Q&A: The Hoffmann Home
Q: When did you purchase your home?
A: We purchased our home in 2000.
Q: What period is your home?
A: Our home is considered Tudor, or Tudor Revival
Q: When was it built?
A: Our home was built in 1918
Q: What struck you about that the home, that you knew you had to have it?
A: The house had great structure, high ceilings, and wonderful light. But the thing that really sold us was that the kitchen was completely unworkable – so we knew we could easily gut it and get the kitchen of our dreams.
Q: What are you most proud of that you have done w/your home?
A: We have completely rehabbed every room in the house – both indoors and out. So we are very proud of the total project. It was a labor of love and we’ve rehabbed the house to fit our family’s personality.
Q: What is the abbreviated history of your home?
A: E.A. and C.C. Webber were Fort Thomas architects who gained notoriety for designing the Governor’s mansion. Our home was built in 1918 by E.A. Webber as his personal residence. Our neighborhood is considered Briarcliffe. The Webbers originally developed Briarcliffe. We are the fourth owners of the home.
Q: What do you hope that tourists will appreciate about your home?
A: We hope tourists will feel warm and welcome. We’ve designed our home to work for entertaining our friends, and our children’s friends. We hope they appreciate the character of the home and enjoy all the little touches we’ve tried to add to each room.
Q: Why is it important for historic homes to be preserved?
A: There are so many reasons, but for us it’s that you can’t really buy new homes built like the old ones. Materials aren’t the same. The quality of wood that the mouldings, staircases, and doors were built from are very difficult to find today. Our home was built to last, and we love that about it.
Q: Why/how did you choose Ft. Thomas to be your home?
A: We moved to this area from out of town. We knew we wanted an older neighborhood, close to downtown, with great schools. After touring the greater Cincinnati for several days, we ultimately decided on Fort Thomas and this house.
Q: Do you have any other interesting stories/historical facts associated with your home?
A: The floor of the dining room used to have a “maids bell” installed. This was taken out when some water damage caused us to replace the wood floors on the first floor.
The cupboard on the side porch and the painted cupboard in the dining room were reclaimed from the original butlers pantry. The dining room table was made by hand by the owner and her father using reclaimed barn wood. It comfortable seats 12 people.
The house has three floors, plus a full basement. Most people don’t realize this until they get a tour. The first, second, and third floors will be open for the tour. We hope guests take the time to see everything.
Q: Have you done any major renovations to your home?
A: We have spent the last nine years lovingly restoring almost every room in the house. Every door, baseboard, and moulding was stripped and repainted. Most rooms have new ceilings with recessed lighting. The home features new wood windows made in the original style, new heating and air, new plumbing, and new electrical.
The house has been updated for entertaining and overnight guests. It is wired for music throughout the first and second floors, and on the deck. The kitchen was taken down to the studs and rebuilt with new windows and doors, custom cabinetry, and professional grade appliances.
The yard was completely regraded a few years ago with an in ground sprinkler system, all new sod, new landscaping, and the installation of the pear trees that line the yard. We added the deck as well.
The owners of the home have done the majority of work themselves. We’ve made a few mistakes along the way. The third floor bathroom has been remodeled twice, and the dining room is on its fifth color!
Q: Are there any local legends about your home regarding ghosts or spirits?
A: When we moved into the home we immediately began the kitchen renovation. During that time, we experienced the presence of the previous owner in the home almost every evening. We feel she was very worried about the kitchen renovation and whether it would be acceptable. When the kitchen renovation was complete, we never had another “experience.” We decided she must have liked it!
-Owners William and Darcy Hoffmann
103 Riverside Parkway
