Family Room
West addition houses the family room.
You saw another view of the climbing vine in the Grounds section.
The family room was added in the 40's to provide first floor sleeping/living quarters. The walls and ceiling were painted bright orange and there was long orange 60's shag carpeting. There was no heat in this room, only two electrical outlets, no windows whatsoever, and there was a painted accordion folding door that was across a much smaller entrance than there is now. Across the front wall was a wall to wall closet with sliding doors. The roof leaked in numerous places. When the carpeting was removed, the flooring was asphalt tile (the kind that you couldn�t use Johnson�s wax on because it bled). It was a very dark and freezing cold room.
The closet structure was removed, and the large picture window was installed providing light to the entire room and providing a beautiful view of the park across the street. The two windows on the side (you can see them in the top photo) were installed that have turn knobs to open and close and locks. The molding around these windows are Honduras mahogany. George painted the window moldings white to keep this room brighter.
Electrical outlets were installed throughout the room. The wall switch for the exterior spot lights on the columns are on the wall inside this room also.
Television cable and a phone line was installed. The walls and ceiling were completely replastered and wall/ceiling fresco molding mounted around the entire room. The exterior window on the inner wall was the original exterior window before the addition was built. They had built the addition and just left this window between this room and the Parlor. George had it removed and reconstructed both walls.
Four gargoyle sconces were professionally cast on special order. They give an awesome touch to this large family room and are mounted along the north and east walls. They provide plenty of light for the entire room on a dimmer switch to adjust light level.
Two of four gargoyle sconces.
Frescoe bordering the ceiling can also be seen here.
This is where the monster radiator was installed. It was delivered to the house by a large truck with a crane on it and unloaded as close to the house as possible. It took eight men 45 minutes to hand-carry the extremely heavy radiator into the house. They used ropes and synchronization in movement to carry it from the driveway, stopping every few steps to catch their breath. They were worried that the porch flooring would give as they had to stop twice with this extreme weight on the porch and through the front door entrance, but it held with no problem.
The blinds are drawn closed at night for privacy.
The long radiator is set under the picture window.
Professionally designed drapes frame the windows on elaborate brass rod wall mounted fixtures. Sheers on the smaller windows add a special touch.
Northwest corner of Family Room.
This is where Penni works on creating this web site.
An antique oriental partner's desk under a large mirror
is a great work center for projects and games.
This inner wall held exterior window that was removed, electrical wiring installed for outlets and sconces, and the wall reconstructed.
This room is really used as the center of our family activity. The picture window provides activites in the park where a jousting team practices several times a week, people walk and play with their dogs, and joggers and walkers wave hello. The blinds can be closed in the evenings for privacy. This section of the park isn't as busy as the central part of the park where there are playgrounds and picnic areas. Manito Park's staff does a beautiful job of maintenance throughout the park.
Let's Go Upstairs!
As you go up the stairway you'll be greeted by Venus and
you'll enjoy seeing Penni's Victorian dollhouse on the way!