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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCape Cod Times Article - 2019Cape Cod Times capecodtimes.com Sunday, January 6, 2019 F1 �d 111i ri � In F�. h �„r,.., .,e,,,ba� v.�x..�i.,h,,.�„:ate. a:n., ,.a�;.r ....�:�-.,n. y>., z,ry CAPE HOUSE HUNT -real-life set design Y armouth Port By Marina Davalos Contributing writer YARMOUTH PORT — Acclaimed set designers Herbert Senn (1924-2003) and Helen Pond (1924-2017) were well-known locally for having designed some 400 sets for the Cape Playhouse in Dennis. But they also did sets for many shows on Broadway, and for 35 years, created award -winning scenery for the Boston Bal- let's "Nutcracker." In 1986, Senn and Pond purchased this 1800s Universalist church in Yarmouth Port, which hadn't functioned as a church since the'6os, and over the years, transformed it into an ornate - masterpiece of their own. They called it Strawberry Hill, and it was their home for the rest of their days. A Sunday school room had been added to the back of the church in 1934, and here we have what was the main living space. The kitchen is simple and rustic, but with unique details such as the six -burner Garland gas range, right out of another era, and a quirky pull-out stool. The living room features a wind- ing spiral staircase leading up to the two bedrooms; and extravagant go' ft i balconies up here overlook the living room. Huge floor -to -ceiling windows let the light in to show off the masterful design and craftsmanship. Unique Gothic -style molding lines the interior, and a turn -of - the -century chandelier hangs here, which pulls down to be lit. Pocket doors are adorned in intricately painted tromp Poeil made to look like ornate molding, and open to another room, also in tromp Poeil, which overlooks elaborate backyard gardens. In the former -main sanctu- ary, Senn had all the pews removed and carefully stored in the attic. This room is dressed to the nines, with the wide -plank wooden floors painted in black and white faux marble, a huge turn -of - the -century chandelier and New England's oldest pipe organ. It's the perfect set- ting for a party, and indeed many took place here. The ceiling, also in tromp Poeil, is a copy of a rose window in a New York City church. The more time you spend in here the more intricate details you notice, includ- ing busts of Mozart, Haydn and Handel; plus, at closer look, you notice the curtains aren't really curtains at all but adornments made of wood. The original church bell," an 1837 Hooper, is kept in the basement, as is the machinery that powers the pipe organ. In the attic, the Howard Clock mechanism may even func- tion again one day.' — Marina Davalos is a freelance writer who lives in Cotuit. Follow her on Twitter @Marina Davalosl. Suggestions for a home review may be sent to: Cape House Hunt, c/o Mary Weatherby, Cape Cod Times, 319 Main St., Hyannis MA 02601. If you have questions, email mweatherby@capecodon- line.com. Home selection is made by The Cape Cod Times. This does not imply any endorsement or warranty. a x � S , 17 Church St., Yarmouth Port [PHOTOS BY TYRA PACHECO) #�Z- T w(' t k..i, Ia did xA,94 s About this house LOCATION:17 Church St., Yarmouth Port ROOMS: 6 YEAR BUILT:1836 SQUARE FEET: 3,442 ACREAGE:.24 UTILITIES: town water, natural gas, electric ANNUAL TAXES: $5,545 LIST PRICE: $625,000 PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT: $182 ' CONTACT: Dory Marchildon, Marchil- don-Hagopian Team, Kinlin Grover Real Estate,508-221-0676 • To see more photos of this week's fea- tured House Hunt, go to capecodtimes.com/ photos. ,