This American vernacular house was built in 1905 for John F. Methvin, an Atlanta Superior Court Judge and Civil War veteran. It was home to six generations of his family for a total of 117 years before two of his granddaughters sold the house to Jessica and Ryan in 2025. This beloved piece of history has retained its original floor plan, decorative trim, and leaded- glass transom. The tall ceilings, pocket doors, original details, fireplaces in every room, and an inviting layout are the Woodses’ favorite features.
Despite the surprises this major fixer-upper serves up almost every day, the new owners have stayed committed to restoring its beauty. While they still have many renovation projects to complete, they are happy to share their work in progress so visitors can glimpse the pros, cons, and pains of renovating a 121-year-old structure. Their initial renovations included extensive work on the roof, soffits, and fascia, as well as the addition of central heating and air conditioning. The heart- pine floors, covered with paint and many decades of stain, have been returned to their natural beauty. Jessica and Ryan agree that dealing with peeling plaster walls and ceilings was the most consuming, arduous, and frustrating project they initially undertook themselves.
The Woodses qualified for Georgia’s historic property rehabilitation income tax credit by adhering to strict historic landmark guidelines. It is exciting to see the results of Jessica and Ryan’s labor of love and appreciation for historical properties.