Our Biggest Endeavor Ever
This 1914 corner home in the historic area of Riverside-Avondale in Jacksonville, Florida boasts over 3600 square feet. And even though it has been neglected for many years, you can tell by first glance that it is a proud home. One that was built with love and strength. One where attention to detail reigned over mass production. One that, if you listen carefully, you might just be able to hear music from a Victrola playing in the background and the pitter patter of feet walking up and down the stairs. Upon first glance, I noticed all of the small details which made me smile. From the knuckle door knocker to the custom made postal box, to the small veranda off the master bedroom to the claw foot tub and wavy glassed windows. It was almost akin to a kid in a candy store.
What was it like walking through this home for the first time?
It honestly felt like stepping into a time capsule. You could sense the layers of history the moment you walked through the door—the echoes of families who had lived there, guests who once rented rooms during its boarding house days, and even the quiet presence of those who worked behind the scenes. The dual staircases said it all—this house was built for both elegance and function. Even under the dust and age, it still carried itself with pride, as if it knew it was about to be loved again.
What part of this renovation stood out to you most?
Honestly, the sheer size of it took my breath away. Every room just felt generous — like the house was built for big family gatherings and Sunday dinners that went on for hours. There was something really special about bringing that feeling back to life. Bit by bit, as we peeled back layers and started restoring things, it was like the house began to exhale again. You could almost feel it waking up, proud to be seen after all those years. By the end, it didn’t just look beautiful — it felt alive again.
Did the home’s history influence your design approach?
Oh, completely. Once we learned it had been a boarding house back in the ’40s, it really changed how we approached everything. You could just picture the life that used to happen here — the laughter coming from the dining room, the sound of footsteps up and down the two staircases, maybe even the cooks waiting in the kitchen for the next call. We actually reinstalled the original floor plugs in the living room and refurbished the old “buzzer” in the dining room — the one the owners used to ring when it was time for the next course to be served. It’s little touches like that that make the house feel alive again. We didn’t want to erase its story; we wanted to make sure you could still feel it when you walked through.
