From tiny to terrific

Saving the charm of a small Mobile Bay cottage was well done with rescued items from salvage yards and the influence of Craftsman-style architecture.

I've collected salvaged pieces of architecture for several years in hopes of using them one day," says Lynn Yonge. Lynn and his wife, Cori, knew when they purchased their Fairhope, Alabama, house five years ago a renovation to add more room was needed. Not wanting to lose the cottage charm, Lynn and Cori worked closely with architects to incorporate the treasures Lynn had been collecting, while respecting the home's original architecture.

A half-block away from the bay, this house is part of old Fairhope, where many of the residents of Mobile had their second homes in the early 1900s. The houses were small and the guest cottages were even smaller. Since the revitalization of the Fairhope area, many younger families have purchased these homes for the small-town neighborhood quality of life. "We love walking to do our shopping or strolling the children to the park," says Cori.

When the design of the addition began, many details and concerns had to be worked out. "It wasn't as simple as new construction; there were more challenges, but that made the project more exciting," recalls architect Clay Adams. The addition had to be designed around a large magnolia tree and a guesthouse, and it had to include Lynn's salvaged doors, windows, iron pieces, and local brick. All of the windows were recovered either from the original house, from a neighbor's house, or within the county.

The original 1921 house was a wood frame shotgun. Later it was stuccoed and elliptical arches were added to the front porch. "Because of the simple cottage design, Craftsman-style architecture just seemed fitting. You will also notice some Mission influence," says Clay. The muted tones of green and red were chosen by the Yonges after researching authentic Craftsman-style colors.

The 250-square-foot guest cottage was moved slightly to give more room for the courtyard, to conform to zoning regulations, and to be able to connect it to the main house with a breezeway. Three pairs of doors were incorporated off the family room and dining room to open onto the courtyard. The pressed-tin roof design is consistent with the original. Clay was able to locate a source to produce new tin roofing to approximate the old. Other elements, such as the copper lanterns, were shipped in. Although new, these items give an authentic touch to the architecture.

To sum it all up, Lynn says, "The inconvenience of living in a home during a restoration and addition is worth it. We love our home and the neighborhood appreciates our work." Sandra Allen Lynn

FROM TINY TO TERRIFIC

Pages 182-184: Architecture by Walcott Adams Verneuille, 39 N. Section Street, Fairhope, AL 36532, (334) 928-6041; exterior paint is available from Benjamin Moore (M), body color: 6786-3, trim color: 6918-2, www.benjaminmoore.com; paint on brackets is available from Porter Paint (M), color: 6786-3.

(D) Available only through a designer or architect; (M) Contact the manufacturer for a retail source near you; (O) Mail order; (R) Retail store. Unlisted items are one of a kind or unavailable.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 1999
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