Eclectic 85-year-old French Bexley manse hits the market for $1.65 million

According to the old adage, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.

Jamie and Susan Rupp took that advice to heart. They planted a border of pines in their backyard when they bought their Bexley home nearly two decades ago.

Now, with the trees matured, along with the couple's two children, they are ready to downsize. They have listed their 1939 home on Ashbourne Road for $1.65 million with Cutler Real Estate agent David Powers.

A home built in 1939 on Ashbourne Road in Bexley has been listed for $1.65 million.
A home built in 1939 on Ashbourne Road in Bexley has been listed for $1.65 million.

The trees aren't the only changes the Rupps made when they bought the property in 2005. Before even moving in, the couple significantly modified the 3,788-square-foot home while keeping it true to its pre-war roots and its eclectic French design.

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The owners of a newly listed home on Ashbourne Road in Bexley planted trees and other greenery when they moved in nearly 20 years ago.
The owners of a newly listed home on Ashbourne Road in Bexley planted trees and other greenery when they moved in nearly 20 years ago.

"We wanted to be very respectful of the history, and keep as much as the original as we tried to restore those elements and bring them back to life," said Jamie.

A kitchen was built in the original formal dining room space in a newly listed Bexley home.
A kitchen was built in the original formal dining room space in a newly listed Bexley home.

The biggest change was replacing the small galley kitchen with a much larger one in the former dining room while shifting the dining room into the former formal living room.

In addition to creating a modern, well-equipped kitchen, the change allowed a mudroom to be built and gave the kitchen direct access to the outdoors and the great room, which had been added by previous owners.

A great room anchors the rear of a Bexley home newly listed for $1.65 million.
A great room anchors the rear of a Bexley home newly listed for $1.65 million.

In addition to the kitchen and great room, the main floor includes a foyer, library, formal dining room and two stairways, both of which lead to the second floor and basement.

Upstairs, the couple converted the five bedrooms and three bathrooms into four bedrooms, each with its own bath.

Four bedrooms, each with its own bath, occupy the second floor of a Bexley home new to the market.
Four bedrooms, each with its own bath, occupy the second floor of a Bexley home new to the market.

Otherwise, many of the changes were more restoration than remodeling.

New copper gutters were installed below the home's slate roof. Every window was replaced with custom casement windows. All bathrooms were refurbished.

A library in a Bexley home for sale includes a wood-burning fireplace.
A library in a Bexley home for sale includes a wood-burning fireplace.

Leaded glass was added to the front door and brass ornaments were restored along the stairwell. Wall-to-wall carpet, which covered about 90% of the home, was pulled up and the white oak wood floors refinished.

"We really wanted to be faithful stewards of the house beyond our presence there," said Jamie. "We think we've done a good job of that."

A formal dining room occupies the former living room space in a newly listed Bexley home.
A formal dining room occupies the former living room space in a newly listed Bexley home.

Now, with both children out of college and out of town, the Rupps, who run a sportswear business, are ready for a change.

"We're moving to German Village," said Susan. "It's the next phase of our lives but our house is a great family house and we're hoping it's enjoyed next by another family."

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Restored 1939 Bexley home hits the market for $1.65 million