Lexington, KY - Guy and Carolyn Witt Jones' home on Cochran Road has a unique personality and curb appeal that draws the attention of those passing by. Carolyn describes the look and feel of the home as an English bungalow. One of the first things admirers notice is the indigenous river stone comprising the steps and walkway leading to the house. A
large-scale, red brick chimney rises four feet above the existing roof line. Rough, authentic, wood shakes offer nice contrast over soft yellow siding. Shutters painted "Keeneland green" and deep wooden flower boxes, always filled with seasonal greenery and flowers, are displayed around each front window.
Guy, a graduate of Texas Christian University, currently works with their daughter Paige Good as real estate agents with Sotheby's International Realty -
a partnership called Good Group. Carolyn, a Georgetown College graduate, has spent her career in
education and now leads The Partnership for Successful Schools, a nonprofit organization that fosters stronger community and educational ties.
The Joneses see themselves more as good stewards of the property than owners. Interested in preserving the architectural integrity, Carolyn says the couple has "cosmetically refurbished the house," as opposed to having any wholesale remodels. Any additions or remodels were done prior to the Joneses' purchase of the home in 1990 -
and Carolyn has the blueprints from 1953 illustrating the addition of the master bedroom, bath and "sewing room" made to the back of the second story.
When the couple did decide to do some "refurbishing," they took the thoughtful and authentic route, utilizing quality products and the talents of local craftsmen and artists - including a family member. The formal rooms are furnished with an eclectic blend of antiques and sentimental pieces.
The Joneses had the paint stripped to the original redwood siding and a 25-year elastomeric paint applied. Though others tried to persuade them to use cheaper, easier-to-install asphalt shingles, the couple insisted on the wood shake to fit the style of the home. They even had the flower boxes rebuilt by carpenter Chris Henkel rather than just buy new prefabricated ones.
The house opens into a living room centered by a brick fireplace, wide plank ash flooring with walnut pegs are a feature of the three front formal rooms. To the right of the living room, the stair case, fitted with an English walnut handrail, leads three different directions: up and left to the master bedroom; up and then down into the kitchen; and up and right into the library. The steps give each room its own definition, while still keeping the space open.
The library is tucked into the A-frame of the house, above what they believe was once a garage that now serves as Guy's office. In the library, a very Early American chest of drawers, handmade of burled walnut is a favorite piece for Guy, who is a former antique dealer.
About 10 years ago, the kitchen underwent a makeover that included hardwood floors stained to match new maple cabinets and industrial type appliances. The inspiration for the colors and style for the kitchen came from a painting Carolyn commissioned her daughter Blake Eames to do. Eames' company, Blake Eames Design, specializes in house renovations, furniture redesign and commissioned art -
among other artistic pursuits. The painting, Eames says, reflects her mother's "sense of structure combined with free-flowing design."
Beyond the kitchen, the rear of the first floor has two guest bedrooms and a full bath - all a testament to Eames' eye for color and artistic design. When Eames could not
talk her mother into parting with the outdated furniture, she hand painted it with black lacquer, poppy reds, and gold and purple accents; her daughter's designer draperies adorn many of the windows. In another bedroom Eames has redesigned her great-grandmother's vanity using a deco theme.
Carolyn's taste is also evident in the classic furnishings combined with paintings by local artist Diane Kahlo. A wonderful street scape of Victorian Square by Kahlo graces one of the guest bedroom walls.
The master bedroom was redone a few years ago by adding teak stained ash floors, fresh colors and large accent pillows. The room is a nice blend of antiques and functionally stylish pieces. An English dresser, one of the oldest antiques in the house, serves the bedroom with his and hers closets. The master bath was redone in tile, and the old blue cast iron tub was reglazed in a more acceptable white. Like the kitchen, the room was fitted with modern amenities without sacrificing the old world charm of the house.
Off the side porch, a spacious and charming brick patio connects the front yard to the back garden via iron gates, and a six-foot brick fence keeps the area private. The garden was originally installed in 1949 by a Louisville landscaper as noted in blueprints. The Joneses' personal touches are evident with a small pond and meditation area.
Weather permitting, you will find the Joneses outdoors tending their garden and home, continuing, as Carolyn puts it, "a labor of love."