Vivian's Bio
The real estate listing described her as:
“Tall and stately, this old charmer is patiently waiting to be loved & restored, albeit a few modern improvements recently added could use some finishing touches. Located in the Historic District of Poughkeepsie, this home is already a member of the National Registry of Historical Homes. Just anticipating that savvy, discerning buyer who will honor & preserve this Victorian beauty. Incredible & classic details throughout the home need to be seen to be appreciated: 3 floors & a glass enclosed cupola, 9BRs, an enormous kitchen w/ cherry cabinets, granite countertops & multiple work & cooking stations, a butlers’ pantry, gorgeous hardwood floors (some w/ inlays), 4 working fireplaces, gracious curved staircase, plaster walls, 12ft ceilings, triple crown moldings, a linen press, French & pocket doors w/ original hardware, private yard, a roof-top would-be garden, and a whole-house basement. Price includes pre-approved plans for an exterior renovation that meets historic requirements.”
According to the historic registry submission by Susan Puretz, Vivian is described as:
“A two storied house on high basement with Masarded third floor. Four bays wide, three bays deep. Off-center hall floor plan. Brick bearing walls with wood joists. Slate roof; bracketed cornice. Three bay first floor front porch; porch at rear. Front dormer brick, polygonal first floor front bay window; two story brick polygonal bay window on south; central square tower on roof. Pendanted cast iron window sills, cast iron lintels with scrolled broken pediments and central stylized fan finials.
Colors: red brick, brownstone water table, wood trim white, First floor and basement Twentieth Century addition at rear.”
Our own description would have to include the 5 sets of staircases, a room for every hobby known to man; woodworking shop, music room, sewing room, plant room, cat room, perhaps a bedroom for good measure and a library game room. There are 4 chimneys the working status is yet to be determined. The front porch is ornately adorned with scrollwork, one over one original wavy glass windows, non-working shutters. And the coolest part is the belvedere providing ventilation and views for miles!
The more research, exploration and uncovering completed will give a better idea of the changes that have been made and the historic pieces that are preserved.
