7401 Glencove Place  

The second and current owners purchased this waterfront Colonial Revival in 1976 and have orchestrated a series of nearly continuous renovations to this substantial 5,300 square foot brick home constructed in 1937. The wide foyer welcomes guests into a gracious interior where modern amenities blend seamlessly with traditional appointments. Warm tones of yellow and red are echoed in paint colors, floral wall coverings and fabrics. Paintings and sculptures found throughout reflect the couple’s passion for nature. Among the many paintings of special note are early 20th century landscapes by American Impressionist Eliot Clark, and more current landscapes by Christa Pleasants, Greg Osterhaus and Charles Sibley.  Turner Foundry bronzes of sea birds are perched in the foyer and the garden beyond.
                                                      

During the past six years a series of exterior renovations have centered on the surrounding gardens, which nearly doubled in size with the 2005 purchase of an adjoining lot located behind 2nd Presbyterian Church. Landscape architect Ann Stokes worked on the design of both the original and newly added gardens, crafting a series of unique spaces including a pergola, patio, and a cleverly designed “sunken” garden that is actually at ground level. Until recently the Shumadines maintained the extensive gardens themselves and continue to spend countless hours on its upkeep and continual improvement. A favorite spot can be found by venturing past the formal plantings near the house, the orderly vegetable garden and a wide expanse of lawn to discover the tiny secret garden tucked at the end of the property. Conrad and Anne Shumadine, owners.

7409 Glencove Place  

This magnificent example of Georgian Revival architecture, built in 1928 for the Barron Black family, resides along the banks of the Lafayette River. The red brick residence is one room deep so that windows on both front and back capture the sun’s progress and deliver garden and water views to nearly every room. The garden, redesigned in 2009 by landscape architect Ann Stokes, transitions from formal areas near the house to a series of informal beds and trees beyond. The approach to the house is lined with Little Gem magnolias. Annuals and perennials punctuate the curving row of Shamrock hollies along the walkway leading to an inviting front entrance flanked by mature boxwoods. On the water side a patio rimmed with intricate wrought iron from New Orleans, original to the home, leads to a lush lawn and flower beds that are deceivingly low maintenance and moisture conscious.   

Original details including intricately carved millwork, a leaded glass fanlight, and additional wrought iron have been retained during a series of thoughtful renovations. A spacious 1995 family room and kitchen addition was tucked behind the breezeway and garage to preserve the original lines of the front façade. Colors utilized throughout range from eggshell to pale blue, silver grey, and gold providing a delicate backdrop for the Rei s’ collection of art and antiques. Many of the furnishings are family heirlooms, including a 19th century demilune chest and 18th century black oak desk from Mrs. Reis’ family. Other pieces of note are a pair of gilded mirrors sporting gazelles and a stunning crystal chandelier in the dining room. Rob and Lily Reis, owners.

7600 North Shore Road 

Situated on a slight rise affording expansive views of the Lafayette River and wooded Hermitage Museum grounds, this brick Colonial Revival home built in 1935 exhibits exceptional craftsmanship. An elegant floating spiral staircase takes center stage in the spacious foyer, and modestly scaled moldings throughout enhance bright and spacious formal rooms dressed in understated elegance.  Heirloom antiques, objets d’art, and vintage photographs narrate the story of the Wyatt family history. Each successive room showcases the many fascinating collections amassed with a discerning eye by Mrs. Wyatt.  Daguerreotypes, Tole boxes, antique botanical and ornithological prints, and Chinese export porcelains present a visual feast.  

The former kitchen now serves as a butler’s pantry for the recently completed kitchen and family room addition. Wide plank cherry floors, stunning black and green soapstone counters, and a Delft tile backsplash reflect Mrs. Wyatt’s flair for combining diverse design elements into a cohesive whole. A newly added screened porch extends family space to the outdoors. Rick and Randy Wyatt, owners.

7622 Argyle Avenue

A curved brick walkway and welcoming porch beckon visitors past the immaculately groomed garden to this pristine Dutch Colonial home built in 1926. Black shutters and sparkling white trim punctuate the dove gray clapboard exterior and multihued architectural shingle gambrel roof. Inside, deep paint colors and vibrant fabrics add zest to formal rooms appointed with family antiques, oriental and Dutch porcelains, and eclectic artwork. Nautical blue walls in the dining room hint at references to the family’s love of boating found throughout the first floor. Of note are the restored table and fourth generation marble topped chest. The living room with its heavily carved mirror, trio of oriental rubbings, and substantial travertine fireplace, maintains a formal air while serving as a gateway to family friendly spaces. The family room addition and kitchen have been updated to serve as relaxing gathering spots for this active family with small children. The sunlit library offers a retreat to read or contemplate the host of travel photos, mementos, maps, and photographs collected during family trips. Banks of mullioned windows and doors in the family room open to an expansive lawn where beautifully maintained informal gardens and patio areas offer myriad opportunities for family play and relaxation. Michael and Cathy Burnette, owners.

7720 Argyle Avenue 

Behind the staid red brick façade of this Georgian Colonial house is an interior awash in light and brilliant colors. The sophisticated entry hall, papered in black brocade and boasting sparkling white paneled wainscoting and trim, serves as a neutral transition between the vibrant lemon living room and the rich red walls of the dining room. Anchored by traditional furnishings and family heirlooms, walls throughout contain family photographs and colorful artwork. Grandchildren’s masterpieces coexist with beautiful botanicals and framed artwork.  The antique Limoges china service is just one example of the many lovely antiques and family heirlooms on display.

The Clarks purchased the 1950 home from the original owner in 2001, familiarizing themselves with the house for several years before undertaking a major renovation in 2005. Their careful planning resulted in a kitchen and den addition offering plenty of space for family and friends to gather and, most importantly, for grandchildren to work on art projects and homework.  Cheerful grasshopper green walls, a buttery ceiling and stunning views of the garden beyond lend an irresistible appeal to this spacious addition. Mrs. Clark tends the informal back garden and amends it with plants selected for their names: Immortality i rises, Big Smile h ydrangeas, Lipstick i mpatiens,  Forever Memories day lilies. The plants in this “Memory Garden” thrive under Mrs. Clark’s caring hand, providing in return inspiration for her own photography and a place of reflection and serenity for the family. Geoff and Sandy Clark, owners.

7721 Argyle Avenue

This stately brick center hall Georgian Colonial house recently underwent a major renovation that included reconfiguring the kitchen and creating a family room addition from a former garden room. The owners concentrated on maintaining the original integrity of the home while adding environmentally friendly updates including geothermal heating, wood storm windows, instant hot water systems, and water saving landscaping. Original copper gutters and downspouts, gleaming white oak floors, picture molding, and the egg and dart molding surrounding the fireplace reflect the fine craftsmanship evident throughout.  New appointments, including the Italian Mojave honed travertine floors and marble counters in the kitchen, reflect the same quality and attention to detail employed when the home was built in 1924. 

A muted interior palette of cream, celadon, and silver serves as the perfect foil for colorful works of art acquired during trips to other countries. Works of art from closer to home include a Peter Max print purchased in New Orleans and paintings by Kathy Miller and Rebecca Sherer from Ms. Henderson’s hometown of Auburn, AL as well as works by local artist Andy Mason. Of note are the beautiful rugs found throughout the first floor, also purchased during travels abroad.  Walt Sobczyk and Donna Henderson, owners.

7637 North Shore Road

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens is situated on a beautiful 12-acre estate nestled in a lush wooded setting along the Lafayette River. The Arts and Crafts style house features a combination brick and wood exterior, elegantly carved eaves and wrought-iron accents. Originally built to be the summer retreat of William and Florence Sloane in 1908, the residence became their year-round home and later became the permanent location of the Hermitage Museum. The museum was established in 1937 by the Sloanes to increase public awareness and appreciation of the arts and to offer encouragement and support for creative artistic endeavors. The house is a work of art in its own right. The expert carving and detail of master craftsmen C.J. Woodsen, Karl von Rydingsvard and M.F. McCarthy resulted in a home of uncompromising craftsmanship and an appropriate showcase for displaying treasured artwork from around the world. Among the many wonderful works of art and furnishings on display on the first floor is a stunning collection of 17th, 18th, 19th and early 20th century silver pieces including works by Faberge and Tiffany & Company. Inspired by intricate patterns found in nature, a series of whimsical paintings and mixed-media works by Erin Schwinn will be on view in the Changing Galleries April 20-29. Schwinn’s dynamic works use detailed patterns and bright colors to create vibrant, fantastical environments that lead the viewer to experience various emotions from unease to humor and everything in between. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. Call (757) 423-2052 or visit www.thfm.org for more information.