The Bergins have lived at 213 Adams Street since 2002 when they left their Los Angeles Craftsman bungalow that they had restored to its original beauty. They chose to settle in the MAK neighborhood because of the protection the historic district gives to its historic housing stock.
The Bergins are quintessential lovers of the Arts and Crafts movement. They are interested in being part of the Decatur Tour of Homes because they want people to experience stepping back in time when they walk through their front door. They would like to share the movement’s hallmarks of simplicity, tranquility and craftsmanship that are prevalent when you tour their home.
Design and Construction
The Bergins live in a four-bedroom, two-bath American Foursquare home built in the Arts and Crafts style popular during the development of the MAK neighborhood. The house, built in 1915, is a Leila Ross Wilburn design that can be found in her Southern Homes and Bungalows plan book and has approximately 2,232 square feet.
The house has had a series of owners over the years, and it is believed that the actual lot was originally part of its next-door-neighbors’ property (205 Adams) for the first few years of the neighborhood’s existence.
As soon as they purchased the house, the Bergins initiated an extensive restoration of its period details. The couple stripped layers of paint from the woodwork and returned it to its original finish. Any missing woodwork has been replicated and finished to match the original woodwork. The living room fireplace has been rescued from its many modernizations and returned to a period look. The dining room, which had three windows hidden behind sheetrock when the couple moved in, has been returned to its period look.
The exterior of the house saw its painted brick sensitively stripped and returned to its original finish and the remainder of the wood trim stripped and painted in colors and style popular with the period.
The house won a City Of Decatur Design award for restoration in 2003.
Collections
The Bergins own an extensive collection of antique furniture that helps take you back in time. The focal point is a 1907 Kohler and Campbell Mission-style piano. In addition to the piano, the Bergins have collected 22 pieces of Come Packt furniture. Come Packt was a kit furniture company that marketed to the middle class from 1907 to 1917.
Both homeowners will be present during the tour to answer any questions.This home sponsored by John Wesley Hammer Construction Company
