The Front Porch
Tiarabella has fourteen pillars on the front porch. George added two of these pillars to enhance the frame design. The two large center pillars were jacked up and steel plates put under the bases to provide durable support. These plates have white protective plastic-based coatings that protect the metal from weather conditions.
The front porch extends across the front of the original home and the east addition. Originally, the east addition was part of the sitting porch. It does not extend across the added west addition. The porch is covered by the second floor balcony. This covering does not extend over the porch area in front of the east addition.
George had two ceiling fans installed, one on each side of the porch. Southern plantations of this "Georgian" (sometimes called "Gothic") style architecture always had ceiling fans on their sitting porches for comfort and to help repel misquitos. Ceiling fans were not popular in the northwestern part of the country, therefore, Tiarabella originally did not have these fixtures.
Porch in front of the living room window
with one of the two ceiling fans
A hanging ceiling light fixture was mounted over the area approaching the front doorway providing light to a large area of the porch. It was purchased from an antique dealer in South Carolina to add to the ambience of the home.
Three exterior electrical boxes were installed in the porch area. The first unit is mounted below the porch level on the left side of the porch giving access to the east gardens. The second unit is mounted below the porch level on the right side giving access to the west gardens. The third is located by under the living room window, providing outlets for use on the porch. Speaker wires and television cable connections were installed so you could hear music and watch football games in the fall. It is wonderful to sit out on the porch from spring to fall and enjoy the front yard landscape and the parkview across the street. We often serve company there.
The porch swing was installed providing a break between the covered part of the porch and its extension in front of the east wing.
The swing and Grand Blvd. from the living room window
Slow growing Colorado blue spruce tree in the background
Because of its visable location, we do not put high end expensive wicker on the porch. Several years ago, several of the homes along the park had their porch furniture stolen - all at the same time. Rather than risk having it stolen again, we searched for comfortable seating and Penni made cushions for them.
Porch area from the doorway
Flower boxes and hanging baskets add color and beauty to this well-loved area. One thing about this home is that you can go to the point of almost "over-do" and Tiarabella carries it very well.
The flower boxes on the porch grew to enormous size over the summer.
These pictures were taken in the early spring.
Porch from the west wing window.
Porch showing the east wing and living room windows
Porch area in front of the west parlor window.
There is a crawl space beneath the entire porch. Steps up to the porch bring you to the house level.
West view of the porch.
Porch area in front of the living room window
A view of Manito Place and Grand Blvd.
Porch area with the living room and east wing windows
The front (partially open) door entrance.
All of the original clear glass on the front door and side windows to the doorway on the exterior were removed. Leaded glass panels were installed to resemble the garden district homes in New Orleans (which were done as enhancements to prominent homes). In addition to being beautiful, it also provides privacy.
George was born and raised in New Orleans and you will see a lot of the southern accents incorporated into Tiarabella.
Visit our West Side Entrances
You can just visualize the family stepping out to their horse and carriage!