WILMINGTON—Compared by its owner to the Hobbits’ cottage in Lord of the Rings, this Wilmington bungalow features “careful, deliberate woodworking” and more space than you might think from an outside glance.
The home at 117 Brookwood, appropriately found in the Brookwood neighborhood of Wilmington, was built in 1954. According to the National Register of Historic Places, it was originally built for John E. Clayton, Jr., a teller at Wilmington Savings & Trust Co. and his wife, Ruth M. Clayton.
The register describes it as, “updated with a Craftsman-style door and wood shutters, this one-story, side-gabled, minimal traditional-style house is five bays wide and double-pile.”
In 2004, the home was owned by Robert Hauser, a local master craftsman. Current homeowner Jordan Hagaman describes the impact he made on the minimal traditional-style home.
“In 2004, master craftsman Robert House applied his careful, deliberate woodworking to the fireplace, mantel, breakfast nook, pantry hutch, and a spectacular freestanding backyard deck. The custom wooden features are engraved with the wisdom of thinkers such as Geoffrey Chaucer and William Morris, reminding visitors of the power of beauty and the virtues of hard work,” Hagaman said.
Found inscribed on the inside of the front door is a quote by the English textile artist and designer William Morris, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
Hagaman shares what first attracted him and his wife to the property, “The exterior of the home is charming and unique. At first glance, this adorable bungalow catches your eye because of the contrast between the beautiful old brick, bold black and gray trim and the large trees in the front yard.”
Hagaman added, “As you look closer you notice the truly unique and extraordinary details that make this house so special. The hand-carved front door with custom stained glass, the custom-crafted shutters, the mosaic-inspired organic inlay in the driveway – there’s nothing else quite like it.”
Listing agent Becky Fuller said, “while charming and quaint, the house really has far more room than you’d expect. Each of the three bedrooms is spacious and inviting. The cozy living room is anchored by a beautiful locally made craftsman mantle. The kitchen is one of the most unique features of the home. The tiny dining nook is the perfect spot for breakfast, a cup of tea or a hideaway from the world when you’re getting some work done.”
Hagaman added, “The home has a cozy personality that can feel like a cottage from the Lord of the Rings. It has been a great space for living, working, and raising a family all at once.”
