecture is reminiscent of a 1920s classic cottage while its interior favors a modern bungalow design. In creating their home, the Lowrys have paid careful attention to every detail. Step into the foyer onto the distressed heart pine floors that cover the downstairs and you will immediately feel the warmth of this gracious home. The open kitchen is decorated with tea-stained glazed cabinets and the backsplashes are covered in subway tile that evokes an earlier era. The master bedroom’s circular tray ceiling is striking and innovative, and the master bath’s marvelous use of space focuses on the double entry door-less shower, situated behind a traditional, yet oversized Victoria & Albert soaking tub.

Something special awaits you at every turn as you wind your way from room to room. The color splash from the striped faux painting in the powder room is a bold yet perfect complement to the décor. The draperies in the living, breakfast, and family rooms are all custom-made, using fabric that was imported from England. Upstairs, in Mandy’s home design studio, there sits a long window seat designed for storage, which could also be used during a game of hide and seek! Outside, an inviting slate loggia with an all-stone fireplace offers warmth and romance on cooler autumn and winter evenings. Even the minor details of this house are intriguing, such as Miller’s custom-designed interior trim that sits above the window trim and the softer, rounded, bullnose edging found on several interior walls.

Don’t miss the trolley ride to the west end of town, where the elegant Lowry cottage awaits you!

5978 Clay Street – The Hedgewood Model

The homes surrounding Nesbit Park in Hedgewood’s Seven Norcross neighborhood represent a cross-section of charming, vintage southern house designs. Built with award-winning, environment-friendly EarthCraft House construction, Hedgewood’s Seven Norcross homes and townhomes are so authentic looking that, as you approach, you will think you are entering yet another of Norcross’ established historic neighborhoods.

Located a leisurely stroll from downtown Norcross, at the corner of Thrasher and Autry Streets, Hedgewood Properties proudly presents The Ashford Place Home. With its attention to historic detail and exquisite design, the Ashford Place invites you into a home reminiscent of times past with all of the appointments of a modern household.

Your tour begins by walking through the park warmed by firelight and entering the home from the front porch, where lanterns flicker as if illuminated by candles. As you stroll through the rooms of this house on the gorgeous distressed, wide-plank wooden floors, you will delight in seeing how the sophistication of the twenty-first century can be blended seamlessly with the simple and elegant architectural details that recall a bygone era. Majestic eleven foot ceilings draw your eye upward, and you’ll find wide plank paneling adorning the walls of rooms and hallways both upstairs and down. In the upscale kitchen, mini subway tile and mosaic tile grace the walls and backsplashes, and transoms enhance the top of each doorway.

The Ashford Place, with its double front porches offering a view of nearby Nesbit Park (named for Frank Nesbit and his family, who originally owned this property), is rivaled only by the cozy interior holiday décor that would make even Charles Dickens proud.

225 South Peachtree Street – The Wall House

This charming Victorian bungalow has graced South Peachtree Street for over a century. In 1887 Mr. W. C. Wall built one of Norcross’ most prominent residences, The Davenport House. About twenty years later he sold that house and moved to this home, which he had recently finished. Although we don’t know much about the Walls, we do know that Mr. Wall was a local businessman who owned a general store and a livery. Several horseshoes have been found on the property. He also left behind some artifacts which give us insight into his daily business dealings over a century ago. The current owners, Dale and Micheal Marlowe, discovered in their attic Mr. Wall’s ledger, an 1899 recipe for horse liniment handwritten on Wall’s business stationery, and various notepads on which he kept his accounts receivable and payable. From these we know that Mr. Wall traveled around the countryside in his buckboard doing business – even as far away as Conyers. After he died, the house remained in his family for several years.

When the Marlowes bought this house in 1992, they became its fourth owners. Dale, who was born in Charleston, loves older homes, and when she and Micheal found this gem it was a Fannie Mae foreclosure. Over the next several years the couple devoted much time and attention to renovating and decorating this Norcross treasure to recover its character and charm. Their work has included refinishing the heart pine floors found throughout the downstairs and in the unfinished attic, converting the attic space to include a stately master bedroom and bath suite, upgrading their kitchen to include subway and mosaic tile with a vintage crackle finish, uncovering all the original ceilings, and installing mosaic tile in their downstairs bath.

The house has several interesting architectural and historic accents such as two fireplaces with original mantels, heart pine floors, a claw foot tub in the downstairs bath, and the original back hallway light fixture. In addition, Mr. Wall’s framed horse liniment recipe hangs on the wall in the den. What really sets this house apart, though, is its décor. Over the years the Marlowes have amassed an impressive, if eclectic, antiques collection, and they have used it as well as precious family heirlooms to capture the elegance of a bygone era. As you walk from room to room, you will truly feel that you have stepped back in time. From the front porch you can see Dale’s great-grandmother’s (Mammie Barre) distinctive late 19th-century black rocker. Once inside the house, each room offers something special. In the parlor Victorian and Duncan Phyfe furniture create an elegant yet comfortable ambiance. The dining room’s unusual hunt board, dramatic breakfront, and collection of tole trays that grace the walls fit perfectly into this room, especially with its high ceilings. In the guest bedroom are found heirloom twin spool beds, while several of Micheal’s grandmother’s and mother’s quilts are quite at home in the cozy den. The Marlowe’s quest for authenticity also extends into the kitchen, where they have installed a replica of vintage “Twelve Oaks” pattern wallpaper.

Since purchasing this treasure Micheal and Dale Marlowe have worked diligently to restore the house to its original classic beauty. Thanks to their labor of love, you will thoroughly enjoy your tour through the timeless Wall House.

530 North Peachtree Street – The Hester House

Laura and Justin Hester are one of many couples who, desiring tree-lined streets, sidewalks, front-porch visiting, and small town living within the metro area, have moved from Peachtree Corners to make their home in Historic Norcross. When Laura saw this new house, it reminded her so much of her family’s century-old Tennessee home built by her second great-grandparents, that she knew it had to be their next house. In 2003 the Hesters purchased this house, and when they welcomed a son earlier this year they joined the growing number of young families that are a wonderful element of Historic Norcross’ renaissance.

For a newer home, this house has a lot of character. Its exterior architectural details are reminiscent of Craftsman construction, blending seamlessly with the historic homes that have graced Norcross’ signature street, North Peachtree, for over a century. Step inside, and the cozy floor plan, coffered ceiling in the family room, wainscoting in the breakfast nook and dining room, and arched entry ways leading to the dining room and kitchen make one feel as if you are visiting a historic home in a small Georgia town. Once you arrive upstairs, you will be delightfully surprised to find a large master suite complete with sitting area neatly tucked into the nooks and crannies of the roofline. If you didn’t know better, you would think you were truly in an older home – one where the owners had reclaimed attic space to make their own private suite, as many owners of older homes in Norcross have done.

The Hesters have added their own touch in decorating their charming house. Both Justin and Laura have a love for music, and their front room has been deemed the “music room,” complete with piano and decorated with a music motif for Christmas. Throughout the house you’ll find banjos, mandolins and guitars from Justin’s impressive collection. Laura’s grandmother’s large antique mirror graces the wall of the music room and water color paintings of St. Simons Island vistas are found upstairs and down – reminding the young couple of their wedding ceremony and celebration. The Hesters, both University of Georgia alumni, pay homage to their beloved school with “UGA” memorabilia throughout the house and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named after fellow alum and football great, Herschel Walker. On the front porch you’ll find an 1825 Fireman’s Insurance fire mark, which was given to Laura by her mother. Rocking chairs and a traditional porch swing draw you up the front steps, so come on up and sit a spell.