2. House and wall tuck pointed winter 2008
Friday, April 23, 2010
Betterments and Improvements
2. House and wall tuck pointed winter 2008
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Notes on the House
The third floor was completly remodeled 2 years ago. Most of the basement looked much like the two storage rooms still there. Origianl floors were finished, a seperate central air condtioning system installed, a new bathroom installed, carpeting installed, fireplace installed, new lighting and plugs installed, 3-phone line system installed. The third floor has become a working office and a favorite spot for house guest.
There are several old glass light fixtures still on the third floor. In one storage area the windows are tinted red. This is original. In the late 1880's photography was a very popular new technology, and this room was used as a dark room. The extensive shelves in the room and sink were used for this purpose.
There are two fountains in the house, both work. One is in the garden room which is a very pleasant room for teas, small dining parties, or cocktail parties. The other is outside on the side of house, which is a popular gathering spot for parties.
There is a working elevator in the house which is helpful for elderly visitors, and several times when members of the family had knee surgery.
There is a porch on the second floor, off a bedroom and TV room. The porch is a pleasant and private spot to sit on warm summer nights. There is electric on the porch for TV's or radios.
The formal dining room and living room are frequent spots for extended family gatherings/dinners and entertaining. There is a convenient bar for entertaining between the rooms.
The master bedroom is very comfortable and spacious. The warm fireplace makes it also a family gathering place as many of the children like to congregate on the bed or next to the fire to reas or watch TV.
There is an outdoor patio. The patio creates a private space right of the kitchen for outdoor dining and entertaining. There is a large Blue Spruce tree planted in the corner with several small trees and bushes planted along the perimeter of the curved wall.
A custom designed outbuilding/garage has designed to complement the houses architecture around the kitchen. An Arbor will extend off the outbuilding and attach to the house. The arbor will create an entrance from the side yard to this private patio area. The area was designed by Stephen Smith who is a highly regarded landscape architect in Cincinnati who has done most of the homes in our immediate area.
The Cincinnati Tennis Club is around the corner and is one of the oldest Tennis clubs in America, hosting many early national tournaments. It was built around the same time as 2963 Annwood was built. It still hosts the national Father and Son Tennis Tournament and many of the players stay with neighbors surrounding the club.
The house is in historic East Walnut Hills, but is 1 1/2 minutes from Hyde Park. The Cincinnati Country Club is 2 minutes away off Grandin Road. Obryonville is a prospering small shopping area with Bon Bonnery, Coffee Shops, Antiques, and Dress Shops etc.
Larz Anderson House
The Longworth's were second owners of the Baum/Longworth/Taft house know today as the Taft Museum. The American Book Company, next to the Taft Museum was also designed by Leaner and Anderson. Mr. Anderson was an officer of the company.
The American Book Company would later be known as the Pugh Building, who were the owners of the business and the building. (Today the building is condos on the corner of Pike Street and Columbia Parkway as you approach P&G's Corporate Headquarters.)It is believed the Pugh's were related or close friends to the Andersons and the Pugh's became the second family to own 2963 Annwood.
The Pugh's were an early Cincinnati family who were printers in Cincinnati since the early 1800's They became known as Abolitionists printers prior to the Civil War and well known during the Civil War era. Several times their business was attacked by mobs and their presses were destroyed and rebuilt.
The house is recognized by the Historical Society and the Miami Valley Historical Society. The house was featured at the Betts House in downtown Cincinnati and was part of a lecture series given by the Betts House on great homes in Cincinnati. Because of its historic designation, any changes to the grounds or the exterior of the house itself need to follow historic guidelines. The groups are very accommodating and work well with home owners.