Published: March 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Kim Hassold
EDITOR IN CHIEF

Photo galleries:
TALK home with Fran and Paul Houmann (02/25/10)

When Fran and Paul Houmann purchased their home in 1997, the property came with some history of its own.

Interior designer Ivet Ivanova says the family likes more “casual living and a simple, modern and uncluttered look,” The gathering room features some of the natural elements seen throughout the house — the slate stone flooring and lava stone wall. (OWEN RILEY JR./Staff)

“The home was originally built by the Daniel Corporation in 1969, designed by architect Joe Hiller. It took three years to complete and was one of two company homes built. The house went through a couple of other owners and was even abandoned for a year at one point,” says Paul. “We did some renovation when we first purchased it, and then finished it in April 2009 with a goal to completely restore the architectural integrity.”

The master bedroom showcases art collected in Africa. Paul spent part of his childhood in Ethiopia, and the family has enjoyed traveling to South Africa together. The fabric art piece is thought to be crafted from local earth pigments. African dolls are said to provide protection. (OWEN RILEY JR./Staff)

Bart Rogers of Delux Construction headed up the renovation, along with complete interior design by Ivet Ivanova of Bogari. Fran says the two were an indispensible part of the final result.

“I can't say enough about how pleased we were with their guidance in achieving our goals. We love the location and really enjoy the wildlife here — it is like a haven for birds. Right now we have a breeding pair of hawks, and we've seen ducks in the creek and also a snow egret. We enjoy complete tranquility.”

Paul agrees that the couple, along with children Alex and Erika, have found the perfect place.

“We are lucky to have two acres right in the middle of Greenville. Restoring the complete sweep of the deck over the creek and the use of glass windows and doors throughout allows us to enjoy the aesthetics of the property in every season.