The Thigpens have lived at 319 Kings Highway since May 2000. They are very involved in MAK neighborhood association activities. Their extended family also lives in Decatur (in Oakhurst and the Ponce de Leon corridor). They enjoy the location for the convenience it offers to family as well as good restaurants and friends.
The Thigpens have done a lot of work on their home and are excited to showcase it on the tour.
Construction and Design
The home was constructed in 1935 during the second phase of construction on Kings Highway (the two adjacent Craftsman-style houses were completed in the mid-1920s). It was originally one of the smallest houses on the street - a two-bedroom, one-bath, 1,350-square-foot home.
With a steep roofline, heavy front chimney, textured brick siding and stone entrance, the home’s design is referred to as a Tudor English Cottage. There are at least two other homes of similar construction and design in Decatur.
Though the home had been renovated by prior owners, the Thigpens renovated, updated and reconfigured the interior and added approximately 600 square feet of living space in 2005. The home now has two bedrooms and two bathrooms along with a large renovated kitchen and expansive living spaces. The Thigpens plan to show pictures of the home’s renovation (before and after) on a DVD slideshow during the tour.
The home is updated and decorated in a contemporary style, but the Thigpens have made efforts to maintain aspects of the original interior by maintaining and incorporating the style of the original arched openings in the front of the home to its renovated additions and installing period tiles and lighting.
The backyard is landscaped and the Thigpens plan to have it lit up for the holidays.
Collections
The home displays Cappiello advertising posters, Ruth Franklin oils, Alex Beard sketches and other collected pieces of art reflecting the Thigpens’ interests, travels and taste.
The Thigpens decorate extensively for the holidays.This home sponsored by Combined Services
