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LIFE: HOMES
Westmoreland teacher updates cozy cottage with loving care
Linda LeMaster poses for a photo in her living room on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- When Linda LeMaster first found the little house in Westmoreland it required some tender loving care.
It needed updating. However, she could see the treasure in its saddened state.
"I saw potential, and someone needed to love it," she said.
Twenty-five years have passed since the two first met, and she is still enamored with the cozy cottage.
"When I look at the materials used and the craftsmanship I think the original builder must have loved this house just like I do," she said. "The cherry paneling and the built-in cherry China cabinets show wonderful workmanship."
LeMaster has made a lovely home over the years. It readily shows the tender loving care she has offered it. Even though it is a small, it's very functional.
"It has a great layout," she said.
From the generous 1950s archway connecting the living room and dining room to the window pass-through between the dining room and gathering room, a sense of spaciousness exists. LeMaster has capitalized on the wide doorways of a previous era to continue the open feeling of the kitchen, office and gathering room.
The kitchen, created by Chandlers, is a great example of how to get the most out of a small space.
"The cabinets are six inches taller than normal to give me more storage area, and the sink was placed in the corner to allow more counter space," she said.
Every nook and cranny has a purpose like the pantry cabinet tucked in between the doorways. By making good use of all the space Linda was able to enjoy all the amenities of full size stainless steel appliances. The granite countertops offer richness to the small area that completes the picture. The icing on the cake of the little kitchen is the open shelving backed in a royal blue where Linda is able to showcase her grandmother's milk glass.
Another area LeMaster has updated is the main bathroom. With the help of a friend she was able to remove a closet and extend the counter space. One of the more creative adjustments made in the bathroom was to put electric outlets in the custom-made medicine cabinets.
"This way I can keep things like my electric toothbrush off the counter and put away," she said.
LeMaster doesn't miss the linen closet that was sacrificed to expand the bathroom because the cabinetry allows for the same storage. Adding to the luxurious feel of the bathroom is a Jacuzzi tub for relaxing at the end of a long day.
LeMaster, a local school teacher, usually does one major project a year for her little house. One of her more recent updates is a box beamed ceiling in the master bedroom.
"While taking a photography class, the group toured a house with this type of ceiling and I loved it," she said.
The customized ceiling is reminiscent of the style found in many of the Arts and Crafts homes built in the early 20th century. Adding to the theme of the room LeMaster chose woodwork and a neutral clay color that is complimentary of the Craftsman time period.
Linda LeMaster's little house with character obviously brings her joy. It is apparent that she truly appreciates the cozy, comfortable ambiance her found treasure exhibits.
"I may have overimproved it, but I plan to live here the rest of my life," she said.
The little house with potential has found just the right person to love it.
