Handsome Details Inside & Out
Built c. 1912 on a corner lot one block south of Park Avenue, the house at 165 Barrington Street is typical of many of the early 20th-century homes located in this attractive, convenient and desirable city neighborhood. The three-story, 2140 square foot residence is solidly constructed with handsome architectural details both inside and out. And, it has been beautifully maintained by its current owners since 1968.
The most notable exterior element is the spacious front porch where a small group can sit comfortably and enjoy the neighborhood surroundings. The solid oak front door, with its beveled glass window, opens into a wood-paneled vestibule that features a “hidden” umbrella cupboard. Throughout the interior, one cannot help notice the quality of materials used and the attention to detail. Hardwood floors, high ceilings with crown molding, and original hardware are present in most rooms. The front hall features a handsome staircase with a carved square newel post and paneled woodwork.
The large living room is made bright by a long bay window with a window seat and by two square windows of fine leaded glass, situated above built-in bookcases flanking the wood-burning fireplace. The fireplace hearth is made of glazed greenish-blue tiles, a reflection of the Arts & Crafts style. A multi-light pocket door opens into the dining room, which also contains a broad, south-facing bay window. Directly behind the dining room is a wonderful, long, narrow pantry with floor-to-ceiling built-in oak cupboards; a window at the end provides natural light, and tall, glassed cupboard doors keeps one from guessing what’s behind them. The kitchen has new hardwood floors and an antique porcelain sink, still in mint condition. Because there are no cupboards or counters, the kitchen space offers the new owners the opportunity to design their “dream kitchen,” perhaps utilizing the attached self-contained porch.
The second floor is reached by a double staircase (one for the “servants”), which open onto a landing that features one of the house’s treasures: a stunning, three-part stained-glass window of long-stemmed tulips in the Art Nouveau style. Three bedrooms, including a huge master bedroom, all contain closets with windows and built-in cupboards. The large full bath is centrally located off the hall, which also has a built-in linen cupboard. The staircase continues up to the third floor where there is a large, fourth bedroom (or office) lit by four windows with diamond-shaped mullions, another full bath featuring a footed ceramic tub, and an attic. The basement includes a large recreation room or shop area and a laundry room.
The house was built as a double; the other portion remains attached in the rear, behind a dividing concrete firewall, and under separate ownership. The .07-acre lot has a small front and side lawn, shrubs, and mature trees. Directly across the street is the handsome Francis Parker School No. 23, built in 1905 and designed by the noted Rochester architect J. Foster Warner. This house epitomizes the best of city living with its close proximity to Park Avenue’s restaurants and shops, the city’s cultural assets, downtown as well as the expressway. 165 Barrington Street is being offered at $149,900; taxes are $4862. Contact J. Timothy Sullivan, at REMAX Realty Group, at 218-6829.
by Ann Parks
Ann Parks is the former Deputy Director of the Landmark Society of Western New York.