Saltbox homes are Colonial New England farmhouses named after the Colonial salt container they resemble, which has a sloping lid. A one-story extension added to the back of a typical Colonial-style two-story home was an easy and graceful way to enlarge the interior space in the home, resulting in a sloping roof line at the back of the house This design allowed residents to enjoy an open area for a family room or a combination kitchen/dining room, while still presenting a traditional look curbside.
In October 2006, Tony and Jandra Jorgenson purchased the classic saltbox residence at 9914 S. Louisville Ave.
The home was built in 1982 and had the typical design with large, symmetrical rooms flanking a central hallway.
The Jorgensons were drawn to the Silver Chase neighborhood as well as the design of the home.
“We had driven through this neighborhood for years and liked all the trees and that the houses have some space between them,” said Tony. “My wife grew up on the East Coast. The house has that East Coast look, and it’s on a little more than three-quarters of an acre. We liked the way the house is set back from the road. It feels somewhat secluded, and it’s quiet here. We also have the greenbelt behind it, and there is a creek back there that the kids like to play in.”
The size of the home also appealed to the couple, who has three children.
“Our plan was to buy something large with enough bedrooms for the kids. It also has a lot of space in the basement,” Tony said. “It was important to us that the kids have their own space. We like that we know where they are when they have their friends over.”
Once they purchased the property, the Jorgensons immediately renovated the home. They gutted the main floor, taking it back to the studs. The expansive dining room was divided, creating a large office and a more intimate dining room. French doors, an updated fireplace and new bookshelves enhance the office, while the dining room now has a built-in buffet as well as a butler’s pantry with a wine fridge.
The original kitchen has been transformed with fresh green Shaker-style cabinets with custom features, high-end stainless-steel appliances, granite-topped island and a planning desk with built-ins.
“Cecile Boyd with Cottage Homes did the remodel,” Tony said. “She came up with some great ideas. It was her idea to make the kitchen bigger and bring the ceiling down.” Originally, the kitchen had the same high ceiling as the nearby great room.
New hardwood floors adorn most of the main level, and a sound system serves several rooms in the house. A new deck, which is accessible from the great room, is the perfect touch for outdoor entertaining.
Upstairs are three bedrooms and a bonus room. One bedroom has a private bath, while the other two share a bath.
The basement offers a collection of living spaces, including exercise, hobby and theater rooms as will as a large living room that opens to the outdoors and connects to a bonus room and unfinished storage space that easily could be turned into a wine cellar.
“There also is a vaulted expansion area above the garage that Tony planned to make into a man cave,” said Beth Fengler, the Keller Williams Realtor who is representing the property. It also would make a great studio for an artist, writer or musician.
Listed for $574,900, the house will be open 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, contact Fengler at 918-857-0031 or email to bethfengler@cox.net.
9914 S. Louisville Ave., Tulsa
PRICE: $574,900
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHS: 3 full, 3 half
GARAGE: 3-car
YEAR BUILT: 1982
LOT SIZE: .77 acre
SQ. FOOTAGE: 5,462
EXTERIOR: Hardie Plank
SCHOOLS: Jenks
EXTRAS: Hardwood floors, vaulted and beamed ceiling, two fireplaces, granite countertops, numerous built-ins, custom Shaker-style cabinetry, high-end appliances, multi-room sound system, garden tub and separate shower, theater room, hobby room, butler’s pantry, two food pantries, exercise room, new wood-framed energy-efficient windows, mud room, new roof, new Trane heating and air conditioning unit, abundant storage, new garage door and opener, two decks, sprinkler and security systems
OFFERED BY: Beth Fengler • Keller Williams Realty • 918-857-0031
