^ vintage spaces
A framed 1869 map of Lexington hangs in the office of Brant and Michelle Neer of Welcome Home Realty, a company that special- izes in historic homes. Greg Nitcher, owner of one of the homes to be featured in the upcoming Historic Homes Tour, has a similar map displayed in the library of his house.
MORE INFORMATION ON LEXINGTON’S HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
can take in a breathtaking view of the Mis- souri River; three guest rooms (including one for the Nitchers’ grandchildren, who stop by to visit often; and the master bed- room. In all, Laura says, the house also has a total of 11 fireplaces. Greg and Laura say there remains plenty of restoration projects they’d like to tackle, but for now, they simply wish to complete their current projects before welcoming visi- tors into their home this September. “We’ve done a lot in the year that we’ve been here,” Laura says. “I’ve told my hus- band, as soon as this porch gets done and those columns get done, we’re taking a break. “This house has a lot of character. We’re very proud of it. We put a lot of love, sweat and tears into this house.” Greg nods in agreement. “This place is magical,” he adds. “It has such a feel to it.” ^
“We’ve been trying to make everything original,” Laura says, “taking up the newer floors to expose the original wood. We’re trying to match it to the
Lexington’s 64th annual Historic Homes Tour will feature visits to both private residences and businesses. In addition to the Fuller and Nitcher houses, other scheduled stops on the tour include: • The Anderson House, 1101 Delaware St.: Built in 1853, the home was once called, “the best arranged dwelling west of St. Louis.” The home was designed in Greek Revival style, which fell out of popularity shortly after the end of the Civil War. During the Battle of Lexington, both the Confederate and the Union armies used the home as a hospital. The exterior of the home still bears bullet holes from the three-day battle. • The Wiedner Home, 1621 Main St.: The home features beamed ceilings, built-in bookshelves, pocket doors, vintage light fixtures, and original wood floors. When entering, visitors will walk through an arched entry with columns. The house was built in 1904. • The Havrish Home, 1502 Reed Lane: Restoration work on this home is finished, and includes all-new wiring, HVAC, plumbing, a new slate roof, and reconstructed chimneys. Dates on this house vary, with a brick dated to 1840, as well as an abstract going back to 1868. • The Worthington Home, 1717 Bloom St.: A Victorian cottage referred to as “Lili of Lexington” by its owners, the home was built sometime in the 1890s. The home includes three porches, a fenced yard, and an added 1,000 square feet of attic space. Sponsored by the Lexington Tourism Bureau, the tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.visitlexingtonmo.com or at the bureau’s address, 1110 Main St. in Lexington. You also may call the bureau at (660) 259-4711.
rest of the house.” Other highlights of the Nitcher home include a second-story, wrap-around balcony overlooking a lush garden, a library complete with a framed 1869 map of Lexington, and Dresden porcelain figurines and vases through- out, much of which came from antique stores. The second story of the house boasts a high-ceiling room that serves as Laura’s workout and sewing room, from which one
net) would stay. You have to have a house like this to have something like that.” Laura says that in addition to having bought several original pieces from the previous owners, estate sales have come in handy when securing furnishings. Like Fuller, too, Greg and Laura continue to incorporate the floors’ original wood and the walls’ exposed brick, in order to emphasize the home’s age.
Living & working in historic properties gives us a unique perspective. We have helped hundreds of people sell & buy vintage homes and are available to assist you. Historic Property Specialists
Featuring the works of local and regional artists. And a selection of vintage works on canvas and paper. A NEW ART GALLERY IN LEXINGTON!
TOP RIGHT: An iron stove sits in the corner of the Nitchers’ kitchen, surrounded by exposed brick. The Nitchers are adding a pantry and coffee bar to their kitchen. MIDDLE: Both of Greg and Laura Nitchers’ ornate, high wooden cabinets include striking details throughout the woodwork. The couple purchased both cabinets with the house itself. BOTTOM: In addition to collecting vintage items, such as this colorful abacus and wooden box repurposed as a regular trash can, Janae Fuller occasionally sells vintage items on eBay as well, including vintage lunch boxes, toys, and political buttons.
~ MONTHLY MUSICAL EVENINGS ~ 1029 Franklin Ave. • Lexington, MO 660-259-2179 Hours: Wed - Sun • 11am-5pm
Brant & Michelle Neer 660-259-2700 www.WelcomeHomeRealty-mo.com
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