I’ve always been smitten with Victorian Homes and their grandeur. From the high ceilings, wide verandas, to the ornate details, these homes always seem to capture my attention. It was after watching Gone with the Wind for the first time, is when I encountered my first fantasy of living in an old Victorian home. South Carolina has many quaint towns and in them is where you’ll find some of the Victorian-era homes nestled in the neighborhoods. As you travel through them, you tend to get mesmerized by the charming looks of these southern comfort homes. Such is the historic town of Chester. Chester is where my dear friend Elizabeth, Inn Keeper of the Inn Upon Moon River Bed&Breakfast resides and it is through Elizabeth that I was fortunate enough to meet another wonderful new friend name Jan, and she and her husband Terry are added to my list of the sweetest people I’ve met since living in the south. Their friendly personalities blended with their zest for life really makes being in their presence so pleasurable. They welcomed me into their lovely Victorian home with open arms and a glass of Prosecco. After having a few glasses, talking and laughing – it was like we were long time friends. After several visits to their lovely home, I decided to ask “can I share your home with my readers” and when she said “Sure” I got excited, grabbed my camera and began my story. So, grab your tea and croissant, and come join me because I’d like to invite you into their exquisite “painted Lady” Victorian Home.
As you enter through the grand foyer you’re stunned with this beautifully designed Living Room
Jan is the master-crafter behind the lovely decor and she reupholstered every item in this room and created all the custom draperies
Each piece she placed in the home adds to the victorian charm of the beautiful home
The border trimming the walls was all hand-painted using a stencil. Adorning the fireplace is her collection of USA Roseville Pottery and the most gorgeous tiffany firescreen
As your eyes wander the room you’ll find all the details and everything is meticulously place.
The antique light fixture is another attention grabber.
Opposite the Living Room is where you enter the grand Dining Room with vibrant cherry red walls.
The first stunning sight is the most beautiful crystal laden chandelier mounted against her metallic gold ceiling. This is her crown jewel of the home – which has been with her in every home she’s lived (and I see why!!!)
The way it glistens in the light and the faceted colors that are reflected makes it so glamorous. Reminds me of something you’d see in “Gone With the Wind”
The custom gold drapery adds to the charm of the room blending the gold, red and blue decor
And here again – is her hand painted stencil. (it’s all in the details)
Victorian brass wall sconces adorn the fireplace
while crystal lanterns and decanter drink set adorns the buffet
As you see, this lovely home was decorated to reflect the natural charm and keeping with the grandeur of the home. I’m sure this is making you want to see more, and there is plenty more to see.
So to give you an eye candy break from this overdose of sweetness, I’ll be sharing the rest of the tour in three different posts. I can’t wait to show you more of the details and love they put into restoring and decorating their home. They scoured several thrift stores, antique shops, estate sales and auctions to find the right pieces to accent the home. Looking at all the beautiful furniture, art work, collectibles and accent pieces, one would think it’s been handed down to them in the family.
Next up will be the kitchen, parlor and study… so tune in for the next episode of the charming Victorian treat.
Until next time – enjoy thrifting your house into a home.
