“This is our forever home. Everything we need is right here!” are the words Chandra and Alan Thorson use to describe their home at 1050 Wooded Crest Drive.
When they first looked at this house built by George Thomas, they were drawn to the unique styling of the ceilings — not only tray ceilings, but in the center of the ceilings, layered shapes like octagons and clovers, for example. It is a bit hard to describe adequately, so seeing it is the thing to do.
Also, the Thorsons loved the windows, the open, spacious floor plan, the more than ample storage and the fact that this was a home their family of four could grow into. As mentioned before, this is their forever home. And the Thorson’s lovely home at 1050 Wooded Crest Drive, along with four other residences, will be featured on the 2012 “Home for the Holidays” Housewalk from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23.
Daughters Brooke, 4 and Brynne, 2, along with family dog, Bear, 6, mom, Chandra, and dad, Alan, live happy and very busy lives in this home. Both parents are teachers, and Alan is also varsity head coach of the Morris Community High School football team.
Chandra grew up in Morris and Alan grew up in Seneca. The story goes that they first met when they both worked at what used to be J.B. Duffers on U.S. 6, a go-cart recreational business.
Housewalk visitors will be amazed at all the decorating the Thorsons have already done to this home, for they just moved in April 2012. This is their first Christmas in the house, and they are sharing it with all of Morris and beyond.
The first floor offers the master bedroom, again with the unique ceiling and window design, Mission style furniture and the warmth of family wedding photos on the dresser. Often times, late in the afternoon or on weekends, Brooke or Brynne can be found curled up on the bed, watching Disney DVDs. Did I mention that this family loves Disney World? They simply love going.
Also, the formal dining room, which will be decorated for Christmas in Chandra’s favorite holiday colors of red and silver, is on the main floor. She mentioned if there is a theme to her Christmas decorating, it is “LIGHTS.” She loves them.
The kitchen is in the back of the home, with its oak cabinets, wood floors, stainless steel appliances and convenient breakfast bar. The dining area table is Amish built and Mission style. Chandra’s Christmas dishes on the table decorated with the titles of Christmas songs “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” are ready for holiday meals and family gatherings.
The family room, with its skylight and cathedral detailed, layered ceiling, opens to the kitchen and dining areas, as well as the bonus room upstairs. This was another drawing point for the Thorsons as they were choosing their home.
Comfy, family-friendly, navy leather couches and lots of family photos make this room perfect for Alan, Chandra, Brooke and Brynne to relax and kick back a bit. And Bear, too, of course.
The upstairs design is very interesting and “perfect for this family to grow into, as Chandra explains.
Housewalk visitors will first enter the bath that the girls use. It is done with a chandelier theme along with a polka dot shower curtain. The two-step stools at the sink labeled “Brooke” and “Brynne” are something to cherish. Next, visitors will enter Brynne’s room done in purple with Disney fairies and castles as the theme. A reminder from Chandra’s childhood is in the corner — a wicker étagère that holds books and wonderful little girl belongings that are special to Brynne.
Brooke’s room is next, and its walls are bold pink — perfect for the Disney princess that she is. The snow globes displayed are from Chandra’s childhood. She has quite a collection. For birthday or Christmas gifts as a child, Chandra loved receiving Disney snow globes.
Chandra said that this upstairs is perfect for these two girls to grow into.
Continuing on through a many paned door is another bath and then a great bonus room, which has a balcony overlooking the first floor family room. The second bath upstairs could, at some time in the future, afford each daughter to have her own bathroom to use on those busy school mornings.
The bonus room is now used as a play room/office. Who knows for sure how it will be used in the days ahead, as this house becomes more “lived in” by the Thorsons?
Alan and Chandra also wanted it mentioned that they said “yes” to featuring their home on the Housewalk for two main reasons. Both of these reasons center on two of the charities that “Home for the Holidays” supports — Grundy Community Hospice and Scholarships for Morris Community High School and GAVC students.
Chandra shares that Grundy Community Hospice was wonderful with support and care for her family when her grandpa, William Stangland, died in December 2009. Also, both Chandra and Alan are high school teachers and realize how important scholarships are for students continuing on in their education.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at downtown businesses, as well as at any of the homes on the Housewalk or the complimentary tea done by Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 202 W. Jefferson St.
Proceeds from the Housewalk are given to Grundy Community Hospice, Morris Downtown Beautification and scholarships for Morris High School and GAVC seniors.
Ann Wright is the hostess coordinator for this home.
