A Perfectly Updated University Park Colonial Revival

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University Park Colonial Revival

Vision is not something everyone comes by naturally. Fortunately, it’s second nature to Cindy and Charles Falk. When they discovered this 1952 University Park Colonial Revival 18 years ago, they knew exactly what it needed. They also knew it was going to be highly livable. The couple that sold the house had owned it twice. That says all you need to know about the livability of this home.

University Park Colonial Revival

Cindy is a recently retired interior designer, so having a vision was innate. “I’m accustomed to looking past the obvious to the potential,” she said. “We knew the bones and character were there.”

“It was orange brick and not a good orange,” Charles said. It also had the original aluminum windows. But the architectural style was the selling point. We have loved the flexibility of the rooms. Almost all of them have more than one door to go in and out. The center hall plan facilitates that. It’s amazing how well it flows even though it’s not an open floor plan.”

University Park Colonial Revival

Before moving into their University Park Colonial Revival, the Falks redid the floors and changed the fireplace surround, swapping out funky green tiled marble for classic black. The woodwork was typical 1950s, very sterile, with no detail.

“There were baseboards,” Cindy said. “That’s about it. We added, trim, molding and finishes to suit the architecture of the exterior and take the house to a higher level.”

University Park Colonial Revival

They also wanted to stay as period-perfect as possible. To create that authentic look of an original 1700’s house they stuck to classic historic colors. “We hired a muralist to paint the Italian landscape in the dining room,” Cindy said. “We love the sense of space. It’s like dining al fresco!”

University Park Colonial Revival
University Park Colonial Revival
A beautifully remodeled kitchen, that was also taken back to the studs, has white marble counters and backsplash, custom cabinetry that maximizes storage, and a gas range.

The Falks tour as many museum homes as possible when they travel. They have taken a lot of inspiration from American Colonial homes in Virginia and from 18th-century Scottish architect Robert Adams. The library, in particular, follows his concept of balance and symmetry.

The Falks attention to detail caused a bit of a kerfuffle at the Canadian border. “The plaster ordered for ornamentation on the library ceiling was tied up in customs, “Charles said. ” They thought it was cocaine!”

The home also features a rare four-car climate-controlled garage with an attached workshop and powder bath.
University Park Colonial Revival

The Falks hard work paid off beautifully. Not only is this home move-in ready, but it’s also received an honorary designation from the Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society.

Coldwell Banker’s Hanne Sagalowsky has this perfectly updated University Park Colonial Revival listed for $1.385 million.

Karen is a senior columnist at Candy’s Media and has been writing stories since she could hold a crayon. She is a globe-trotting, history-loving eternal optimist who would find it impossible to live well without dogs, Tex-Mex, and dark chocolate. She covers luxury properties and historic preservation for Candys Dirt.

2 Comments

  1. Rabbi Hedda LaCasa on May 28, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    The Falks envisioned and completed an appealing and sensitive update. Although not an advocate of whitewashed Georgian revival red brick homes, recoloring this formerly orange exterior, oy vey, was a fine choice. The interior mill work, fireplace surround, and dining room with dado, chair rail, and landscape mural are all lovely. I would move the kitchen chandelier to the dining room, move the dining room light fixture to the kitchen, and declare this home as kosher. However, I am not convinced that the Falks are not running a little cocaine import business on the side!

  2. FestinaLente on May 29, 2020 at 8:07 am

    This house is gorgeous! Love a white Colonial.

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