Coming into the home, white marble floors exude grandeur and historic charm. A circular table greets visitors and draws focus to the stairwell leading to the family bedrooms on the second and third floors.
The exquisite living room space with a baby grand piano and unique plaster decorating the ceiling and coming to a focal point around the stunning chandelier in the center of the room. Reflected by this room along with the entirety of the house is a calming beauty, inviting enjoyment while showcasing the historical charm of the home. This is a tribute to how Joy Beth has balanced her own personal style with what previous owners have contributed as well, creating a masterpiece in style and comfort.
Joy Beth shares, “Eating meals together is a priority for our family. Sometimes we have to get creative when the kids sports are in full gear, but we always try to sit down together at least once during the day so we can catch up with one another and create great memories.”
The kitchen is one of Joy Beth’s favorite rooms in the house. Joy Beth says, “With four children, I spend the majority of my time here. It is a natural place where everyone congregates. The windows allow me to get things done and still be able to keep an eye on the kids playing in the yard.” Custom millwork carved individually by hand adorns the walls while cabinetry completed by Cabinets by Design cover the built in fridge, dishwasher, and built in drink drawer. A large island with a vegetable sink draws the family together over homework and a cozy breakfast nook with a circular table given to the family from Stephen’s sister at her Floridian home completes the ambiance.
Additional amenities of the kitchen include a six-burner gas grill, double stacked stainless steel Viking brand ovens, a built in spaghetti faucet for filling pasta pots with ease and a deluxe cappuccino machine.
Taking the stairwell up to the top level of the house, you enter into the Riviera Sand colored master suite by stepping through large scale, doors that once flanked a church entryway 200 years ago. The ornate church doors remain one of Stephen’s favorite features of the home and reflect the family’s appreciation for historical antiquities transformed in a new way. Other elements of the master suite include an exposed brick wall, drywall, rug overlays, two beams on the ceiling giving the room a unique depth and dimension and an exercise space on the sun porch that was formerly a reading room. Here, Joy Beth and Stephen agree, “with four kids and multiple schedules and places to be, it is wonderful to have a convenient space to squeeze in a quick workout.” Located on the opposite side of the sun porch is the master bath featuring marble flooring, chocolate colored silk covering the walls, his and her dual sinks and a luxurious walk in steam shower with multiple sprayers for a complete spa experience.
Just off the stairwell and directly ahead is the nursery belonging currently to Madden, the Dawahare’s youngest son who is one year old. A large bed is situated on one wall while a beautiful hand painted Monogrammed “D” adorns the opposite wall near the baby crib. All four of the Dawahare children have been born and raised in this home and the memories made are valued beyond measure.
The girls’ room is suited for the sweet princesses they are and features two beds, a fireplace and a seating area for Brooke and Anna to enjoy playtime or study time. To the left of the beds is a doorway leading to a gorgeous en suite bathroom continuing the fairytale feel complete with an enormous bathtub in the center of the room that three out of the four children can fit in comfortably at once for fun bath times before bed.
Hayden’s room is a UK fanatics heaven completely decked out in team paraphernalia including signed jerseys from Patrick Patterson and John Wall. Refurbished barn doors adorn the wall in Haden’s room, serving as a convenient and playful storage option for his favorite accessories.
Friends and relatives of the Dawahare family enjoy spending time in their basement area complete with a theater room, a play area and game room for the children with a pool table and an antique Ms. Pac-Man and Galaxy Upright Arcade game and guest bedroom tucked away. Portraits of each of the four children at four weeks hang on the far side of the walls, a special feature of the home and beloved by the family. The theater room looks and feels as if it is out of a classic film and features the original stone foundation and a wood paneled wall providing a cozy, intimate feel. Here, they enjoy football and basketball season and it has become a tradition to watch an away UK game followed by some late night poker. The theater room is also Stephen’s favorite. He laughs, “It started out as my man cave and poker room, but now it has become the toy room for the kids which is just as great!” Stephen loves having friends over though he also enjoys some private time by shutting the doors and sneaking in a nap in the cool.
Summer and fall are spent grilling out, playing pick up games of basketball and letting the kids run around until dark outside and in the back porch and pool areas. Stephen starts most of his mornings for work on the back porch. He often takes the computer and a cup of coffee out there to respond to emails in the midst of quietness before the chaos of the day begins.
Joy Beth says, “The backyard and pool area is definitely relaxing and allows us to spend time as a family. The high stone walls create a sense of privacy even though we are in the heart of the city.” The swimming pool area is the perfect backdrop for a sundeck area complete with six lounge chairs, a dining area with two tables and umbrellas, a slide and a diving board.