House 3 - 944 Euclid Avenue

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Homeowner: Sharon Gay and Neil Schemm

This gracious Queen Anne Victorian was built in 1896, but by 1970 had been converted into a five-unit boarding house that was condemned for demolition. Happily, the house was saved from the wrecking ball and restored as a single- family dwelling. Sharon and Neil bought the home just before their wedding in 1985, thinking they had acquired a fully renovated treasure. They realized more repairs were in store when Sharon's heel crashed through the front porch during their wedding reception.

Renovation work included replacement of the roof, front porch, all mechanical and electrical systems, the main floor bath, and the kitchen. Sharon and Neil expanded the home by adding a master bathroom, and replacing the original basement servants' quarters with a sunroom, exercise room, bath, and wine cellar.

Most of the light fixtures, mantels, and trim are original. The new work has been carefully designed and executed to blend with the original architectural details. Cheerful colors, a creative mix of English and American antiques, playful artwork (some purchased in Haiti), and tropical-style furniture reflect Sharon and Neil's love of the Caribbean.

Twelve years ago, the backyard garden had only a few old pecan and pear trees, several of which succumbed to Hurricane Opal. Inspired by gardening neighbors in "the Hollow," Sharon planted hundreds of evergreen and flowering shrubs, trees, and perennials around stone terraces and walkways to create several "garden rooms." Last summer she added a waterfall, pond, and tropical garden. By mid-summer, candlelit dinners under the arbor will be surrounded by swaying palms, banana trees, and lush tropical foliage. Although Sharon insists the garden is a work in progress, you can see this busy couple has created a remarkable urban oasis to share with their friends, family, and beloved basset hounds.

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