MOTORISTS who detour from Longwood Drive often stop to admire the home of Rev. Dr. R. A. White at 10701 S. Seeley Ave. They are not the only admirers, however, because many other persons, Ridge residents and visitors, are impressed with the air of simplicity that surrounds it.
Situated on the top of the hill at 107th St., where Seeley Ave. makes a bend, there is a splendid view from any portion of the house.
The house is of modern English architecture. It is Kellastoned over tile, with a mottled slate roof. The house is trimmed with gray brick.
A screened-in porch faces on Seeley Ave., and a clear view through the living room, hallway, dining room and the rear terrace, a distance of 70 feet, is obtainable while sitting on the front.
In the rear, also, is a breakfast porch off the kitchen. There are four bedrooms upstairs.
There is plenty of light in the house and fresh air is abundant because of the window arrangements. Casement windows, opening outward by means of a lever which eliminates removing the screens, are used throughout the house.
The living room has an unusually large casement window, from which a view of Seeley Ave. looking north is obtained.
French doors enhance the beauty of the interior of the house. These doors form the outlet for the front porch and the rear terrace. They are also used to separate the dining room and hallway, but the latter are seldom closed.
The interior woodwork is all white enameled.
Over the front door is a wrought iron lantern of which Dr. White is very proud, and above this is a wrought iron balcony, which adds further to the picturesque appearance of the dwelling.
The front steps give the appearance of a massive stone that has been cut out and displays many cracks. It was the original intention to let dirt filter in these cracks, so that grass would have a chance to grow in them. Heavy rains, however, wash out the dirt as fast as it settles there.
The hearthstone, in front of the big open fireplace in the living room, is made of this same stone.
No matter from which point the house is viewed, it presents a different appearance and in this respect is unique in construction.
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