See warm, inviting home during December tour in Rockmart
( Editor’s note: The 2014 Tour of Homes in Rockmart will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec.7.)
Fifth of Series Chuck and Stefanie Burford, 131 Howard Street, Rockmart, will open their residence for the December Tour of Homes.
The acreage surrounding this home was purchased by the Fambro family from the McGarrity estate.
In 1906, a one-story structure was erected on a hill selected for the view of the surrounding countryside. Total cost of the home and land was $700, according to local records.
The building is constructed of patterned concrete blocks made on- site with molds that were free with the purchase of concrete from Marquette Cement Company.
Many different molds were needed for the home and recent counts show a total of seven, but surveys reveal there could be more.
Featured on the main floor are high ceiling and tall windows where the Fambros entertained many guests, including missionaries that came to town to speak at the church.
Reports are that Sunday lunch was served in the amazing dining room and a feast was usually enjoyed by everyone.
The cook’s cottage behind the house was originally on the lot to the left of the home and was moved when a house was built on that lot.
It is “wallpapered” with newspapers for insulation and entertainment, as the cook was an avid reader. It retains its original character. However, extra support was needed and added in the 1990s.
In 1952, the home was sold and converted into a duplex and remained so until Hollie and Candy McManus purchased the home in 1987.
Over the years they added a staircase and opened the attic space for a spacious master retreat. During that project they found a bracket in the attic marked with pencil – “1906 completed”.
When the family moved to Acworth they left that bracket so it would remain with the home. A garage was added, the entire downstairs was gutted and sheet rocked and a new kitchen was built.
In 2010, Stefanie and Chuck Burford purchased the home.
They painted in warm tones, updated landscaping and improved the walkway. New appliances were installed as well as new granite counter tops. The back deck was improved with railings and a pergola was rebuilt. New chandeliers were added in the foyer and the kitchen with a bronzed theme.
The front porch remains as it did in the past when it was the place of welcome and relaxation. Seasonally the décor changes and floral plantings are added.
The Burfords have succeeded in making this the warm and inviting home they always wanted.