HomeInfoGuideAbout
2011 Twilight Tour Homes
Home of:
Michele Janin & Tom Linebarger
5555 N. Washington Blvd.
Built in 1924, this grand Tudor appeared on St. Margaret's Guild Decorators' Show House in 2004. Since then, new owners Michele Janin and Tom Linebarger have completed an extensive renovation of the three-story home that marries their contemporary tastes with the home's historic architecture.

When Michele, Tom and their two daughters relocated to Indianapolis three years ago, this home seemed a good fit for the family save for one sticking point: Typical of the era, the formal living room occupied prime real estate on the home's sunny south side, while the kitchen, where they would spend most of their time, was situated on the north side of house and received little natural light.

But the house sat on a double lot -- a rarity in Meridian-Kessler -- so the couple bought it and embarked on a renovation with the help of Bly Bennett Inc. that flip-flopped the main-level floor plan to fit the family's lifestyle.

In the new kitchen, a wall of cabinets provide plenty of storage, yet seem to recede because of the light colored finish. In the middle of the room, two islands -- one for food prep and more storage, the other for casual dining -- are stained a richer brown. Toward the back of the kitchen is an eat-in area and tucked around a corner is a home office for Michele. The overall look is restrained with an emphasis on functionality, and of course natural light from the room's expansive bay window floods the space.

The living room, with its limestone fireplace surround, coffered ceiling and gleaming hardwood floors, looks as if it has always been on the home's north side. The spice-colored walls and soft light creates a warm, inviting place to entertain, not to mention the perfect backdrop for the couple's contemporary furnishings and art and artifacts collected while traveling in Asia and living in Hong Kong.

Though the heavy lifting of the renovation involved the kitchen and living room, the rest of the house saw changes, too. The original hall coat closet was converted into a half bath. Removing lathe and plaster exposed the back of a brick fireplace for an added architectural element. In the dining room, a contemporary chandelier contrasts against a more traditional mahogany dining set and original diamond leaded-glass windows. Upstairs, the master bedroom gained a bit of space. By adding an extra door, it's now connected to the adjoining bedroom, which has been transformed into a dressing room. The couple created a teenagers' suite on the third floor. Each daughter has her own bedroom and bath as well as shared living space.

Outside, alexwhite architect designed a covered portico for the front of the house and a pool house for the in-ground pool. The pool-house, with its gym and full bath, pays homage to the home's Tudor architecture, but has a contemporary spin thanks to a lofty ceiling and walls of windows.


Home of:
Betsy & Michael Bosway
5580 N. Washington Blvd.
This handsome Colonial Revival, the Teel Residence, has always been a favorite of Betsy Bosway, who has lived in the Meridian-Kessler area for all of her life. As a teenager, Betsy was a frequent guest at the home, which was owned by family friends at the time. When she and her husband, Mike, were engaged, one of their bridal showers was hosted in this lovely home. So it's no coincidence that when the opportunity to buy the 4-bedroom, 3-bath house presented itself four years ago, Betsy and Mike didn't hesitate.

They've settled in as if they've always lived in the house behind the formal hedges. And what of those hedges? Are the Bosways intensely private people? Not in the least, Betsy laughs. As an avid gardener, Betsy wouldn't hear of removing the shrubs that have been there for as long as she remembers. Though, she admits, it's lovely to look out her front windows and see only green and sky.

The Bosways have put their stamp on the front door by painting it a striking color, something the past few owners have done as well. They chose a Colonial blue for the entry. Inside, however, reveals a home that's nearly the same as the one Betsy remembers -- the grand center hallway with its hardwood floors, the formal living and dining rooms on either side, the dentil molding and of course the sweeping, curved staircase. The home's architectural details look as if they belong in Williamsburg. Indeed, it's reported that the Bosway's home is a copy of a house in Virginia. The glass loggia and sunroom off the back of the house was an addition in the 1970s.

The Bosways have changed very little about the house save for a few items. They updated several wall colors to lighten the feel of the house. The dining room chandelier was traded for a more formal fixture purchased from an estate sale. In addition to updating many of the mechanicals of the home, they also restored and refinished the hardwood floors. And the garden areas have been enhanced as well.

The Bosways have personalized the house with antiques and artwork. The painting over the living room fireplace once hung in Betsy's great grandfather's house on Meridian Street. It was painted by renowned Indiana artist Richard Gruelle, whose works are also exhibited at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Not all of the pieces in the Bosway's art and antiques collection have such distinguished pedigrees. There are a few unsigned paintings, some bought for as little as $20, for example. Betsy enjoys auctions and estate sales, and offers advice to would-be art collectors. Check out print or online catalogues prior to the event if available. When seeing pieces in person, look at them up close and far away. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. "Chalk it up to experience," she says. Ultimately, buy what you like and what speaks to you. Following her own advice, Betsy once bought a picnic basket at an auction that held an unexpected surprise -- a wood etching by a listed artist.


TWILIGHT TOUR
Gather up your neighbors and join us as we kick off this festive weekend with the Twilight Tour & Silent Action. This is your opportunity to celebrate our neighborhood, enjoy time with your neighbors, and raise money for nonprofit organizations in the Meridian-Kessler community. Your ticket purchase gives you the exclusive opportunity to tour homes not open during the Home & Garden Day tour.  You'll also enjoy a delicious dinner, live entertainment and a fun and fabulous silent auction, all under a beautiful white tent. All Twilight ticket proceeds go towards the costs associated with the event. However, 100% of the proceeds raised during the silent auction will be granted directly to local groups who work hard to help improve the quality of life in our wonderful neighborhood.

Ticket Info
Single reservation: $50 ($60 after Friday, June 10)
Reserve a table for 8: $400
Contact Mason Hughes with questions @ 317-416-8929
www.mkhometour.com/tickets.htm

SILENT AUCTION
Our annual Silent Auction is the only funding source for grants that supports many neighborhood organizations. The Silent Auction provides you the opportunity to purchase items graciously donated by local businesses and residents. In 2010, more than 150 items were auctioned off at our event, which gave the Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association the opportunity to reward the following organizations with funds that promote enrichment and improved quality of life in M-K.
To donate, visit our website: mkhometour.com/auction.htm
Powered by Skoop! © 2011