Century-old home has large windows, high ceilings and crafted

The house at 825 Merriwether is an example of graceful aging. Though it is 100 years old, in many ways this house has only improved with age.

The home was built a century ago by the Rodobaugh family, who operated a successful lumber business.

The family's love of finished, polished, shining wood became a staple of the house, with the floors being made of quarter-sawn oak and cherry. Wood moldings and accents can be found throughout the house.

Along with 9-foot ceilings, large windows and beautifully crafted wood accents, the home is an example of Victorian elegance and practicality.

The wood is an attraction from the home's very entrance. The hardwood floor of the foyer gleams beneath the light cast by antique light fixtures. A beautiful and intricate wood molding forms the entry way between the parlor and living room.

One of the focal points of the home is the living room fireplace, which features not only a beautiful oak mantle and antique mirror, but a unique tile that lends interesting color and texture to the room.

A formal dining room is nicely decorated with a wallpaper that is contemporary, yet fits perfectly with the feel of the home. An oak chair rail around the room adds visual interest. Another antique brass and milk glass light offers soft light and ambiance to the room.

A large butler's pantry offers space today as a lovely china cabinet and storage for dining room linens. It segues between the dining room to the remodeled kitchen, which has been decorated with greens and burgundy for a warm feeling, perfect in keeping with the theme of the old house.

Modern oak cabinets have been installed along with modern updates as an , yet the new wood blends well with the home's original oaks. Touches like brass and porcelain sink hardware give the kitchen a Victorian feel.

A sunroom area with a tile floor leads to a door opening to the home's back yard, and located nearby is a full bath with a marble floor, tub/shower, pedestal sink and oak accents.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, each with high ceilings and plenty of room to accommodate antique or modern furniture. The hardwood cherry floors offer the perfect setting for either. Each bedroom has large windows that offer a wealth of natural light.

One of the most interesting aspects of the house is its upstairs bathroom, fitted with original child-size toilet, sink and bathtub. A cedar-lined closet is another original idea, that is again being seen in many modern homes.

Only four owners have lived in this house in the past 100 years -- a sure testament as to the quality of the home and its neighborhood. The home is in the Franklin Elementary School district and is within walking distance of mid-town Cape Girardeau. Nearby major arteries such as Independence and William Streets make this property only minutes away from any location in town.

This house includes a separate garage and is currently priced at $145,000. It is available for viewing through Classic GMAC Real Estate, 335-0133.

traddle@semissourian.com