Small Touches Give BIG Character To A Tudor Style Home

Located in Granger, Indiana, within the gorgeous Shamrock Hills neighborhood, this Tudor style home doesn’t just boast one or two things that “wow,” its many impressive features combine to create a cohesive look and feel that isn’t only authentic to the home’s design, but rich in history and livability. While its substantial 9,200 square feet of space, transitional floor plan and beautifully private, 2.59 acre lake and cul-de-sac lot showcase enough whimsical charm and upscale features to impress any buyer, the small details behind each beam, leaded glass window or intricately carved mantle leave room for much more. That is, an appreciation for the hard work and planning that went into the dream home that began with mere brick, mortar and love.

European Influence

Before even breaking ground, the Tudor’s homeowners went far—quite far, in fact—to ensure their new home would have the truly authentic look and feel they desired. As avid travelers, the two eagerly embarked on tours of manor homes throughout England and Ireland, determined to garner the fine details they sought to infuse into their own new home. Armed with countless photos of Tudor style English architecture and pubs, they set to work and backed themselves with a great team—a team that included masonry experts, framers and other professionals and artisans, coordinated by Jim Rans of Rans Custom Builders. From the landscaping to the study, they envisioned a truly authentic look, inside and out, and went to great lengths to ensure it became a reality. 

The Grounds

From the moment you set foot onto the property, its warmth is defined. Located on a cozy cul-de-sac, the intricately detailed brick home and its 2.59 acres is enough to call you in. The driveway is large and welcoming, and the yard and its surrounding gardens and shrubs are green, lush and nothing short of well-planned. “The landscaping was very thoughtfully designed to not just work from the outside, but from the inside, too,” says the homeowner. She recalled walking through the house with the landscaper during its construction and how he paid close attention to the different views from the various rooms, explaining what plants would be most beneficial to bringing the outdoor feeling in. 

The natural plantings, in true organic form, transition throughout the various seasons as well, offering colors and foliage that also change. And you may not be surprised to see that set among the flowers is a wall relief that is none other than a lion’s head—a delightful detail you might see in a true English garden. The study, in fact, boasts a view of just that. Tall, perfectly placed green shrubs and a private sitting area compose a magnificent garden with obvious English influences. The private backyard also features a beautiful pond, gazebo and field of wildflowers. “I believe we have the nicest backyard in the county because we purposely placed plantings so that when you sit on the patio, you see the pond and the flowers, not any other houses,” explains the owner. “It’s very private, yet we live 10 minutes from the mall, shopping...whatever you want. But when I sit in my backyard, it’s like I’m in the middle of nowhere.”

European Influence

Before even breaking ground, the Tudor’s homeowners went far—quite far, in fact—to ensure their new home would have the truly authentic look and feel they desired. As avid travelers, the two eagerly embarked on tours of manor homes throughout England and Ireland, determined to garner the fine details they sought to infuse into their own new home. Armed with countless photos of Tudor style English architecture and pubs, they set to work and backed themselves with a great team—a team that included masonry experts, framers and other professionals and artisans, coordinated by Jim Rans of Rans Custom Builders. From the landscaping to the study, they envisioned a truly authentic look, inside and out, and went to great lengths to ensure it became a reality. 

The Grounds

From the moment you set foot onto the property, its warmth is defined. Located on a cozy cul-de-sac, the intricately detailed brick home and its 2.59 acres is enough to call you in. The driveway is large and welcoming, and the yard and its surrounding gardens and shrubs are green, lush and nothing short of well-planned. “The landscaping was very thoughtfully designed to not just work from the outside, but from the inside, too,” says the homeowner. She recalled walking through the house with the landscaper during its construction and how he paid close attention to the different views from the various rooms, explaining what plants would be most beneficial to bringing the outdoor feeling in. 

The natural plantings, in true organic form, transition throughout the various seasons as well, offering colors and foliage that also change. And you may not be surprised to see that set among the flowers is a wall relief that is none other than a lion’s head—a delightful detail you might see in a true English garden. The study, in fact, boasts a view of just that. Tall, perfectly placed green shrubs and a private sitting area compose a magnificent garden with obvious English influences. The private backyard also features a beautiful pond, gazebo and field of wildflowers. “I believe we have the nicest backyard in the county because we purposely placed plantings so that when you sit on the patio, you see the pond and the flowers, not any other houses,” explains the owner. “It’s very private, yet we live 10 minutes from the mall, shopping...whatever you want. But when I sit in my backyard, it’s like I’m in the middle of nowhere.”

Rich Woodwork

Any knowledgeable designer or builder will tell you there are times when you might consider painting existing woodwork, and there are times when it would truly be a crime. Living up to the rest of the home’s high-end quality and attention to detail, this Tudor home’s woodwork detail is a feature that adds authenticity and sheer impressiveness. The formal living room, for example, features a large fireplace with an antique mantle imported from England. In order to tie it in seamlessly, the owners hired an Amish woodworker to fashion the rest of the woodwork detail to match the original antique using English oak. The piece was so exquisitely executed, the homeowners have a bit of fun seeing if guests can tell where the antique wood actually ends and the new piece begins. 

Gorgeous wood detailing continues to charm throughout the home in features such as sculpted, exposed oak beams, Gothic arches, antique built-ins and a soaring, custom paneled ceiling. In the study, you’ll find two sets of antique, arched, leaded glass doors. After falling in love with the pieces and having the doors professionally refurbished, the owner was surprised to learn they were also made from rosewood, a wood so rare it is endangered and no longer sold commercially. The homeowner explains, “While the home’s wood is rich, it also adds so much warmth and—paired with all the large windows and natural light—it doesn’t feel heavy.”

Built for Living and Entertaining

Besides the inviting foyer with a scaling, wood-panel lined ceiling or the open, light-filled custom designed chef’s kitchen, the home flows easily from one room to the next, thanks to great planning, ample lighting and tall, 10-foot ceilings. “The house, even though it’s large, really is a great family house,” says the homeowner. “It’s very warm and lives well for a family.” She adds, “That is a soccer playing kid’s backyard!” 

In fact, between the lower level walkout patio, large, elevated deck, elaborate English pub, large living and family rooms and four-season conservatory, the house offers many unique areas for family or guests alike. “We are the gathering space for all the holidays,” explains the homeowner, “Not just because of the space but because it flows so well.” In fact, the property has been host to years of family celebrations—everything from the owners’ renewal of vows in the English garden to St. Patrick’s Day pub parties in the downstairs bar. Whether it was a Christmas soiree, Halloween party, brunch or graduation, the owners express great pride in having a home that can cater to all occasions comfortably.

The Conservatory

If there’s one area of the house that seems to stand out all on its own, it’s the conservatory. Located in the back of the house with access from both the study and the family room, it serves as a true hub of light, warmth and, of course, stargazing. Built and imported from England, it upholds the same, authentic charm the rest of the house boasts, while adding an airy and open concept to the home’s space that you don’t often see. Needless to say, the owners find themselves in there often, any time of year, sipping coffee or tea, while soaking up the sweet garden surroundings, waterfront views and sprawling lawn.

All in the Details

Recognized by unique features such as masonry details, elaborate stonework, an asymmetrical design, exposed wood framework and pitched, gabled roofs, the Tudor style home was introduced to America in the early nineteenth century. It’s no wonder the eclectic yet impressive design elements that were common in European manor homes gained popularity here and are certainly appreciated today.

When it came to executing the intricate brickwork of their home, the homeowners handed over the design reins to their head mason. He was so impassioned with how he thought the brick and stone detail should look, they came home one day to find that the original pattern was completely reconfigured into something new. Even more detail ensued. Embedded in the masonry outside the dining room are three terracotta coins that came from Woolworth’s, an old department store in Chicago, and an antique newel post also serves as an outdoor finial. 

That same, unmatched detail is mirrored in the rest of the work that followed as well—from the reinforced framing, copper gutters and slate roof to the home’s five fireplaces, Indiana Limestone arches, five beautiful bedrooms and six en suites.

Aesthetics aside, the homeowners also spent more time planning than most—one and a half years to be exact—ensuring everything was perfect, beautiful and functional. The homeowner says proudly, “Our home has all the amenities of a modern home with the feeling of one that is old.”

While the look and feel of this home has evolved over time, one thing is certain—great thought has been put into every corner of this house. Although the homeowners had a specific dream and vision from the beginning, it has been a true labor of love to transform the house into the beautiful home it has become today.