Situated by Henderson’s downtown commercial area rests an old, quaint house. Tucked directly behind a business, a passerby may be prone to gloss over it (perhaps looking at the lovely renovated Main Street), but for those paying attention, the house will capture it. Adorned on the outside with a square roof and dormers, a wraparound porch, vacuform brick, reclaimed wirecut bricks, and leaded windows, it qualifies as charming. But the classification is secured when the door opens to a beautiful staircase and gorgeous woodwork.
As Henderson residents may have noticed, for the past several months, the house at 1211 Cedar Street has been caught in a transition. Signs of its former glory remain, but years of neglect are also evident. The latter is fading, however, as each week signals restoration by new house owners redeeming the unique place that was almost demolished–forever.
It seems like a story of destiny really. A woman, several years ago, making her way by it after work each day took a peculiar fondness to the house. After years of admiration and contemplation that she may have a future role in the house’s story, the opportunity came for her to literally save the home. This is the story of Henderson resident Shar Doell who has found a project to keep her busy in the onset of retirement from Custom Wood Products.
A tour at the home with Shar reveals her affection for it. Attention is paid to every detail of its restoration. “I love that it’s such an honest space,” she explains referring to the fact that the house is made from the good old materials of wood and stone. Built in 1920, the unique vacuform brick was generally made onsite one block at a time. Sutton was the location of a nearby place that made material. Covered by siding repair at some point, the original shell of the house will now remain exposed.
Also outside on the property is the new addition of a garage to serve as workspace for her husband Milf. Beautiful landscaping has recently been planted to help separate the house from its business counterpart. If close enough observation is given, however, one can spot connecting details lining the newly poured sidewalk between the house and the garage. Paying tribute to the house’s history, the sidewalk has marbles and game pieces stuck in the edge that were found inside vents and crevices.
Inside, it’s not hard to imagine the house’s former beauty. Thick woodwork and columns, original wood floors, windows lined with leaded design, and holes remaining where portiere beads once hung from door frames, it’s fitting that the house was once called the fanciest in town. With the renovation, the new interior will feature a den, living room, dining room, kitchen, home all season sunroom, two bathrooms, and upstairs bedroom space.
To think that this was a simple flip would be an huge understatement. Some walls were torn down and others ripped to the studs, the kitchen and bathrooms received an overhaul, several new windows were hung, period register covers were purchased, portiere beads are being reinstalled, and furniture pieces that have been slowly collected for 30 years will be arranged for added beauty. Main lines to the house as well as heating and air systems were also replaced.
So what are the new owners to do with such an exceptional space? Shar describes that the house will have a few different functions. First, it will be available to rent as a guest house. With many people in town needing extra space for extended family visiting, the home will be listed online and available to rent. It will not function as a bed and breakfast because no meals will be served there. Instead, guests will have a fully equipped kitchen to prepare their own food if needed. The house will be stocked with several beds like the ones on the SonderCare.com catalog, and other furniture conducive to sleeping. Apart from the sheer charm of the house as an amenity, the plans are also to have it equipped with television and Wi-Fi.
Another function of the house will be for people to rent as a space for showers and events. Bridal showers, baby showers, luncheons, Bible studies, dinner parties, etc. will now have a special location in Henderson to be held at.
Dreaming of future uses for the property are helping to sustain Milf and Shar Doell through the arduous restoration. Their hopes are to have the property ready sometime around the end of this year. When their project is complete and available for public use, Heartland Beat will provide photos and rental information.
For all of the HGTV fans, it may be said that this is Henderson’s very own “Fixer Upper” — for the whole community to enjoy.
