739 Cobb Stret
Historical Research and Compilation by Ray Beam
Photos by Matt Brewster, Marigold Solutions
House Instructions:
No red wine please. Back hall and bedrooms not on tour, but front guest room is open. One restroom available. Guest house/art studio is open. Enter on front and exit through the back after visiting studio.
House History:
W.L. Florence, originally from Powder Springs, Georgia, was known for his successful Hereford Bulls, which won several prestigious awards at the Southeastern Fair in Atlanta in 1917. His wife, Marie S. Florence, played an active role in her community, and in 1940, she was re-elected as president of the auxiliary in Athens, Georgia, further establishing her as a prominent local figure. Tragically, on May 28, 1942, W.L. Florence Sr. passed away suddenly, with no further details provided in his obituary. At the time of his death, he was working as an operator at the Dr. Pepper Bottling Plant. Following his death, Marie inherited his estate and continued to manage her responsibilities both at home and within the community. Their son, W.L. Florence Jr., would go on to become the president of the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, carrying on the family's connection to the business. In 1978, after years of contributing to her community and working for Dr. Pepper, Marie S. Florence decided to opt into the Cobbham Historic District, an area known for its historic significance. She became a part of the district, preserving the family's legacy while continuing to live and work in the area.
Appropriate infill in an earlier era, this house was built in the waning years of the Cobbham neighborhood in the late 1920s by W. L. Florence. It contains aspects of the Craftsman style as well as modern characteristics with the carport.
The Craftsman architectural style, which emerged in the early 20th century, is part of the Arts and Crafts movement that began in England and spread to the United States. It became particularly popular in the United States between 1905 and 1930, especially in suburban and residential areas. The style emphasizes handcrafted details, simplicity, and the use of natural materials.
Key Features of the Craftsman Style:
Low-Pitched Roofs:
Craftsman homes typically have low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide eaves that overhang, often supported by large, exposed rafters or brackets. The roofs might feature dormers (small, often decorative roof structures) to provide light and space on upper floors.Wide, Overhanging Eaves: One of the most recognizable features of the Craftsman style is the large, overhanging eaves that create a sense of shelter and protection. These eaves are often adorned with decorative brackets or braces, which are not only functional but also add visual interest.
Exposed Woodwork: Craftsman homes often showcase natural wood, both on the exterior and interior. This includes wood siding (often in the form of shingles or clapboards), wooden window frames, and prominent use of oak, cherry, or fir on interior details like cabinetry, beams, and trim.
Built-In Furniture: A hallmark of Craftsman interiors is built-in furniture, such as bookcases, benches, and even dining room cabinets. These features are designed to make efficient use of space and emphasize craftsmanship.
Artistic and Handcrafted Details: The Craftsman style embraces handwork and artistry in construction. Decorative elements like exposed joinery, hand-hewn wood beams, and intricate tilework are common. The idea is to celebrate the beauty of craftsmanship and natural materials.
Porches with Square or Tapered Columns: Many Craftsman homes have a prominent front porch supported by square, tapered columns, sometimes made of wood, sometimes with stone or brick bases. The porch often extends across the front of the house and serves as an inviting outdoor living space.
Natural Materials: The Craftsman style makes extensive use of natural materials, including wood, stone, and brick. These materials help connect the home with its natural surroundings and give the structure a rustic, earthy feel.
Open Floor Plans: The interiors of Craftsman homes often feature open, flowing spaces, with living areas and dining areas blending into one another. The idea was to create spaces that were practical and functional but also welcoming and communal.
Large Windows with Divided Lights: Windows are often large and plentiful in Craftsman homes, designed to bring the outdoors inside. Many Craftsman homes feature double-hung windows with divided lights (also known as “multi-light” or “paned” windows), often with wide, wooden window frames. These windows frequently look out onto the front porch or garden.
Use of Color: Craftsman homes often feature a rich, earthy color palette. Exteriors might be painted in shades of brown, green, or tan to blend in with the natural environment. The interior might also feature warm, deep tones like wood browns, deep greens, and warm reds.