Victorian Vintage
Walking into the home of Joe and Gerri Paulisick is like stepping back in time. Spanning three levels and about 5,000 square feet, the 110-year-old Victorian has been updated from floor to ceiling without ruining its charm.
The home is one of six to be showcased Nov. 20 during The Butler County Symphony Association's 21st annual Holiday Tour of Homes.
The Paulisicks purchased the home in 2001, having fallen in love with the homes on McKean Street when they moved to Butler in the 1990s.
Their home had been lovingly maintained by meticulous owners, which helped the pharmacist-lawyer duo restore and personalize the space.
Family friendlyEntering the well-lit foyer, the character and theme of the home is apparent: A family lives here. Formal portraits flank the staircase, portraying the story of the Paulisick family.While few of the pieces in the Paulisick home are antiques or date back to the time the original structure was built, there is a special treat hanging in the foyer.“When Dr. Fitzsimmons was moving, we toured the house and just wanted a piece of the history there,” said Gerri, brushing a spot of dust from the lovely mirror framed in gold.“I love this piece and I know they wanted us to have it, too,” she said.
To the right is a library with remarkable woodwork. The carpet has been removed to bare a beautiful wood floor.“When they tore up the rug, this floor was a delight to find, so we kept it natural,” Gerri said.The room features a large writing desk and a plethora of books on various topics. One shelf contains some antique children's books. A fireplace, overstuffed chairs and a desk make the space practical.Across from the library, pocket doors, which have been refurbished, give way to the spacious living room complete with 12-foot ceilings. A large entertainment center, piano and working fireplace make it perfect for relaxing.A “Singing Butler” print by Jack Vettriano, one of Gerri's favorite artists, hangs above the fireplace. The mossy green carpet and honey orange walls combine to create a warm and cozy family space.Two of the family's Christmas trees stand guard at opposite ends of the room. The formal tree in the front window is festooned with Gerri's treasures and reflects her excellent taste. In the back of the room is a pencil tree decorated by the children, Chloe, 7, and Cullen, 11, who use a vast collection of Hallmark ornaments dating back to the early 1980s.“My mother worked for Hallmark and she started my collection, and now the kids collect them too,” Joe said.Across from the living room is the formal dining room. This bold colored room retains the original charm of the home but has an updated feel.“Elegy to a Dead Admiral,” also by Vettriano, graces one of the walls.“When we were working on this fireplace we found a very old train ticket to New York for $5. It had the punches in it from prior use,” Joe said.
A lovely tree with Lennox, crystal and silver ornaments adds to the sparkle in this space. Tucked across the room is a lovely small butler's pantry with sink and wine refrigerator.“The size of the furniture in this room and shape of the room left us with little storage. When we redid the kitchen, we found a perfect way to use the lovely cabinets in here,” Gerri said.The spacious kitchen features an island with a step-down counter space for dining.“I love to cook and wanted the kitchen that would help me to do that,” said Gerri. “We love to entertain and wanted this area to be comfortable to gather in,” her husband added.Another feature of this home is a porch just off the kitchen. The roomy space with painted smooth flooring features large white wicker furniture.“We loved this space but between the dirt and the pollen it was a lot of work for not a lot of use,” said Gerri, pointing to new Plexiglas panels installed to make the area a three-season porch. It is decorated with plaques featuring fun, lighthearted and inspirational quotations. It also features a lovely view of the backyard and a stately tree.Steps off the kitchen lead down into the family room, which was just finished last Christmas.“When the kids were small this was their playroom,” said Gerri, showing the door that leads to the jungle gym in the back yard.This square room features a bar with a tap system and sliding doors that lead to the yard. The walls are decorated with memorabilia such as collages of tickets and photos of a life well lived, putting the emphasis on family.Back up in the main floor hallway, a lovely little purple powder room is available to guests under the steps. Fun and whimsically decorated, this is a delightful little space.The main stairway leads to the four bedrooms and two baths on the second level.A pink room for Chloe features pony and animal decor — definitely a little girl's dream.Son Cullen's room is all boy and all blue. Clouds dot the ceiling and it is next in line for a makeover. His love of sports and music are evident in the décor.
Nearby is the children's full bathroom painted in shades of peach. It is decorated with lovely tubby pictures of when the children were toddlers.Down the hall is the grand master suite complete with walk-in closet. The walls here feature lovely wedding portraits of the couple.“When we began to remove the wallpaper in here, we came across the paper hanger's signature and the date of 1917,” Joe noted.This room is done in a romantic, rich red. The bathroom in the master suite is painted a golden wheat hue and has his and her sinks and a custom shower designed by Gerri. Gerri's favorite artist found his way into this room, too, with his, “Dance me to the end of Love.”Also on this floor is a blue bedroom for Cullen and a lovely guest room. Built-in closets flank a hall that leads to a back stairway that empties down into the kitchen.Though the Paulisicks have renovated the entire structure, the sense of being in a Victorian home is still strong — as is the sense of their committed love of family.
In addition to the McKean Street residence of Joe and Gerri Paulisick, the homes of these Butler County residents will also be featured on the self-guided, fundraising tour benefiting the Butler County Symphony Association:• Daryll Datz and Mike Gimigliano, McKean Street This lovely brick home is located at the entrance to the Phillips Mansion. Built in 1922, the home has a great history of owners and has been redecorated tastefully to keep with its original style. Mahogany woodwork and molding define the beauty of the home. A beautiful yard is comfortable and welcoming.• Kevin and Leslie Vinroe, Patriot Lane, Franklin Township This property is a bed and breakfast called The Inn at Mt. Chestnut and sits on 10 acres. It is a three-story, brick house with private quarters for the owners. It has four large guest rooms each with a private bath. One room is featured as a suite complete with a large tub and glass enclosed shower.The home also features a very nice dining room and a lovely, relaxing reception area for guests. The third floor consists of two additional bedrooms, both with private baths.• John and Joni Kepple, Tudor Drive, Butler Township The Kepples live in a condominium with an open floor plan and second-floor loft. The décor is contemporary. The property is lovely and the lifestyle is maintenance free.• Jeff and Lorraine Hesidenz, Lemont Drive This contemporary brick house is characterized by a delightful entryway and superb, eye-catching colors. The kitchen is efficient in design and very attractive with lovely countertops and a breakfast bar.The home is small, but very functional. The stairs to the lower level are interesting and the walls showcase some family artwork. It is a very attractive city home.• Lowrie/Shaw House, West Diamond Street Now a museum operated by the Butler County Historical Society, this property was the home of Sen. Walter Lowrie, the only United States Senator from Butler County. It was constructed in 1828 and contains many artifacts of interest.Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the house tour is a cookie reception at Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 Second St.
<B>WHAT: </B>The Butler County Symphony Association's 21st annual Holiday Tour of Homes<B>WHEN: </B>10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 20<B>WHERE:</B> Maps will be provided when you buy your tickets.<B>TICKETS: </B>$15 presale and $18 on the day of the tour. Available at the symphony office, 259 S. Main St. For more information, call 724-283-1402.<B>IN ADDITION:</B> Running concurrently with the house tour will be a cookie reception between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 Second St. The Hill Youth Chorale will be selling soup and salad lunches. Entertainment will be provided.
