Randall and Ramona Unwin are no different than many other San Diegans who have fallen in love with the tiny Craftsman homes sprinkled throughout our county. They’re cute, they’re cozy and they’re part of who we are. The wood-framed house they purchased in Old Town for their music business was run down but, with the help of Marrokal Design & Remodeling, they saw past its tired condition to its future as a Victorian-style cottage.
“Our collective interest was in maintaining what was good and strong about the architectural character while enhancing the Victorian elements,” says John Davies, interior designer with Marrokal. “The structural improvements to the project were extensive. The house was reframed from the interior, new wiring and plumbing were added, the house was lifted from its original foundation, a new foundation was poured and the house reattached.”
The architectural changes are true to the original intent of the structure, including matching siding, wood trim details, windows and doors.
The new entry, moved from the side to the front, includes a charming turret that provides a light-filled lofty foyer on the interior. For a touch of romance, roses in cream, light yellow and soft pink line the walkway. Their pastel hues are lovelier still when the season welcomes the existing jacaranda tree’s lavender blue blossoms.
