A new build in an old neighborhood that fits right in with the character is a pretty great find. Kelly Ortman and Kevin Hollo had been looking for a new ‘old home’ to renovate.
“I had always wanted to find a home to fix up, but the builder did a great job making this one feel like part of the neighborhood,” says Ortman.
The home’s beauty and the neighborhood was something they could not pass up, so they put in their offer.
The couple had previously lived in the Clintonville-South Beechwold area in a 50s ranch, on a double lot. Although they had lived in the area for some time, they were looking for something new.
“We wanted a younger, more energized community,” says Hollo. “Something more walkable.”
Putting their house up for sale got them a contract in three days, so they needed an interim place to stay.
“We rented a place Downtown at the lofts at 199 S. Fifth for about a year before we found this home in Schumacher Place,” says Hollo.
The 1,900 square-foot, 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bath home was built in 2011 by Fairfax Homes. Ortman and Hollo are the first owners.
“The layout and the floor plan of the home is perfect for the way we live,” says Hollo.
Ortman was pleased that the newness of the home allowed her to flex her decorating and staging skills. The couple painted the entire space, added a speaker system, and added hardwood flooring to the stairs and upstairs level.
The blend of a warm and lived in style with a clean and modern one blends both of their tastes and make it a home. Ortman loves to source fun finds from elm & Iron, Bungalow Home, mix:HOME, and Grandview Mercantile, with basics from Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn. Adding handmade touches from Etsy sellers, as well as Ortman’s own DIY techniques, put the couple’s personal touch on their style.
The windows throughout the entire space allow light to filter in, which makes working from home a pleasant time for Hollo.
The property has a two car garage and a nice sized backyard with space for a small raised bed and a rain-barrel.
“We want to create an intimate English garden feel with a little more privacy and outdoor living space,” says Ortman. They would also like to add a fire pit and plant a few more trees.
Seeing all of the investment being made in the city of Columbus excites them. “There’s lots of independent thinkers, creatives, and doers here,” says Hollo, “with many really great things happening.”
Hollo adds to the creative scene of Columbus with his band, The Heavy Handed. He and Ortman have also gotten involved with the German Village Society with the Go Green initiative, volunteering for the Haus und Garten tour, and working on community gardens.
“It took a little convincing to leave Clintonville,” says Ortman, “but I don’t know if I would consider anywhere else now that we’ve been in Schumacher Place. We love this neighborhood.”
Get a rain barrel like the one pictured above for only $55 through the city of Columbus’ Division of Water. Program available for GreenSpots, other restrictions apply.
At Home is a monthly column on Columbus Underground focused on urban home remodeling and style as well as older home renovations and unique homes in Columbus. If you would like to have your home featured in the At Home series, please send an email to me at [email protected].