While the perception of beauty might lie in the eye of the beholder, it is without question that the creation of beauty is all about the artist and his canvas. In common hands, a rock is just a rock. But, at the touch of Michelangelo, David emerged from a mass of marble. On me, a wry smile is nothing worth noting, but beneath the brush of Leonardo Da Vinci it became emblematic of the most famous and valuable painting ever produced. And in the hands of local artist, Luther Hill, a legacy stands in Historic College Hill - a statement of quality, craftsmanship, vision and function.

Luther saw an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a town he loves. He took the framework of a turn of the century home and reimagined it through the lens of an empty canvas. Walls had to be moved. Piping and wiring had to be modernized. Rooms had to be placed in more functional locations. He left no murky corners untouched and no underlying elements without address. And beauty was created on his canvas.

That canvas stands ready to welcome a new occupant. It will greet you with a covered porch with views of Maryville College campus, connection to the local greenway and just a glimpse of the historic downtown area. Upon entry, you must choose your adventure - do you take the grand stairwell up to the second floor to see the second bedroom with its tiled en suite, the third bedroom and the bonus room? Or do you stay on the main living level and venture into the formal dining room, the coziest of keeping rooms or the expansive kitchen?

The entire first floor features cherry hardwood with master craftsmanship demonstrated in its patterned design. This level also hosts the owner's suite with his & hers walk-in closets, large en suite with walk-in shower, private wet room, dual vanities and a refinished clawfoot tub. There are built-ins throughout and accent elements like exposed chimney brick, reclaimed hardwood from a local 100-year old barn and tongue in groove ceilings in the dual mudroom and laundry room.

Terms like "gutted" and "totally refinished" may have different meanings to different people. This one was taken down to the studs and completely renewed  wiring, plumbing, insulation, roofing, lighting, walls, etc.  ALL replaced. It was converted from a 5-bed, 2-bath to a 3-bed, 3.5-bath. The carport was added as well as the potting/storage shed.

There was so much "new" that the home was issued a new Certificate of Occupancy.

And in the renovation, attention to detail was not lost:
* the outer windows are tilt-out with rebuilt pulley systems
* custom cabinetry was hand-built to fit the kitchen
* storm door was custom built to match original style of home
* the back patio was paved with bricks from the original foundation

Post-renovation:
* exterior has been repainted
* security system was installed
* back yard was fenced
* humidification system was added to protect flooring long-term
* air ionization system was added to HVAC

The current owners say that "the house is historic without all the issues that occur in a normal house; it is a new house in a historic shell." I say, come see for yourself ;)

Additional resources:
Daily Times Article on the restoration project (.pdf in documents) - https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/historic-home-renovation-brings-family-together/article_73b6e09a-e6ad-5264-ae35-7e50739bf0fa.html

WBIR story on historic downtown (interviews are conducted in this home) - https://www.wbir.com/article/entertainment/events/about-town/college-hill-homes-open-for-tours-saturday-june-8/51-766ba0a4-22c2-42ff-b1ca-3620c44fcc8b