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“This is our first house.
It is very special to us because we have done so much of the work
ourselves. Although the journey has been dusty, we have learned
so much and now live in a neighborhood that we love.” Brian and
Julia Vidic moved to Observatory Hill from Oakland because this
area had the potential of providing everything they wanted – interesting
homes, a nearby park, and a diverse neighborhood.
Since purchasing their home in May 2000, Brian and Julia have done
quite a bit of work on their 100-year-old house. They have renovated
the kitchen and first floor powder room; painted, installed crown
molding and new windows; and replaced plumbing, electrical wiring,
and flooring. Recent projects include a new roof and central air
conditioning. The entrance foyer is still graced with the original
oak staircase, paneling, pocket doors and beveled glass. The original
oak mantle surrounds the working gas fireplace in the living room.
In the kitchen, Brian removed the drop ceiling, bulkheads, and cabinets
that hid a window and butler stairs. On the second floor, the master
bedroom has crown moldings and a working gas fireplace. Julia has
painted a mural of bunnies in one of the bedrooms and Thomas the
Tank Engine is depicted on the walls of the other bedroom. Two additional
bedrooms are on the third floor, a “work-in-progress” perennial
garden can be enjoyed from the front porch and in the backyard,
a new three-tier deck is enjoyed year-round. |