Crossroads Magazine Homes 2019

Crossroads 2019 Homes Edition

Magazine

Couple makes home in the former Madison Inn

a n i t h g i n r e v Stay o

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Crossroads

Magazine

A Daily Corinthian Publication | Homes Edition 2019

EDITORIAL Publisher Reece Terry Editor Mark Boehler Contributors Blue Mountain College Mark Boehler Carol Humphreys Metro Services Kimberly Shelton L.A. Story

ADVERTISING Sales Representatives Kenny Carson Devin Garrett Derinda Nunley Creative Designer Marissa Ferreira

What's Inside The Farmhouse -- Grain silo retreat fits perfectly in country setting -- Pages 8-13 Calendar of Events

Crossroads Magazine is published by the Daily Corinthian, 1607 Harper Road, Corinth, MS. A complimentary 10,000 issues are distributed in the Crossroads area. The contents of Crossroads Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without consent of the publisher. Crossroads Magazine shall not be held liable for failure to publish an ad or for typographical or publication errors. Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertsing and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publications. For additional copies of Crossroads Magazine, contact the Daily Corinthian at 662-287-6111.

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-- Pages 18-19 Weekend Getaway -- GunRunner Boutique Hotel pays homage to art and music -- Pages 24-30

Palmer - Donnell House -- Historic home becomes extension of Blue Mountain College -- Pages 36-41 The Wilson House -- Former Madison Inn becomes a renovated home with heart -- Pages 48-55

On the Cover

The Farmhouse in Alcorn County provides a well-rounded overnight stay.

Photo by Mark Boehler CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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2782 S Harper Rd • Corinth, MS 38834

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the

Farmhouse

Grain silo retreat fits perfectly in country setting PA G E 8

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A rocker greets visitors on the front porch of The Farmhouse.

Photos by Mark Boehler

BY CAROL HUMPHREYS FOR CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Nothing conjures up a peaceful “farm country” setting like the rustic appeal of a silo’s distinctive silhouette.

It was this allure that challenged Jimmy and Jill Stricklen into taking a 30-foot grain bin and turning it into a charming get-away in northeast Alcorn County.

The renovated silo named “The Farmhouse” sits in the midst of the couple’s 40-acre property covered in hardwood forest. The nightly rental accommodation allows people from all over the country -- and world -- to enjoy a unique and creative living space with beautiful surroundings.

Filtered sunlight and shadows from the surrounding trees cast subtle patterns across the silo’s silvery metal. A stone walkway leads from a circular driveway to the entrance. The portico, shutters and trim around the blue door are made of dark wood, providing a lovely contrast to the galvanized metal structure.

Black and white checkered rocking chairs beckon guests to relax and enjoy a view of the landscaped yard and beyond to rolling green pastureland. A nearby abandoned old livestock barn emphasizes the rural setting.

Once entering the circular habitat, guests soon realize the silo could make an ideal permanent home.

Canned lights in the high sphere-shaped ceiling reflect bursts of lights. Stunning black iron railing accented with wood follows the curvature of the silo’s wall up into a loft.

The interior has a light, airy feeling while farmhouse décor in a soft palette of colors fill the 1,000 square foot space with homey warmth.

The silo will sleep four guests. Amenities include a fully furnished kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a bar with seating for three. There is a large bathroom with laundry available. The pretty main bedroom has a queen size bed while the upstairs loft accommodates two twin beds. Guests can snuggle up to a gas fireplace in a spacious living room with plenty of seating and watch a large TV.

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Jill believes God had a hand in her husband and her discovering the 40 acres “The Farmhouse” is located on.

The couple have since acquired 45 more acres adjoining the property.

“We had been living in Burnsville for years but went to church at Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth,” said the Corinth native. “We were always driving back and forth, sometimes two to three times a week to shop in Corinth or go to church. Jimmy and I decided we wanted to live in the Corinth area so we drove around on the weekends during our spare time to look at property for sale.

“We passed by this property one day covered in trees.

I doubted it was for sale because the land was so pretty but Jimmy immediately started checking into it,” she continued. “The owner turned out to be the mother of one of Jimmy’s former co-workers. She had just mentioned to her son she was either wanting to sell the property or cut the timber off it. Jimmy told him, ‘Please tell her not to cut the timber. We want it.’”

Initially the couple bought the property to build their home on. They started doing rentals on the property in 2015 after Jill surprised her husband with a weekend get-away at a bed and breakfast in Martin, Tenn. As Jimmy looked around the place, he decided he could build something like it in Corinth to use as a nightly rental.

The Stricklens’ “Oakley House” cabin rental was the result. In the wintertime when the trees have lost their leaves, a glimpse of the cabin can be seen through the trees from “The Farmhouse.”

“The nightly rental cabin was unique to this area and we were just amazed how quickly people started renting it,” said Jill, 56. “Because it stayed booked up, we wanted to offer something else unique for people to stay in. I’m a big fan of HGTV and ‘Fixer Upper’ so I thought about renovating a grain bin.”

Jimmy was all for it.

The couple started looking around, noticing there were grain bins everywhere. Many had vines and kudzu growing on them and apparently hadn’t been used in a while.

They looked for close to a year and half before they found a large silo they could use.

“Nobody wanted to sell them,” said Stricklen. “I posted on FaceBook and was immediately contacted about a 24-foot silo in Chewalla, Tenn. Then the silo owner told us about an even larger silo nearby that might be for sale. We ended up buying both silos. The 30-foot silo is the one we converted into ‘The Farmhouse.’”

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Guests are greeted with a full kitchen (top) in the silo turned into an overnight stay. Guests from across the country visit The Farmhouse (above).

Opposite page: The loft features twin beds and a dressing room.

The grain bin was moved to its location and reassembled by a crew from Paris, Tenn.

Jimmy added custom windows.

“Jimmy is so talented,” commented Jill. “He built the stair railing to the loft by cutting and bending metal pipes so the railing followed the curvature of the wall. It was pretty time consuming, but it turned out great.”

The name of the unique guest rental was inspired by a wood sign that belonged to Jill.

Its décor was also influenced by the popular “farmhouse” style.

“While Jimmy did the construction on the silo, I shopped and picked out the décor for the interior. That’s the fun part,” she said, smiling. “I pretty much went by instinct and also used the help of my daughter, Hannah, an interior designer. She is really good with

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The Farmhouse sleeps four with one bedroom and a loft.

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colors.”

Signs an old homestead are previously located where “The Farmhouse” is now are evident in the nearby woods.

“Apparently, a woman who never married lived here into her 90s,” said Stricklen. “She was probably born and reared here. She would go down the road to the curve and get water from the spring there. She also burned coal for fuel and to cook with.”

Besides broken dishes and glasses, the Stricklens found piled up brick from the old homeplace. The brick was used in the fireplace at “The Farmhouse.”

Jimmy, 60, retired from Kimberly Clark after 19 years to focus on his construction business. He and his wife have lived on their beautiful, wooded property now for almost three years. Property manager Jill said “The Farmhouse” stays booked.

Located on what is now 85 acres just north of Shiloh Road and northeast of Corinth, the renovated silo feels like a true get-away from the outside world.

However, it is actually only 10 minutes away from Corinth. Stricklen said guests do a lot of shopping in town and eat at local restaurants.

“People from California, Washington state and England have stayed here.

We had folks from Iowa come and stay seven days. They went to Shiloh National Military Park three or four times,” she said. “Sometimes people see our rentals online and decide to book one of them because they’ve never been to Mississippi. The silo is also a draw in itself because of its uniqueness.”

She was sitting on the silo’s front porch as she spoke, admiring the pretty trees around her and the green pasture across the street. Birds could be heard chirping and singing all around her.

“I would make my home in a place like this,” she said.

“Oh, yeah,” she added, laughing. “A sign on the wall tells guests to not be alarmed. When the sun starts warming up the roof in the morning, you can hear the metal popping.”

(For more information, contact Jill Sticklen at The Farmhouse at 662-4238385.)

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Benefits to open concept floor plans The way a home is designed can say a lot of things about it. In fact, many real estate professionals and contractors can determine when a home was built based on the design of its interior. For example, homes with sunken living rooms were likely built sometime in the 1960s and 1970s.

Open concept living rooms are one trend that might one day make people nostalgic for the early 21st century.

Many of today’s home buyers want homes with open concept floor plans, which can give homes a more spacious feel, perhaps even creating the illusion that a home is bigger than it really is. Home buyers who have never before enjoyed open concept floor plans can consider these benefits to these wildly popular layouts.

ENTERTAINMENT Many people who live in homes

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with open concept floor plans cite their convenience when entertaining as one of their biggest assets.Guests don’t have to be corralled into a single room. Instead, hosts and their guests can roam freely from room to room because there are no walls dividing common areas. This can make gatherings feel less cramped.

SAFETY Open concept floor plans allow parents to keep an eye on children while

cooking dinner, working from home or tending to other chores around the house. Parents don’t have to wonder what their curious kids are up to because they can see them at all times.

FLEXIBILITY With an open concept floor plan, homeowners have the flexibility to make dining areas as big or small as they see fit and can even adjust the rooms on the fly when people are coming over.

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weekend getaway

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY SHELTON FOR CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

The Sam Phillips Suite

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The Muscle Shoals Sound Room Suite

GunRunner Boutique Hotel pays homage to art and music

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FLORENCE, ALA. – The GunRunner Boutique Hotel is an art and music lover’s paradise.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Florence, the hidden jewel pays homage to the sights, sounds and history of The Shoals area.

It features 10 spacious luxury suites, each celebrating a different aspect of local culture.

“We tried to hold on to as much of the building’s history as we could,” said Bar Manager Sara Haynes as she gestured

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around the exquisite 3,200 square foot common area. “These are all the original hardwood floors, brick walls and exposed beams.”

Combining industrial aspects and modern conveniences with old world glamour, the impressive lounge is filled with conversation pieces, nostalgic black-and-white photographs, cheriswhed memorabilia and eclectic décor.

Other show-stopping features include, but are not limited to, a stunning wood bar inlaid with honeycomb onyx, cozy fireplaces, vintage furniture and dazzling chandeliers.

“The GunRunner takes its name from a former pawn and firearms shop (founded in 1974) that was ran by the Smith family for about 40 years. It was

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so well known that people would often use it as a reference point for directions. For instance, they’d say, ‘just hang a left at the GunRunner,’” explained Haynes. “The name was so ingrained in the community that it just stuck and the owners decided to keep it.”

Also the former home of the Foote Pontiac (Cadillac) Car Dealership from the 1930s to mid-’70s, the remarkable space has now been transformed into a happening hot spot.

Literally lifting spirits, the common room’s ornate whiskey bar was actually built over a 5,000-pound Otis car elevator, according to Haynes.

“This used to be the showroom for the car dealership and if you’ll look closely, you can still see all the cables, pulleys and other equipment from the bar area’s former life as a freight elevator,” she said.

Now serving beer, wine, liquor and other premium libations, the talented bartenders at the GunRunner bar also craft specialty cocktails like Air Guitar Solo, Bitchin’ Camaro and Armed to the Teeth.

“We try to keep things low-key and relaxed, with a hands-off Airbnb sort of vibe,” said Haynes after pausing to greet a hotel guest. “So, our bar counter actually doubles as a check-in and reception desk.”

A native of Iuka, Hotel General Manager Chris McMeans and his dedicated staff make it a priority to listen to the suggestions of their guests.

“The majority of our rooms are located in a loft space and while the walls are well-insulated, echoes still carry,” he explained. “Some of our guests suggested that we might add sound machines to aid in relaxation. So, at their request, we went out and purchased one for each room.”

“We truly value their opinions, especially those of our frequent travelers because they commute for their jobs and we want them to be as com-

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fortable as possible,” he added.

Surrounding the common area, are nine suites, each with a different theme: Billy Reid – Dubbed in honor of the renowned American fashion designer, the Billy Reid Suite is a stunning reflection of the Florence-based clothier’s spirit of unostentatious opulence. It celebrates his brand’s signature style of “livedin” or “broken-in” Southern luxury through both its intriguing accents and its elegant and unassuming ambience.

In fact, the suite was decorated and furnished by the critically-acclaimed designer himself as is evident by his original sketches, trademark accessories and rich fabric swatches embellishing the space.

Complete with a custom-designed king-size bed with a foundation made of 250 pound oak railroad ties, the lavish suite also features an impressive wet bar, an indulgent steam shower, and an 18-foot private balcony.

The hotel is located within a few blocks of Reid’s flagship store.

Sam Phillips – A tribute to the father of rock and roll, the Sam Phillips Suite was designed under the direction of the music producer’s son and granddaughter. Key features include a kingsize bed, fold-out sofa, claw-foot tub and a large walk-in tile shower.

Best known for discovering celebrity musicians such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Howlin’ Wolf and others, the Sun Records and Sun Studio founder’s birthplace is located just a few blocks away from the hotel.

A pioneering contributor to the genre, Phillips revolutionized the music industry, introducing rock and roll to the world throughout the 1950s.

Single Lock Records – Named after the Florence-based American record label founded

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GunRunner Hotel is home to a world class medi-spa, gallaher Spa. GunRunner Hotel features 10 spacious luxury suites.

“This used to be the showroom for the car dealership and if you’ll look closely, you can still see all the cables, pulleys and other equipment from the bar area’s former life as a freight elevator.”

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by three-time Grammy winner John Paul White, Alabama Shakes keyboardist Ben Tanner and music business professional Will Trapp, the vibrant suite showcases photos and memorabilia from a diverse group of artists under the Single Lock label.

It features a king-size bed, a large walk-in-shower, an 18-foot private balcony, a wet bar and more.

Muscle Shoals Sound – Showcasing the electric energy of the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where famous rock stars such as the Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart and Paul Simon recorded hit records, the Muscle Shoals Sound suite strikes just the right chords. It features a king-size bed, fold-out sofa, claw-foot tub and other luxurious amenities.

Embellished with gold records and other authentic memorabilia, the room was designed with the help

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of Swampette Judy Hood, wife of Swamper bassist David Hood.

Frank Lloyd Wright – One of only three curated Frank Lloyd Wright suites in the world (according to Southern Living), the organically-designed suite reflects the designer’s philosophy and core beliefs.

It features a king-size bed, a walk-in tiled shower, a wet bar and a Bluetooth sound system, among other amenities.

Guests can learn more about the world-class architect by visiting Alabama’s only Frank Lloyd Wright home, located just blocks from the hotel.

Lion’s Den – Decked out with purple and gold accents, the Lion’s Den will have fans roaring with pleasure as they relax in the GunRunner’s collegiate suite. Created in honor of the University of North Alabama (the state’s oldest four-year university),

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the whimsical room features two queen-size beds, a large Venetian plaster shower, a 7-foot private balcony and more. The UNA campus is just a short walk from the hotel.

Glencoe – Named in honor of the famous racehorse champion Glencoe, whose DNA could be traced to virtually every thoroughbred in the world by the mid-20th century, the equestrian-theme suite features pictures of the famous horse as well as two queen-size beds, a large walk-in tiled shower and a seven-foot private balcony.

It is one of only two pet-friendly rooms available at the GunRunner, with the other being the Muscle Shoals Sound room. Guests may feel inspired to visit the Forks of Cypress in Lauderdale County (Glencoe’s home after he was imported from England).

Smithsonia – Originally known as Cave Springs in reference to the many caves in the surrounding area, the suite was later deemed Smithsonia in honor of Columbus Smith, a local landowner and merchant who operated a ferry, general store, grist mill and cotton gin. Many guests enjoy visiting the Smithsonia area where a post office operated from 1886 to 1927.

Among the suite’s luxury features are a king-sized bed, a 7-foot private balcony and a large walk-in tiled shower.

Lumber One – Created in honor of owner Billy Ray Casteel’s highly successful wood packaging and products business, the Lumber One suite features an exposed brick wall, a king-sized bed, beautiful hard wood flooring, and a large 7-foot private balcony.

Devil’s Backbone – Named for one of North Alabama’s most feared outlaws, (Tom Clark) the well-appointed suite features a queen-size bed and an accessible tile shower. Other amenities include a 55-inch television, refrigerator and in-room safe.

Fully ADA compliant, the suite is conveniently located on the ground floor, just steps away from the Gallaher Spa, Turbo Coffee Shop and the Greasy Hands Barbershop.

Complete with elegant touches and luxury bedding by Peacock Alley, each room is also stocked with locally hand-crafted toiletries created by Reclaimed Spirit owner Stacey Hamner.

The signature GunRunner scent is sultry and rich

with amber, sandalwood and musk.

“It’s complex with layers of citrus and jasmine, “said Hamner. “So unique, just like the hotel.”

In keeping with the building’s fascinating past, owner Billy Ray Casteel has worked tirelessly with numerous designers and builders to transform the old warehouse into something truly spectacular.

“We love this place and are so thankful to be a part of it,” mused Haynes. “I always say that we are Florence’s best kept secret because though we have been open since October of 2017, there are a lot of people who still don’t know about us yet.”

“Many of our patrons stumble in from the coffee shop downstairs or hear about us through word of mouth,” she continued. “I always tell people that I would consider it a personal favor if they would tell their family and friends about us to help spread the word.”

The bar manager said she considers herself blessed to work for the people that she does.

“They listen to our ideas and value our input,” she said. “They also allow us the freedom to be ourselves and interact with others from all around the world.”

Haynes deemed her favorite aspect of bartending as getting to meet “humans from all ends of the earth.”

General Manager Chris McMeans said he enjoys

GunRunner Hotel owner Billy Ray Casteel welcomes fashion designer Billy Reid, who has a suite names in his honor.

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The GunRunner bar features a car elevator from the previous tenant - a car dealership.

getting feedback from guests who visit the GunRunner’s new Gallaher Spa. “It is a world-class Medi-Spa and we are extremely proud of it,” he said. “Whether visitors come in for a manicure, spa facial or a chemical peel, it is always great to hear about their experiences.”

Overseen by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tom Gallaher who is renowned in his field, the luxurious spa features an elegant look with stunning stained and frosted glass windows, tree-trunk footstools and illuminated tree branches.

Always searching for new ways to grow and improve, the hotel has future plans to transform their rooftop space, but is for now working with the local fire marshall to get it up to current fire codes.

“Our biggest goal at the moment is to get as many ‘heads in the beds’ as possible

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and to get the word out about the exciting things happening at the GunRunner,” said McMeans.

“Maybe it’s an event we are doing with Odette, a visit after hearing from a friend or family member who stayed with us or an exciting promotion being offered by our spa that brings you in. Whatever, the reason, we hope you’ll keep coming back to see us,” he continued. “If you haven’t had a chance to stop by yet, we hope that you will finally do so and give us a chance to wow you. We feel it is an exciting brand and can’t wait to share it with future guests.”

(Hidden in plain sight, the GunRunner Boutique Hotel is located at 310 East Tennessee Street in Florence, Ala. For more information and to book a stay call 256-349-5464 or visit www.gunrunnerhotel.com. The hotel also has a presence on Facebook and Instagram.)

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Palmer-Donnell HOUSE

Historic home becomes extension of Blue Mountain College PA G E 3 6

BY KIMBERLY SHELTON FOR THE DAILY CORINTHIAN

B

BLUE MOUNTAIN – If the walls of the Palmer-Donnell House could speak, oh, what stories they’d have to tell.

Perhaps they’d relate the sounds of hearty laughter that have filled their rooms or maybe describe the fragrant smell of tea steeping for numerous social gatherings.

Whatever the story told, it would be both interesting and nostalgic.

“This house has witnessed what has happened on the Hill since the summer of 1892,” said Lea Bennett, who

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previously served her alma mater (Blue Mountain College) as its director of alumni affairs.

Acquired by the college in 2010 through gifts made by John N. Palmer Jr. and Charles Fredrick Palmer, the attractive Queen Anne-style home finally became an extension of BMC after sitting outside its main entrance for more than a century.

Now sporting a fresh coat of paint and a whole new look, the ornate dwelling has been transformed into the future home of the college’s Alumni House/Welcome Center.

A ribbon cutting was recently held on June 21 to formally designate the home for that purpose.

“It was a meaningful time for me because the weekend also marked the 45th anniversary of my college graduation,” said Bennett, who portrayed the late Charlotte Fredricka “Lottie” Palmer-Donnell (the home’s former owner) during the festivities. “What made it all the more special was the benchmark of completing the first phase of a dream-in-the-making for my alma mater.”

Held onsite at the West Main Street residence, the exciting event was celebrated with grand tours of the charming abode as well as the attendance of almost 30 of Mrs. “Lottie” Palmer-Donnell’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Though the home was constructed in the early 1890s by Charles F. Palmer, the historic structure has weathered the times, witnessing thousands of students “enter to grow in wisdom” and “depart to better serve.”

Complete with a white picket fence and lovely flower gardens that used to surround the “dollhouse,” the dwelling was in original condition when Bennett first came to the college in the late

1960s, but began to deteriorate as it was sold and resold multiple times after the death of Mrs. Lottie on January 8, 1976.

Only 3 years of age when she moved into the home in the fall of 1892, little “Lottie” grew up in the house with her parents, Charles Frederick Palmer and Alice Matilda Cossitt Palmer. She later enjoyed the space as her first residence with her children, Mack, Marjorie, Alice and George, as well as her husband, Dr. Alonzo M. Donnell, who served as the Professor and Chairman of the BMC Department of Natural Science for 40 years.

“The land that the Palmer-Donnell House sits on was sold to Blue Mountain College by Frances Fred-

The Palmer-Donnell House will serve as an alumni house and visitor’s center for Blue Mountain College. A plaque inside the home pays tribute to previous owner Lottie Palmer Donnell.

Photos compliments of Blue Mountain College www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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erick Brougher, a local senator and the grandson of Charles F. Palmer,” said BMC Public Relations and Publications Director Emma Ainsworth as she related the history of the dwelling. “It was only in recent years that our college acquired the property, but it was always our intention that it should be made into something special for visitors one day.”

During the course of the home’s remodel and repurposing project, BMC was fortunate to host a number of mission teams over the almost 10-year renovation.

Among the helping hands who volunteered their time on one such mission trip were 80-year-olds, David and Barbara Huff from Mt. Zion Church in Huntsville, Ala. The diligent teams were inspired and often led by 1969 alumna and College Trustee Charlotte Bryant Madison who was a dynamic part of the teams, working from 2012 to 2017 to stabilize the structure and recreate structural accents which time had diminished.

In the most recent structural work, led by the preservation conscious construction company of Eduardo Rangel of Ripley, the finishing touches were

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This page, top left and top right: Blue Mountain College President Dr. Barbara Childers McMillian talks with Lea Bennett, who protrayed Miss Lottie during a recent open house of the historic home. Amy Thurmond talks to Eduardo Rangel, whose construction team completed the renovation. Opposite page, top: The living area at the Palmer - Donnell House.

“This house has witnessed what has happened on the Hill since the summer of 1892.� www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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The bedroom furniture belonged to William Tyndale Lowry Jr., grandson of college founder Gen. Lowry. The antique tub is an original piece of the house.

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meticulously created and fashioned.

“The Palmer-Donnell House has been returned as close to its former glory as possible thanks to the selfless aid of countless volunteers,” said Ainsworth.

“Whether they be alumni, friends of the college or family of the home’s former residents, each good Samaritan has contributed graciously and generously.”

Owned by members of the Palmer-Donnell family for some 90 years, the gorgeous home has been featured in author Sherry Pace’s Victorian Houses of Mississippi.

“It is still a work in process and we have much more to do, but we are extremely grateful for the things we have accomplished thus far, in regards to its restoration,” said Bennett who also sits on the Palmer-Donnell House Guild.

“The welcome center is not yet open to visitors, but we hope it will be in the near future.”

Members of the guild say it is their plan to add a connecting conference room in Phase II, as well as, other helpful additions. The plan would utilize the home as a venue for intimate weddings, receptions, teas and romantic weekend getaways.

(Originally founded as a women’s college in 1873 and supported by the Mississippi Baptist Convention, Blue Mountain College is located at 201 West Main Street in Blue Mountain, Miss. For questions about the Palmer-Donnell House renovation or other information, call 662-685-4771 or visit bmc.edu.) www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

The home’s 1885 chapel organ was produced by the Weaver Organ and Piano Company of York, Penn. The organ was donated to the home by Elizabeth Hawkins.

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the

W

ilson house

Former Madison Inn becomes a renovated home with heart

BY L.A. STORY FOR CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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W

While its precise history is murky, the circa 1910 home that sits on the corner of Main and Madison is ironically well known and seems to engender memories in many Corinth citizens.

“Everyone we spoke to seems to know something about this house, or knew someone who lived here,” said Crystal Wilson, who owns the home with her husband, Chris.

Crystal had been told that the house may have been previously owned by as many as 30 different families before she and her husband purchased it in 2008.

The couple met in Memphis, Tenn., at Baptist East. Crystal, who is from Arkansas, is a Nurse Practitioner and Chris, who is from Corinth, is a CRNA, and also serves the City of Corinth as Ward 1 Alderman.

The couple has a 14-year-old son, Cannon, and they have been married for 18 years.

They originally resided together in Memphis until they had Cannon and decided they wanted to move somewhere where their son could attend a public school in a good school district. They decided to make Corinth their home.

When it came to looking for a house, Crystal admits to always having had a desire to live in a big, old home.

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“I grew up in a modest home and my dream was to have an old home to take care of and renovate,” she said.

When she first saw it, she admits she felt there was “just something about” the two-story house with the stately columns located at 822 Main Street.

The Wilsons purchased the house in 2008 but lived in an apartment downtown for a year as renovations were made to the home.

And, there have been a lot of renovations.

Over the years, the house has had extensive work done by its many owners. The current owners are not even sure what the house looked like originally.

“I wish someone had a picture of what it looked like originally. I would love to see it,” said Crystal.

The house had been repainted many times before the Wilsons had it redone.

“When we first saw it, it was white with pickle-green trim. Every bit of trim was that color of green. Inside, the look was also dated. It had old 1980s wallpaper and this old, shag carpet.

One room had pink walls,” said Crystal.

From the memories of their fellow Corinthians, the couple learned that the house had been many colors over the years. They even have had one

PA G E 4 9

consistent report that the house had been pink with purple trim at one time.

“I haven’t had that verified yet, but I have heard it from more than one person,” said Crystal.

Inside the house, the Wilsons said all new sheetrock had to be put in throughout the house because there were simply too many layers of wallpaper to go through. The roof and the plumbing had to be replaced and the floors on the first floor were tilted and had to be jacked up. Whenever possible, any ornate period touches were left as they were, such as the original crown molding.

“We tried to keep as much as of the original stuff as possible because – to me – that’s what makes these old houses so special with their quirky features,” said Crystal.

One of the “quirks” with the Wilson house is with some of the 20 or so windows. She pointed out that they have wide-slatted shutters on the windows and while the shutters are perfectly straight,

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the window itself is crooked.

“It’s just how it’s constructed,” said Crystal, with a laugh.

They also kept a lot of the original glass doorknobs, some of which will come off in one’s hand, even after being replaced, and the upstairs guest room still has a bit of a tilt to the floor.

Unfortunately, even the simplest renovations seemed to grow as more complex issues were found as they went along in the 3,000-plus square foot home which – after renovations – now has four bedrooms and four and a half baths. For example, adjustments had to be made as there were no modern closets to speak of in the old home, which was also a bed and breakfast at one time, known as “The Madison Inn.” Another adjustment was to add a laundry room, as there was no real washroom, so one was made downstairs.

The homeowner said that a family by the name

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The Wilson home’s dining area (below).

Homeowner Chris Wilson completed the backsplash in the kitchen area (bottom).

Photos by Mark Boehler

“We tried to keep as much as of the original stuff as possible

– to me – that’s what

because

makes these old houses so special with their quirky features.” www.mycrossroadsmagazine.com

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The upstairs area features a master bedroom.

Adjacent to the master bedroom is an enlarged and renovated master’s bathroom suite.

Opposite page: A downstairs bedroom includes a Mother-in-law’s Quarters.

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of Wilburn owned the house in the 1980s and had put in a swimming pool. During the digging of the pool, a great deal of Civil War memorabilia was found such as bullets, a bayonet, horseshoes with the nails and a Civil War fire pit was found about four feet down.

The swimming pool was filled in when the Wilsons purchased the home, but Crystal said it left a strange patch of grass that was inexplicably surrounded by a sidewalk. The Wilsons decided to dig up the pool again and during that process ran into a lot of natural springs and drainage issues that had to be resolved.

During a time, when the house was known as “The Mitchell House,” it had boasted a huge wraparound porch that went along the east side of the structure.

While the porch was removed at some point, the east side of the house is now the location of the “Alabama room” as Chris is an Alabama fan.

There have even been rumors that the home is haunted. Crystal said there were reports of an old lady ghost who sat in a rocking chair in the attic, but she quickly dismissed those notions.

“We’ve never been bothered by any ghosts,” Crystal said, but she added that squirrels, on the other hand, had been a bother now and again.

In fact, one managed to run down one of the chimneys to surprise their son in his TV room. The pest ran amok for a bit before family members directed it to run out the open front door.

The fireplaces are another feature of the house. There are four fireplaces, two of which are still functional as traditional fireplaces.

Despite many complicated renovations, they discovered treasures as well. They found beautiful pine floors beneath the shag carpet and had them all restored and refin-

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ished. As an amusing side note, Crystal said they found old newspapers from the 1930s beneath the floors before they restored them.

The grounds that surround the home have been given as much attention as the home itself. They

had landscaping done, but flowers … well, that’s a labor of love that Crystal has taken on.

“I love flowers. My grandmother loved flowers and so I do them myself. I have impatiens everywhere.

I’m out there just about every day,” said Crystal.

While professionals were brought in for a great deal of the work, Crystal said Chris also did some of the work with projects such as the bathroom for his “man cave” and the kitchen countertops and backsplashes, which he replaced with granite.

All of the money and work that goes into the nearconstant care of an old home can be challenging and can almost make one want to walk away from it all, but there is more that keeps one planted firmly in place.

“An old house is like a baby that needs constant care,” said Crystal. “A lot of love and care has been put into this house. A part of my heart is here.”

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Reasons to hire an interior designer How many times have you sat on the sofa pouring over a home magazine wishing your rooms could be ripped from its pages? Some people are gifted with a natural talent to impart a space with perfectly balanced colors and schemes that fit with one’s lifestyle and design preferences. Others are not as equipped. But that doesn’t mean design has to suffer. An interior designer can make all the difference.

Many people are hesitant to bring in professional designers because of cost. But working with an interior decorator is not something reserved for the rich and famous. Designers actually can save homeowners money in the long run. A good designer will choose the right amount of high-quality elements that will be durable and timeless. This means less money will ultimately be spent on replacing cheap materials or redesigning rooms that have gone out of style.

According to the design experts at Homepolish, utilizing a designer to transform a space can create rooms that are more in tune and balanced with homeowners’ needs — helping to improve mood and functionality. That can extend to other areas of a person’s life and well-being. Putting the task of designing a home’s interior in someone else’s hands frees up time to focus on other projects as well.

Designers can look at a space and not be influenced by items that have sentimental attachment. He or she can help decide if anything should be repurposed or removed.

Plus, an interior designer can help homeowners stay on budget.

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