Historic, yet transformed
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| Hallie, Lilly, Lois, Scott and Matt Darlington stand in front of their home, located at 101 Spruce St. in Morris. The home is one of four that will be featured on the 2011 "Home for the Holidays" Housewalk from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. (Photo provided) |
| Buy Morris Daily Herald Photos » |
The history behind the house located at 101 Spruce Street in Morris dates back many years to the days when it was known as Ford’s River View. Over time, many changes have occurred to the residence, but none is more significant than the transformation that took place after Scott and Lois Darlington purchased it back in 2003.
The Darlingtons first took notice of the home that is nestled along the I&M Canal with a scenic view of the Illinois River while they were out for a walk on the tow path. As they talked about where they would want to build their dream house, they admired the stone home located on the gentle curve of Spruce Street and commented that it should be just like that one. With a particular vision in mind, the couple purchased the home and completely renovated not only the interior, but also transformed the surrounding property into a retreat for family and friends.
As visitors first approach the home, they will be greeted by the grand front porch decked out for the season with traditional holiday greens. An antique sleigh once owned by former County Treasurer Betty Olson will sit prominently on display in the front yard as a special added attraction for guests to admire. This treasured keepsake is on loan from Charlie Olson, close personal friend of the family.
Just beyond the arched doorway entrance is the foyer with its gleaming black granite floors. Striking black and white photos of the couple’s youngest daughter, Lilly, flank each side of the entryway, including a playful pose arranged in a puzzle piece fashion by “Skattered Moments.” The entry’s warm, neutral shades will be accented with holiday décor in similar tones of champagne and silver.
Dangling ornaments will float overhead as you enter the formal living room, bathed in the same colors for the holiday and offset by beautiful hardwood floors. The first glimpse of the deck, which is off the side of the home, can be seen from this view along with Christmas trees positioned just outside the glass doors. Inside, an elegant white Christmas tree adorns the corner of this living space providing a delicate contrast to the hearty brick fireplace in the center of the room. Be sure to admire the hand painted nativity set given to Lois by her mother. This holds a special place of honor near the fireplace.
Family treasures can also be found as the tour continues into the girls’ bedrooms. Oldest daughter Hallie will have a tree decorated with Hallmark ornaments that her Grandma Darlington has collected for her since birth. Each grandchild has been given their own unique theme and for her creative granddaughter Hallie, it’s Crayola. Just across the hall in Lilly’s room, a tree of her own creation (with help from her big sister) will hang proudly on the wall. The large tree fashioned out of construction paper has been in the works for many weeks. Festive holiday quilts add just the right finishing touch to each of the girl’s rooms.
Moving back through the foyer, visitors will enter the formal dining room. On any other day this central location doubles as an office space for the family, but for the holidays it will be set for elegant entertaining. The sleek lines of the natural wood furnishings with black accents serve as the perfect subtle backdrop for this room. Continuing with the color scheme from the front hall of champagne and silver, an extra splash of holiday color will accent the table with deep plum and bright green. Hints of Irish green will also be on display in the form of cherished family collectibles from Belleek and Waterford found in the dining room hutch.
Like any home, the hub of activity takes place in the kitchen and the same is true at the Darlington residence. Day-to-day activity is spent in this more casual atmosphere which opens to the family room and is surrounded by windows with magnificent views of the large backyard, family pool and Illinois River. Be sure to take in the outdoor scenery complete with a holiday tree and oversized packages dressed in burlap. The high A-frame peak in this room draws your attention to the knotty pine ceiling which offers more than enough clearance for the nine foot family Christmas tree. Decorations in this part of the home will offer more of a traditional holiday flare with red, green and white.
Not to be outdone by the ladies, the Darlington men have prepared one last stop on the tour to spotlight their coveted part of the domain — the basement. For Scott and his son Matt, the highlight might be the impressive exercise room, or perhaps the large open area with the pool table where they can work on their game. Either way, there is much to appreciate in this part of the house as well. Over the years, the couple has collected many special mementos in support of local charity auctions. Several limited-edition Disney prints and a great selection of sports memorabilia can be found throughout the lower level.
As owners of their own small business, Clayton’s Tap, Scott and Lois use their best efforts to support local businesses. Evidence of local craftsmanship is on display throughout the home with cabinets and built-ins by Crown Custom Cabinetry. Crown also refurbished the sleigh on display outside. Holiday greenery and home décor feature the works of Mann’s Greenhouse and numerous items from The Thoughtful Spot.
Last but not least, tempting cake pops by Sugarfly Sweets can be found on the kitchen counter. Please, help yourself!
The Darlington home and three other homes will be featured on the 2011 “Home for the Holidays” Housewalk on Friday, Nov. 25 from 12-7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at downtown businesses as well as any of the homes on the Housewalk or the complimentary tea done by Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice and New Community Christian Church. The Tea will be at New Community Christian Church at 705 E. Washington St. Proceeds from the Housewalk are given to Grundy Community Hospice, Morris Downtown Beautification and scholarships for Morris Community High School and Grundy Area Vocational Center seniors.
“Home for the Holidays” Housewalk guests will be pleased to know that their tickets are also entries in the grand prize drawing which features a $300 Grundy County Chamber Gift Certificate, a collection of gifts and gift certificates from the Morris Retail Association and other downtown retailers, a dinner at Chapin’s Restaurant and wine from Montage Spirits and Gifts.
Lisa Kneller is the Hostess Coordinator for the Kindelspire home.
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ON THE WALK
• OWNERS: Scott and Lois Darlington
• LOCATION: 101 Spruce Street, Morris
• HOSTESS: Lisa Kneller
• SEE IT: This is one of four homes featured on the 2011 Home for the Holidays Housewalk from 12-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
• TICKETS: Cost $15 and can be purchased at downtown businesses or at any of the homes on the housewalk or at the complimentary tea, which will be held at New Community Christian Church in Morris.
• PROCEEDS: The housewalk is used to benefit the Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice, Morris Downtown Beautification and scholarships for students at Morris Community High School and Grundy Area Vocational Center.
