124 Sheridan Avenue

Suzanne Harper’s home at 124 Sheridan Avenue is an early Foursquare house with a combination of Queen Anne and Colonial Revival stylistic elements. It is the oldest house on the 2018 tour, probably built about 1886. The property was part of the 1-acre 29-perch “Lot D” resulting from the partition of the James Sterritt farm, purchased by Joseph B. Smith on May 6, 1876. In 1883 he sold the present Harper lot to John Young, a 33 year old merchant tailor and prominent figure in Bellevue real estate, and in November 1886 it was conveyed to John Young’s wife Eliza. The Youngs and their children owned the property until 1945. The exterior of the house is almost completely intact, with no significant alterations. The numerous leaded glass windows, ornamental brickwork, and well-preserved front porch with its full-height columns and turned balustrade are especially noteworthy. The interior also is immaculately maintained and exhibits many fine period details, such as the ornate oak staircase, the multiple tile and marble fireplaces — many with elaborate oak surrounds and mantles, cast-iron inserts, and covers — wood inlay in the floors, and original oak woodwork throughout. Suzanne Harper moved into her stately home in 1977. However, it was not love at first sight. Back then the house was divided into a first floor and second floor rental and had most of the stained glass windows and several of the fireplaces stripped out. Much of the woodwork was 12covered in several layers of paint (orange was big at the time), and all of the walls were covered in old wallpaper. It took years of searching to find stained glass windows that fit the openings and fireplace mantels that suited the style of the house. The faux grained woodwork is original and the parquet floors were a pleasant surprise when the aged carpet was removed. Of course, the floors had to be painstakingly refinished. The large front porch is a great place to relax and enjoy the crisp fall air, and the back porch is charming and private, surrounded by trees and the sounds of water splashing in the fountain. You won’t be able to miss Suzanne’s extensive collection of antique dolls in the living room and teddy bears in the guest room. Not long after moving into the house, she developed a love for the beautiful faces and meticulous craftsmanship of these vintage dolls. Several of the dolls in her collection were made in France and Germany, date from the 1830s, and feature leather bodies. It’s amazing to think how much little girls treasured these dolls for them to have survived in such pristine condition today.