It’s lucky for all of us that people like Jamie Singer are passionate about bringing new life to old homes. Plenty of buyers see the beauty, character, and value of historic homes. They just don’t want to do the work to update and create the functionality we need for modern living today. Singer has given new life to this Highland Park Italian Revival mansion in record time.
The vintage wood and glass door of this Highland Park Italian Revival opens to reveal a foyer with a 9-foot ceiling and a Clizia Mama Non Mama Suspension Lamp by Slamp Lighting adding just the right touch of modernity.
Singer was working as an executive director of a children’s cancer foundation and restoring homes on weekends. Rejuvenating homes has always been her passion, and in 2017 it became her full-time endeavor when she founded Crown Control Homes.
“I’m trying to save as many historic homes as I can because a classic, well-constructed house never goes out of style,” Singer said. “I try to keep the original charm and integrity as much as possible and update the interior to make it visually current.”
Saving an Italian Revival From Teardown
A friend told Singer the owner of this beautiful 1927 Fooshee & Cheek Highland Park Italian Revival on Beverly Drive was ready to downsize. However, she was not interested in selling to a buyer who would tear it down. That was music to Singer’s ears. Her offer was accepted, and she got to work reviving this beauty.
This stunning Highland Park Italian Revival mansion was built for John Furneaux and his wife, Mattie. John was a prominent rancher and farmer best known for bringing scientific methods to farming. The home has been updated over the years, so it was in good condition when Singer purchased it.
Singer prefers, whenever possible, to live in a home while she is renovating and updating.
“I can see how the house lives and get a real feel for what is needed,” Singer said. “It makes a huge difference because in using the home each day, you see, for instance, where another shelf could be useful.”
The 3,958-square-foot, three-bedroom, five-bathroom home took only three months to complete. Singer had everything ordered and ready in advance and has a brilliant team. All the bathrooms were renovated, keeping details like historic door handles when possible.
“We opened a wall in the principal bathroom because it was not relevant to how people use bathrooms today,” Singer said.
a Restoration Hardware oak washstand, and Calacatta counters.
Singer turned the 281-square-foot back house overlooking the large backyard into stunning guest quarters with a kitchenette and full bath. She even added a dog run and a Tesla charging station to the garage.
The new life Singer has brought into this gorgeous architecturally significant Highland Park Italian Revival showplace at 4209 Beverly Drive will easily last another century.
Allie Beth Allman & Associates‘ Teffy Jacobs has 4209 Beverly Drive offered at $4.495 million.
