Edwardian London Flat In The Center Of Columbus

Actually reside in--not just visit--the destination neighborhood of historic German Village (rated No. 1 for sightseeing) adjacent to central downtown. Live in our landmark dwelling. Enjoy scenic walks along brick streets to cocktails, dining, live entertainment, nightlife and riverfront parklands. "Columbus makes art--art makes Columbus"--lots are learning and doing it here. Also nationally-known for foodie spots and local craft beers/spirits.

The space

What we are trying to do here is let guests step back into the time when a well-to-do German-American family built this house in 1909 and lived here for 90 years, generation after generation. It is not unlike the concept that author Julian Fellowes used in the PBS television series Downton Abbey when he placed a fictional family into residency at actual historic Highclere Castle in England. The "patina" of the castle's actual interior evokes what it would be like to live there back "in the day" in those surroundings. The patina of this house in German Village evokes what it would be like to live here in the years 1909 and following. This “patina” is the essence, image, appearance and even atmosphere being conveyed. It is the finish or gleam on the surface of the house's woodwork, or its silver trophies, or its ceramic fireplace surrounds resulting from age, exposure or polishing over a long period of time. It's evocative, as in "the rooms carried the patina of old money and good breeding. Not only were the Grandfather's gleaming silver trophies valued aesthetically but they also represented the fading pride of long-ago horse-show wins. Outside, the black lacquered sheen of the family's vintage Packard limousine failed to obscure that its finish had been burnished too much for too long, revealing some of the underlying red primer alongside the rusty spots coated in shiny wax. In short, the buffed mahogany veneer of collected American Empire furniture and aged Oriental rugs failed to rescue the venerable place from charges that it was faded, even “shabby genteel”. This is all portrayed here in the descriptions, pictures and guest reviews of "Edwardian London Flat in the Center of Columbus", which name references some London townhouse flats decorated by Colefax & Fowler, the legendary British interior design firm which invented the "English Country House" look.
The two chief entertaining rooms of the flat--the Drawing Room and the Library--stretch across the 30-foot-wide front of the house. Connected by French doors, the two rooms can function as one large one. Each is anchored by an Oriental rug over hardwood floors. Guests can view the flat-screen Roku TV or digital fireplace flames from either room. As the accompanying photographs illustrate, the Drawing Room's Chinese rug signals the decor of the room, which contains Chinese black-lacquered panels ornamented with pink, green and white mother-of-pearl birds in trees. A brass-and-glass bar cart (like the one pictured in maximalist designer Tony Duquette's former home in Beverly Hills) is staged with silvery martini shakers and glass decanters containing fake alcoholic spirits (do not drink).
In the library, heavy green-brown velvet draperies, a digital-flame fireplace and heater between hunter-green bookcases create a darker, quieter ambiance. On the mantelpiece are silver trophies, mostly from horse-show wins, which brighten the room. Nearby, the two dedicated bedrooms each contain a king bed sleeping up to two people each. Upto two more guests can use a double sleeper-sofa in the Library with the French doors closed and the draperies drawn.
The Apartment's hallway overlooks the front staircase (not accessible) with its arched stained-glass window depicting "Bavarian Sunrise". Down the hall is the master bath with original white subway tile on the walls and hexagonal tile on the floor supporting an ample 1909 claw-foot tub (with a 2019 shower), all lit in daytime by another stained-glass window. Beyond is a galley snack kitchen with a bar sink, refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, toaster-oven, microwave and coffee-maker. Pots and pans, china, flatware and crystal for use by guests are on the shelves.
Beyond this space is an enclosed porch with bamboo seating, wicker lamps and tropical palm-tree fabrics featuring art and books by Floridians about their state. The porch faces west over largely open lands for viewing sunsets, and also overlooks the back yard with its various trees, honeysuckle bushes and goldfish pond, which space can be accessed by guests (see elsewhere).
It is important to again note that the family of the original builder occupied the house for 90 years, generation after generation. The pristine wood finishes are all as installed.
The house's gas/electric light fixtures are original, as are the stained-glass windows. The family's live-in help took good care of the house. The current owner is a historic preservation consultant who employs his skills to retain and maintain these sometimes irreplaceable features and their valued patina.

Interaction with guests

Guests have access to the entire 1660 sq ft second floor space, all of which which the apartment occupies, as well as the back yard, with its lawn chairs, umbrellas and croquet equipment completely enclosed by a tall privacy fence. At the 21-foot-wide pond, guests may toss bread crumbs to over 100 goldfish swimming among water lilies. Many birds inhabit 50 trees and many bushes in the house's quarter-acre yard

Amenities

• Fire extinguisher
• Air conditioning
• TV
• Free parking on premises
• Fireplace
• Laptop friendly workspace
• First aid kit
• Smoke detector
• Hangers
• Iron
• Essentials
• Lock on bedroom door
• Kitchen
• Heating
• Wireless Internet
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Private entrance