THE English type house of Mrs. Mary L. Cleland, at 9929 S. Winchester Avenue, is not only attractive in general design and detail, but excellently arranged for living comfort.
It is constructed of red brick laid in white mortar, with paneled stucco used for parts of the second story. The roof is of multi-colored slate. The entrance is off an open cement porch at the right of the house.
A tile-floored entrance alcove contains a built-in seat. An inner door leads into the reception room, from which an arch on the left leads to the dining room and one on the right to the living room. A large coat closet is provided with full length mirror in the door. The stair to the second floor is at the rear of the reception room, and a hallway extending back beside it allows room for a telephone alcove and a lavatory.
The living room is of large size. It has light from two directions, three windows in the front wall, and a set of six more in bay window effect on the side. A large, dark red brick fireplace with white mantel occupies the center of the rear wall. A large bookcase is built in the side wall. At either side are glass paned doors opening onto a large screened porch at the rear of the house.
This screened porch is a very attractive feature, looking as it does over the charming garden, which is enclosed by a white lattice work fence.
The living and reception rooms are trimmed in grey finished birch. The dining room is finished in old ivory with panelled walls.
Antique bronze lighting fixtures are used.
A large butler’s pantry with built-in cabinets connects the dining room and kitchen. This passageway also contains a door to the basement.
The outer wall of the kitchen is occupied by a long sink with double drain boards, set between two built-in cabinets. A breakfast nook occupies the outer corner. There are outer doors from the kitchen, one opening onto a large screened porch and the other upon a small service porch. A closed stair to the second floor is also reached from the kitchen. The kitchen and breakfast room are finished in natural birch, as is the second floor. Oak floors are used throughout the house.
There are three bedrooms, a large sleeping porch, library and bath on the second floor. The house contains a large attic which is, however, unfinished.
A full basement is used. Heat is furnished by a vapor, oil-burning furnace. A rubbish incinerator is a convenient feature.
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