211 Culver Road 

In the Mediterranean Style

The freshly painted gold stucco and trim of the Mediterranean style house at 211 Culver Road immediately catches one’s eye. When this 1910 house was built, Culver was home to many of Rochester’s prominent families. The inlaid mosaic tiles over the arched front entrance, wrought iron detailing, and a decorative turned copper downspout hint at surprises within.

The front door opens to a low arched hallway with a wall niche facing an ornate stained glass window. A beautiful arched door with stained glass windows opens to two small rooms where an Episcopal bishop once received visitors. The outer chamber is now a newly renovated bathroom; the tiny inner chamber retains its original paneling, wooden bookcases and stained glass.

Three stairs lead from the front door to a deep red living room with white trim and high ceilings. The room is airy and bright with spectacular architectural features. These include a large bay window and a deep arched alcove housing a fireplace with carved wood mantle, built-in bookshelves and arched doors leading to the dining room. Another gracious archway opens to a four-season sun porch floored with large terra cotta tiles.

The large formal dining room has buttery yellow walls, a green tiled floor and white wainscoting with carved rosettes. The decorative plaster ceiling has been painstakingly hand painted. At one end is a fireplace with an elegant green marble surround and built-in dish cupboard. Stained glass windows in greens and golds are nestled in another alcove. The butler’s pantry has original diamond-paned wooden cupboards, a small sink and dishwasher. The kitchen has a modern steel gas range and refrigerator. The kitchen porch overlooks the two-car garage, fenced-in yard and brick patio.

A gracious staircase with gently tapered spindles and a curved banister leads to the second floor hall that features an ornate dark wood linen closet and herringbone-patterned wood floors. The generous master bedroom has its own sun porch and a recently converted bathroom with stylish modern fixtures. Its walk-in closet connects to a small bright room, which could be a bedroom, dressing room or office.

A large bedroom at the back of the house has an arched alcove of windows and a closet hidden in the wood molding. The fourth bedroom, originally a servant’s, has a porch and bathroom with original white ceramic tiles, pedestal sink and claw-foot tub. Another full bathroom with well-preserved original tiles and fixtures is located off the hall. The unfinished walk-up attic with soaring cathedral ceiling offers ample storage space.

Tastefully renovated, with outstanding original architectural features (found as copies in today’s million dollar mansions), this is a beautiful home for a family or couple. 211 Culver Road is located just a block from Park Avenue’s charming shops and restaurants and I-490. This 3358 square foot home is listed for $280,000 with taxes of $6263. For further information, contact Robert Tarbox Jr. (585 370-2649) at R.M. Tarbox Realty.

Rebecca Webb lives in the Park Avenue area and teaches linguistics at the University of Rochester.