Curb Appeal

One of the very first features that people notice about this house is the curb appeal. The height of the front curb is rare anymore, as it was designed as a "carriage curb." It is the only one of its kind left in North Platte. It was made higher than normal so the occupants of the carriage could exit the "vehicle" at a normal step down, vice jumping down to the ground. The previous owner stated he could remember steel rings attached on the sides of the curb to tie the horses up.

Another unique feature that is very rare to see anymore is the actual grooved cemented driveway that led from the front of the property to the back carriage house. It is still in pretty good condition, except for some heave due to tree roots. My wife wanted to find an old carriage and park it there for aesthetic reasons.

The house has the original steps, wide with a curving wrap at the bottom. It has the original porch light fixtures and I refinished the original oak screen door (it was painted black and in a pile in the garage). All the brass hardware was in good shape and cleaned up nicely. I've seen pictures from the 30's and 40's where the house was painted white and the huge blue spruce trees were barely above the front porch gutter line. They are taller than the house now. When we first moved in I actually gave some thought to cutting these beauties down, as they appeared too close but I am so glad I didn't. They provide some privacy when relaxing on the porch reading a good novel or eating dinner in the screened-in area. We also love to watch the resident turtle doves tend to their chicks every spring. If you drive by look up to the TV antenna on the roof, you may get a glimpse of them. I like them better than those pesky pigeons, which are across the street but keep off this house for some reason.

The most striking feature I believe is the dual American flags flying freely and stoutly from the side pillars of the front porch. I am a veteran and I still get a lump in my throat each time the national anthem is played at a sporting event. When I am at a funeral and Taps is played it is even worse, especially now that I know the words that go with it.

The most rewarding thing about this house is that they do not make them like this anymore. It makes owning it more pleasurable. Anyone can get one of the mundane, track style homes being built today with its hollow walls, standard look fixtures and trim. I am not trying to put today’s version of homes down; it's just that I am so giddy about this house because of its charm, warmth and overall craftsmanship. The guys that built it were the ultimate carpenters. And to think they used hand saws........