Story by Cindy Wolfe; Photos by John Lund
For 51 years, The Woman’s Club has staged The House and Garden Tour as a fundraising activity. Homeowners open their homes, allowing the public to walk through their property. This year, the homes chosen by the committee appeal to both the young and the young-at-heart. The newest house was completed in 2017 while the oldest was built in 1935. A variety of styles, structures, and stories engage everyone exploring these homes. The theme for the 2019 House and Garden Tour is “Design, Build, and Sell” and was inspired by the occupation and passion of the homeowners, who design, build, and, in some cases, market their homes.
The tour is on April 10, between 10am and 6pm House and Garden Tour tickets can be purchased for $15 at The Woman’s Club, 1200 Carter Creek Parkway in Bryan, or at each home during the tour. The Woman’s Club also offers a luncheon on the same day as the tour. For an additional $15, you can enjoy a delicious meal made and served by members of the Club. Separate tickets for the luncheon must be purchased before April 3. For more information, contact Sandy Sebesta at (979) 822-5019.
The Home of Melina and David Shellenberger 306 Suffolk Avenue, College Station
The Shellenbergers completely renovated their 1935 foursquare home following its original design. The house was originally located on the Texas A&M University campus. Because its original occupants were not staff or administration, the building was not university recognized. It housed the construction manager of the Corps’ dorms and dining hall, functioning as an office and temporary living quarters. In the 1950s, Dr. William Lycuryus Hughes, an education department faculty member, and his wife Faffie purchased and moved the house to its current location on Suffolk Avenue.
The Shellenbergers purchased the house in 2014 and began renovating. During the process, they discovered many jewels. The shiplap under the drywall was something they wanted to feature in various places throughout the house. David chose to finish the wood with chalk paint and wax in order to expose its original charm. Wooden floors had to be removed to repair the foundation,
and that wood was repurposed on the second floor. The Shellenbergers took every opportunity to stay true to the home’s 1930s construction. They did, however, add technology and design touches that make this historical home a treasure. The artwork in this home includes an Agam and two Boulangers. They also have pieces done by their son, Gib, an art major at the University of Texas.
The exterior of the Shellenberger home changed completely when David added an inviting wraparound porch. Native, drought-hardy landscaping surrounds the house. Adding to the serenity, the yard contains two large live oak trees, several crepe myrtles, and flowerbeds. The beautiful grounds and porch blend seamlessly into an outdoor retreat.
The Home of Mitzi and Jeramy Pampell 17314 Lesharo Cove, College Station
The Pampell home is a farmhouse with a modern flair. From the entrance you can see the formal dining and living rooms, kitchen, and daily dining area. The colors and arranged furniture beckon you to walk in, sit down, and get comfortable.
The Pampell home was completed in 2017 and is approximately 4225 square feet.
The exterior has both hardiplank siding and Old Chicago Brick that was decommissioned from old buildings in Chicago. For the interior, soft muted colors and materials define the space. Continuing with the Old Chicago Brick theme, the aged red brick adorns the dining room wall, master bedroom, and wet bar area. Shiplap walls and wire-brushed, European, white oak floors maintain the muted color scheme.
Unique designer lighting compliments each room. A touch of sparkle runs throughout the house in the form of mirrors. Mercury glass and mirrored vases also reflect light and add sparkle.
Special thought was given to each Pampell family member when designing the house. Daughter Ava Grace’s room features a cathedral ceiling and décor that fits the bill for the young bookworm. Son Jack’s room has LED lighting in the shape of clouds over shiplap siding to bring comfort to the little guy.
Mitzi and Aaron Russell designed cabinetry and used walnut wood and a quartzite combination, while incorporating Old Chicago Brick to exude luxury yet maintain functionality in a wet bar for Jeramy. Mitzi’s favorite rooms are the master closet and the utility room. In the master closet, everything is visible and it feels like a boutique. The utility room layout is functional, its materials are fabulous, and natural light makes doing the laundry or helping with homework enjoyable.
The Home of Bridget and Coulter Mariott 1419 Royal Adelade, College Station
When you walk into the home of Bridget and Coulter Mariott, two words come to mind: young and fun. Because they have two toddlers, young and fun is important to the Mariotts.
This modern two-story home’s exterior is composed of Lueders Limestone from Lubbock. Bronze Jeld-Wen windows and a bronze double front door accent the charcoal stone. The front door’s beveled glass windows elegantly light the entrance, which greets guests with two pianos — one regular-sized and the other child-sized.
Just past the piano duo is the open living area with the bar, kitchen, and living room. A traditional mirrored-back bar shelves numerous bottles. The bar’s counter and back splash are a translucent quartzite. The kitchen’s granite counters and white cabinets create a clean sleek island. A butler’s pantry allows for day-to-day activities while keeping the kitchen clean and tidy. The living room’s star attraction is the fireplace, which stretches from floor to ceiling.
The bedrooms are immediately off the living area. The master bedroom is bold with a large window giving it an airy, open feeling. The master bathroom follows suit. It’s a daring design. Custom-made cobalt blue tiles add a modern flair. Window treatments, temperatures, and a security system can be controlled from a smartphone in this home.
The second story of the house is dedicated to fun. This area contains the guest room, media room, and a mini kitchen. The guest room has its own porch fitted with comfortable outdoor furniture. The mini kitchen and wet bar have a refrigerator, microwave, icemaker, and dishwasher.
The bathroom tile and the dining area’s tiled, vaulted ceiling are both works of art. Shapes, color, and texture form the home’s foundation.
