The old English cottage-type home of Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Backmyer, 1951 W. 102nd Street, is one of the newer homes on the Ridge. The exterior is cream colored stucco with dark brown stained rough timbering and brown trim. It is of pleasing proportions and simple design, and, against its background setting of large oak trees with flower and shrub-bordered lawns, this home presents an exceptionally inviting appearance.
An unusually interesting feature is the first floor room arrangement. From the reception hall one passes through an open Gothic archway into the living room 18×27 feet in size, the farther end of which opens through another broad Gothic archway into a sun room 18×20 feet, giving to the lower floor a surprising effect of spaciousness that imparts a sense of comfort and freedom.
On the inner wall of the living room is a specially designed tapestry brick natural fireplace with built-in book shelves and bric-a-brac rail on either side, while on the opposite side of the room is a grand piano bay, which avoids unnecessary encroachment of the instrument on the floor space of the room proper.
The sun room, facing south, overlooks a vista formed by the downward sloping lawn with trees and flowering borders, at the extreme end or lowest terrace of which is an old fashion garden reached by a flag stone walk and rustic stone steps.
The sun room is so arranged with reference to kitchen and butler’s pantry that by the use of gate-legged extension table, one end can be readily utilized as a dining room. Underneath this room is the garage, which, owing to its location, is readily accessible yet entirely concealed from the street.
The walls of the entire first floor, except the kitchen, are decorated in old ivory parchment finish, trimmed with brown walnut stained birch. Side wall light fixtures are use. The kitchen contains a breakfast nook and vestibule for the refrigerator, among the convenient features.
The stairway ascends from the reception hall to the second floor corridor from which open three large sleeping rooms, one outdoor sleeping porch, open airing deck, a sewing room and bath.
The flag stone walks leading from the street curb to the front entrance and from the house to the garden in the rear, add a decorative touch to the grounds in keeping with the style and architectural treatment of the house.
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