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Aragon: 591 Aragon StreetDee Dee Ritchie built the Charleston side porch home in 2001. She taught high school government and economics for 26 years and was recognized as Florida’s teacher of the year. In 1996 she was inducted into the Educator’s Hall of Fame. In 1998 she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Ms. Richie’s home adds an important keynote style to the neighborhood. The 3000 square foot house has a graceful compliment of gallery porches as well as spectacular views of Escambia Bay from all windows. The home is graced with a stunning combination of features such as original Victorian windows in the dining room transoms and front entry, as well as, art works by a number of local and nationally known artists. African masks in the dining room share space with an abstract painting by Kay Canipe. The fireplace mantle was designed and built by Fritz. One of the most interesting features of the dining area is a wine cellar with a handcrafted black and gold iron gate, entwined with grapes made by Chris Stinson. The adjacent powder room has faux paint with copper accents in powder room by artist, Scott Dunn and a lavatory which is a stunning copper cradle and bowl. Ms. Ritchie has planned her dream home with great care and attention to detail.
The front facade faces north on Aragon Street. The Charleston style row house is built on a narrow lot with porches on one side. taken by Denise Daughtry
The east view of the home shows the ornate side porches as well as the back apartment which is a separate dwelling. taken by Denise Daughtry
The house was designed by local architect, Michelle NacNeal who also planned the Aragon community. The landscaper is Mike Robertson. Ms. Ritchie served as her own interior designer and the home is a reflection of her career in public service. taken by Denise Daughtry
In a Charleston Side Yard home, pediments and korbels are important decorative elements. The pediments are the decorative elements on top of the colums. Korbels are the corner fan-like decorations in open lattice work. taken by Denise Daughtry
The foyer is anchored by the antique piano, 170 years old and a family heirloom. Note the tray ceiling above the foyer and the use of diffused lighting. The painting is by Kay Canipe of Gulf Breeze. taken by Denise Daughtry
The kitchen is a functional space with informal bay window seating. taken by Denise Daughtry
Dominating the left side of the living room is hte custom maple bar with an inlaid slate top. The sink is copper and the faucet is black onyx. The beautiful crystal barware represents ms. Ritchie's trip as an Armonk scholar to Germany and the Czech republic as well as family heirloom pieces. taken by Denise Daughtry
The office is an efficient but feminine space. On the wall are mementos of Ms. Ritchie's public service. The top print is one that was presented to new legislators and was signed by Lawton Chiles shortly before his death. The bottom print is signed by artist Leroy Niman. The pocket doors feature beveled glass. taken by Denise Daughtry
The faux painting in the powder room and throughout the house is by Scott Dunn. The metal stand holding the basin is an original piece by craftsman Chris Stinson. taken by Densie Daughtry
The transoms were slavaged from Victorian buildings by Laurence Hurst on T Street and cut to fit these transoms. taken by Denise Daughtry
The informal dining area is adjacent to the kitchen. The back door leads out to the rear courtyard and the carriage house or garage. Unlike many houses in Aragon, Ms. Ritchie has chosen not to create a second story to her carriage house in order to preserve her view of Escambia Bay. taken by Denise Daughtry
The kitchen is a functional space with a butler's pantry for storage at the back. The counter tops are granite. The taupe colored cabinets provide a soft contrast to the walls. taken by Denise Daughtry
This is one of two windows in the house without windows. Ms. Ritchie modeled the windowless dining room after the dining room at Trader Vic's in the Capitol Hilton in Washington, the place where the Watergate cover-up was planned. The chandelier above the table is a replica of chandeliers found in Savannah.
taken by Denise Daughtry
All the wall are African masks representing differemt tribes and different countries. taken by Denise Daughtry
The wrought iron gate was designed and built by Chris Stinson. It leads to an under-the-stairs wine cellar. taken by Denise Daughtry
The African masks on the north wall of the dining room are complimented by the Mardi Gras figure hanging on the south wall. taken by Denise Daughtry
A painting of an angel by local artist, Pat Regan is located on the second floor landing. taken by Denise Daugthry
A writing desk creates a point of interest in the upstairs hall. taken by Denise Daughtry
The north bedroom belongs to Ms. Ritchie's son, the middle bedroom to her daughter. The painting in the middle bedroom is titled, Serenity. Both bedrooms connect to the balcony overlooking the bay. taken by Denise Daughtry
Each bedroom has an adjoining bath. taken by Denise Daughtry
Ms. Ritchie's bedroom connects to a small balcony wtih a view of Escambia Bay. taken by Denise Daughtry
Tip McAlpin of McAlpin's Interiors designed the raw silk draperies. The bombay chest is handpainted. Ms. Ritchie is an Auburn graduate, and has tigers throughout the house. taken by Denise Daughtry
The counters in the master bathroom are black granite. taken by Denise Daughtry
ms. Ritchie's home was featured on the Seville Aragon Tour of Homes. Bob Quigley, co-chair, provides a ride for guests. taken by Denise Daughtry
Two guests sign in for the home tour. taken by Denise Daughtry
Melinda Beckett, director of Old Hometown School is the tour director for the Ritchie home. She greets guests in the foyer by the antique piano. taken by Denise Daughtry
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