Sarah Collins and her husband, Scott, were instantly taken by 220 Orrick Lane. Looking around the winsome Kirkwood home, they were transported back to their childhoods spent in quaint, Midwestern towns. “We wanted an older house that had the feel of Scott’s grandmother’s home when he was growing up,” Sarah Collins explains. “We loved that it was a big, brick home with charming details like crown molding, wood floors and French doors. The house has a lot of character.”
Collins also liked that the house had distinct rooms rather than an open concept. “There are a lot of smaller spaces where you can gather as a family or entertain,” she says. “It’s great for having conversations.” An addition was built to allow for larger gatherings, too. Other renovations included creating an eat-in kitchen, adding a great room and expanding the master bath.
Collins wanted to ensure that changes done to the house kept its charming character intact. “We used Agape Construction,” she says. “The company is great at matching details like crown molding and tile. Despite everything being new, you feel like it could have been there for 85 years.” The twostory addition Agape built is Collins’ favorite part of the house because it flows so well with the original construction. “It has a great circular floor plan,” she says.
The great room connects to the formal dining room and looks out over the renovated patio. “It’s a really nice, cozy space even though it’s big,” she says. While the house doesn’t have a basement, the third floor has 400 square feet of additional storage. This was perfect for Collins, who had to deal with flooding in a previous home. “Everything stays high and dry and isn’t exposed,” she says. The third floor also houses a media room. “Our teenage daughter loved to have friends over and watch movies there,” she says. “It provides the whole movie theater experience and is a really nice place to gather.”
The house is within walking distance of downtown Kirkwood, allowing for easy access to whatever you need, Collins explains. “It’s a great neighborhood, and the location cannot be beat,” she says. She and her family had to relocate because of her husband’s job. “We wish we could still be there,” she says. “The remodels made the house close to perfect. I know someone will enjoy it.”
listing price | $765,000
listing agent | heidi long of janet mcafee real estate
Photos | Matt ponstingl
