Jennifer Polotko fell in love with her house long before owning it. “I’d seen it being built years ago and loved the way it looked,” she recalls. “Then I saw it during an open house when it was on the market. I could picture my
family in it, but the timing wasn
’t right. I mean I cried over that house. My husband said if it ever went on the
market again, he
’d buy it for me. I’m happy to say, here we are.”
Jennifer and husband, Steve, appreciate the home for its convenient location.
Its large yard and proximity to their children
’s schools make it ideal. The fact that it’s a six-bedroom was too good to be true.
But the perfect house wasn’t in perfect condition. Years of neglect had taken a toll. Once gleaming wood
floors were now a dull gray and scratched from wear. Carpet and paint had seen
better days. Leaks needed fixing. Stark white cabinetry and moldings didn
’t seem to fit the home’s stately character. A major update was in store.
“It was very worn looking,” says Steve who knows a bit about houses from growing up in a construction
business family.
“We knew we could update it and make it ours. And the exterior was always a big
draw for me. I just love the stone. I
’d not seen another home in this area with this kind of stone.”
So the work began with the couple acting as contractors.
Certain architectural elements of the home lent itself to the Old World look. “That house just spoke to us,” says Jennifer. “It just lends itself to that Old World look. I can’t imagine it any other way.”
The Polotkos sought out artisans who understood the warm, rich textured look
they desired. Ezekiel Serna with Ezekiel Innovations worked his magic
transforming lackluster, marred walls into works of art.
Floor Designs of Houston brought wood floors back to the original luster. The
Woodlands Oriental Rug Gallery was their source for rugs throughout the home.
The exterior was always a draw. Completely clad in stone, it speaks curb appeal
with a winding flagstone walkway leading to a large, Renaissance-style front
door. Inside, stately newel posts (
“They remind me of the type of detail you see on church pews,” says Jennifer.) announce a staircase to the left that leads to a gameroom and
four bedrooms for children, Ashleigh, 15, Regan, 14, Samantha, 12, and Noah, 6.
And don
’t forget the menagerie of pets. Dogs Tipper and Emmy, and cat, Oliver, are every
bit a part of the family.
“It really is crazy around here,” says Jennifer who wouldn’t have it any other way. “The upstairs is the children’s domain.” Kid central
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