From House To Home

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For Candie and David Detweiler, remodeling their home became something of a necessity.

Candie laughingly says, “We enjoy entertaining, and we play cards often on Saturday nights. When we first started doing this, if someone had to go to the bathroom, everybody had to move.” Today, the main living portion of this extended ranch-style home is open and offers an easy flow for entertaining.

Patrick Brewer, owner of Patrick Brewer Carpentry Inc., comments about the pre-renovation house: “The dining room was part of the living room, and the kitchen was all by itself. [Candie and David] wanted the design to give them the great room and a much larger kitchen that was more functional for how they use their house.”

Removing the back wall and shifting some of the spaces allowed everything to expand and open up. Opening up the rooms allowed the Detweilers to comfortably have 35 guests for Thanksgiving and more than 100 people for a Christmas cookie extravaganza with no crowding.

Candie wanted a large, country kitchen, and the space now has a beautiful island that appears to be almost more furniture than function because of the choice of materials. “After 34 years of marriage, we know how to compromise. My husband wanted oak, and I wanted distressed enamel. We compromised, and wherever the working kitchen space is, that has my kind of cabinetry, and what is more furniture-like is the pretty stuff,” Candie notes.

The island houses a prep sink, which is David’s workstation. One of two garbage disposals is in this sink; these were Christmas presents to each other. Candie says, “I really like my garbage disposal. I am a very practical person. I wanted to make my kitchen efficient.”

A few walls were taken down to facilitate the remodel. The fireplace, which had been along the back wall, is now exposed and has passages on either side. The breezeway also was transformed and now houses a desk area for Candie.

The ceiling, which is tongue-and-groove panels, is original to the house. The panels were repainted and line the slight cathedral ceiling. New DuraCeramic tile is on the floors, and beautiful granite from India graces the countertops.

Brewer and the Detweilers have worked on three remodels together, and Candie says of Brewer, “He has been a really great contractor. His guys have always been very professional.”

Brewer is equally effusive and adds, “They’re just nice people to work with. They are open to ideas, and they bring a lot of ideas to us and do their homework, as well. It’s a real good give-and-take relationship we have.”

For Candie, this kitchen, which was possible because of an inheritance from an aunt, is a dream come true. She says, “We lovingly call this space the Edith B. Long Memorial Hall. I look around my kitchen, and when we first put it in, I would have to pinch myself [to make sure] that it was mine. It is so functional. We have thoroughly enjoyed having it.”