From The Archives

Improvements 2001 - 2006

The present owners purchased the house in 2000 and began renovations in 2001. The main floor carpet was taken up and the hardwood floors and stairway were refinished. The kitchen was completely gutted and custom cabinets with solid surface counters were installed along with all new appliances (they stay). It is an eat-in kitchen. At the time of purchase, the roof had just been completely replaced with heavy gauge, 30-year shingles.

The half bath downstairs and the existing bath upstairs were gutted and redesigned. The 2nd floor carpet was replaced and a large linen closet was converted to a laundry (W/D stay). A high efficiency furnace, electric water heater, water softener and attic fan were installed. Wiring was redone. A 26x28' garage was completed. The windows in the four double dormers of the attic as well as the windows in the bathrooms and basement were replaced.

The new drive and privacy fence were completed and the foundation was tuck pointed in 2003. The windows on the second floor were replaced in 2004.The house was painted in 2005. In 2006 a fourth bedroom became a master bath with large walk in closet. A pergola was added at the back of the house that same year.

Unique features of this home

This is a true Craftsman home with a spacious front porch and porte cochere as well as a pergola at the rear of the house. You enter through the original oak door with its brass hardware and beveled glass. The original screen door is stored in the attic. The door of the foyer's coat closet has the original full length beveled mirror in it.

The woodwork in the downstairs, stairway and the bedroom at the head of the stairs are all quarter-sawn oak. Unlike the oak used in today's construction, this wood has a very compact grain and a rich golden color. It lends itself well to the straight bold lines of the home.

All rooms have crown molding and stucco walls. There are a total of eight hand cut leaded windows in the downstairs and landing of the house. There are several solid brass light fixtures original to the house as well as a beautiful cranberry, thumb print kerosene light that has been converted to electricity.

The doors in the built-in storage of the dining room are colored/stained leaded glass. This room also has a plate rail, custom painting and the original brass light fixture.

Another unique feature of this home is its location, Troy, Kansas. Nestled in the Northeast corner of the state, this rural county seat is surrounded by natural beauty and rich farm land. This area is steeped in history; the Pony Express and pioneers in their covered wagons passed through this county. This region was known as Bleeding Kansas as it gave birth to the Civil War. The river towns on both sides of the Missouri have a rich history to share. While you relax at the slower pace of a small town, you can also enjoy our neighbor. St. Joseph, Missouri is only 20 minutes away with a state university and a wide variety of cultural and sporting events. Kansas City International Airport is a 45 minute jaunt down the interstate. And just an hour away in Kansas City are all the big city events from pro sports to the arts to world class jazz and barbecue. Come enjoy the best of both worlds!

A house to be lived in

The hedge lined drive draws you up to the welcoming front porch and into the spacious foyer. True to the Craftsman style, the rooms are large and have a feeling of openness because of the clean lines and half walls that partition the rooms.

The foyer opens to the living room, dining room and the wide stairs leading to the second floor. There are leaded glass windows in each of these rooms as well as in the family room. The living room fireplace is a cozy feature added in the 50's.

The landing of the staircase features an cozy window seat below two leaded windows.The antique cranberry lamp hangs in this area and casts a beautiful red pattern around the walls of this area.

The northeast bedroom at the top of the stairs is the only one that has finished woodwork; the other two have painted woodwork. This was a common practice at the turn of the century. The light fixtures in this room are original to the house. The three-window bay on the east wall floods this room with light. This room and the one to the northwest are served by a full bath. In the hall closet, the large capacity, stacked washer and dryer will stay with the house. The master suite occupies the southern portion of the upstairs. The full bath includes a 4x14 walk in closet.

In addition to the two finished floors, there is a floored attic with four double dormers providing lots of natural light and cross ventilation. This home has an abundance of room with the added potential of the ultimate play room or a perfect getaway for teens or adults in the large attic area. The basement is dry and well maintained.