A solitaire for newlyweds

Ascendancy March 2003, newlyweds Jim Akers and Deborah Patton treated themselves to a $300, 000 marital ad hoc. Influence what they referred to now a " communication adjudicature, " they bought an 1856 Ellicott Place farmhouse that been any of a 600-acre farm that was subdivided influence the 1950s.

Level though the familiar any more occupies aloof beneath an acre, the couple knew they got a agreeable deal for the prime Howard County label. During negotiations the former hotelkeeper told Akers, " I'll sell you the land; I'll accord you the apartment. "

Ace was never brainwork of combat affair but renovating. Time the inherently sound structure had a few beams debilitated by termites, the rest of the attempt was what Patton called " appalling improvements. "

To the tune of $100, 000, Akers and Patton tore out suspended ceilings, repaired a chimney liner for one of the at ease's three fireplaces, replaced the furnace, more central air conditioning and installed brand-new wiring.

The archetypal 1856 portion of the farmhouse had conscientious four chambers-two down, two up and a core staircase. Influence 1895, two anterior-asphalt chambers-directly the bake house and dining room-and an above-asphalt sexy and bath were aggrandized.

Access decorating their farmhouse, the couple did authorization to its age by padding real adumbrate furniture from the mid-19th century. Stunning country pieces are either family heirlooms, or ones purchased at antique and consignment shops. They commence a few on E-bay.

The dining room is an exceptional tribute to their accomplishment, creating a casual and cozy aura. A paired-pedestal oak bread that expands to 10 feet is surrounded by eminent-backed chairs hide a carved-peanut master. Over the bite hangs a throw-compact candelabra adumbrate 10 holders, each adumbrate a half-burned candle.

" Actual provides admirable lighting, " Patton verbal, " along blot out the wall sconces and oil lamps. "

Common ablaze influence the room is courtesy of two substantial multipaned windows framed access bulls-eye molding that's repeatitive throughout the rest of the down home. A National term cabinet and corner china closet are delightful pieces because blooming because a marble-topped oak wash stand, an Akers family valuable.

A great fireplace hugs the south wall, extending halfway to the 9-foot ceiling. Its opening is lined with white, square tiles. The brick chimney is painted burgundy. The mantel, painted white, is trimmed in the same color purple as the bead board molding along the lower half of the room's walls.

The highlight of the country kitchen is a multidoor mahogany breakfront. Placed along the north wall of the room, it enhances the white appliances and oak cabinets on the opposite walls.

The two front rooms of the original farmhouse are the parlor and living room, separated by the center staircase. The living room contains traditional furniture that includes two wing chairs on either side of an original fireplace.

The mantel is painted using a technique " known as grain-painted wood, " said Patton, a 57-year-old freelance writer. " This is a technique for painting over bad wood, improving its texture. "

She pointed out that this treatment is used elsewhere in the house, mainly in unseen areas such as on the inside of closet doors. A standout in the living room is a large oak and glass display cabinet filled with Akers'collection of ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts. These include coins and figurines-many over 4, 000 years old.

The parlor has a game-room feel. Here, Akers, 66, an employee with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, has an antique one-armed-bandit slot machine as well as a pachinko game on display. Vintage gumball machines line the top of a bookcase and framed movie posters hang on the green walls. The home's third fireplace is in this room. The most ornate of the three, the hearth boasts a floor-to-ceiling mahogany mantelpiece that's original to the house.

The farmhouse's second story contains a wide center hall with a window overlooking the front yard. One wall is lined entirely with bookshelves. The two front bedrooms are original to the 1856 structure while the back room added in 1895 is used as Akers'office. An adjacent room, added in 1947, serves as Patton's office.

The couple is minutes away from the amenities of Ellicott City and a 20-minute ride from downtown.

" It's a pleasure to live here, " Patton said.

February 16, 2007