7 Marshall Road
Home of Stephen & Kerry Connell
The stately house at the corner of Marshall Road and Norwood Avenue was built in 1906 by Oscar Gallagher, a prosperous butcher. His brother, Silas, built the nearly identical house at 3 Marshall Road the same year; as the story goes, they married very competitive sisters. During the 1980s, the house lost some of its original hardware and stained glass, but dedicated families since then have worked to restore it to its former glory. Like every old house, it's a work in progress.
Today, the Connells live here amid an eclectic collection of mid-century modern furniture, vintage collectibles, and reminders of a grand history. The exquisite parquet floors, pocket doors, and six fireplaces reflect the status of the original owners. Kerry's typewriter collection and Steve's ceramic bulls lend a quirky touch. The 1948 Maytag Dutch Oven in the kitchen came from Kerry's parents' house at 151 Oak Park Road.
On the second floor, transom windows help with temperature control. The George Nelson wall unit in the library serves as Kerry's office. Note the connecting door between this room and the master bedroom; the master bedroom also includes a dressing room with a sink. The children's rooms feature commissioned paintings by Nicole Kirchner—a freight train and the Sriracha rooster. The third-floor kitchenette and family room were originally the maid's quarters, and today, they're convenient for entertaining.
The vast wraparound porch is easily the house's best feature. Derek Morgan recently rebuilt and repainted the roof, and one set of wicker furniture is approximately as old as the house. Riverview Park is just across the road, affording frequent visits from deer, turkeys, falcons, and hawks.