Eye candy of the week

When originally constructed, the house was a simple gabled building. However, in the 1980s it underwent a spectacular makeover, when it was converted into this confident Tudor. Strictly speaking, since the height of popularity of the Tudor Revival style in the United States occurred in the 1920s, this home would be most accurately described as a Tudor Revival Revival.

The house exhibits the details typically found on its 20th century predecessors, namely the multiple, steeply pitched gables and half timbering, featuring dark wooden frames in-filled with light colored stucco. However, this house takes the style further, with additional elaborations found in high Tudor variants. Rounded gables suggest the form of a vernacular hatched roof. An exterior stair is built slightly steeper than typical to run parallel with the raking eave above. The main chimney is topped with a cluster of oversized terra cotta chimney pots Although the photo above was taken from the private rear yard, the same view may be enjoyed from the bridge where Williamston Road crosses the Red Cedar River. In fact, the view from the bridge is almost better, since it includes the river in the foreground and complements the fairy tale appearance of this bold cottage.

— Daniel E. Bollman, AIA

“Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Belinda Thurston at 999-5065.