The 845 Clifton Road Transformation
Breathing New Life into a Historic Gem
Some properties are more than just homes; they’re pieces of history with a spirit and presence that can’t be replicated. That’s exactly what Harvin Greene saw when she first encountered this Normandy farmhouse on 845 Clifton Road in Historic Druid Hills, Atlanta. With its whitewashed brick, timeless slate roof, and a turret that peeked through the trees like a quiet sentinel, this hidden gem had all the makings of a classic—and yet, it had been nearly lost to time. Harvin and her husband, Tommy, undertook an ambitious project to restore the 1928 masterpiece designed by the legendary Philip Trammell Shutze, honoring the home’s storied past while preparing it for the future.
Love at First Sight
Hidden within the lush, wooded landscape of Druid Hills, the Normandy farmhouse at 845 Clifton Road was practically invisible to passersby. But to those who knew, it was a rare Shutze—one of the only Normandy farmhouse-style homes designed by the celebrated Southern architect, Philip Trammell Shutze. His work includes iconic sites like the Swan House and the Temple, and this home, too, bore his unmistakable signature: a harmonious balance between structure and elegance, with Old World influences evident in every line.
Yet, by the time Harvin set eyes on it, this beauty was more than faded; it had become a relic in desperate need of attention. Years of neglect, topped off by a catastrophic tree fall that took out part of the structure, had left the house in disrepair. But where some saw decay, Harvin saw potential. She knew that with the right touch, this home could not only be restored but could also thrive as a modern-day masterpiece. With Shutze’s original plans in hand, Harvin and Tommy committed to restoring every detail, from the broken chimney to the whitewashed brick, breathing life back into each and every stone.
Reimagining a Vision
To restore Shutze’s vision, Harvin and Tommy approached the project with a commitment to authenticity and meticulous attention to detail. Partnering with architect Francis Kirkpatrick, the team worked from Shutze’s original plans, which had thankfully been preserved through generations of past owners. This was no mere renovation; it was a true restoration, a process that involved rebuilding the entire property while working with craftsmen to match Shutze’s architectural details, mending scars left by fallen trees, and replacing the entire slate roof tile by tile.
Inside, the goal was to honor the property’s historic roots while adding modern touches that made the home functional and fabulous. Walls were carefully demolished to open up spaces, yet original wood beams were preserved, giving the home a timeless warmth. The new design included a bespoke “Plain English” style kitchen that strikes the perfect balance between period authenticity and contemporary flair. With every choice, from fixtures to layout, Harvin and Tommy ensured that each element respected the home’s history while accommodating the luxuries of modern living.
A Space for Entertaining
Harvin’s vision for the Clifton Road property extended beyond architectural precision; she wanted to create a home that lived and breathed, one that invited gathering, entertaining, and quiet moments of appreciation for its surroundings. Every room was crafted to offer a unique experience, from the family room, where original beams and 11-foot ceilings bring a sense of grandeur, to the custom steel doors that fold away to reveal a covered porch overlooking the new saltwater pool. The home now flows seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces, blurring the lines and making it a true retreat.
The saltwater pool and outdoor area weren’t just add-ons; they were extensions of the home’s spirit. Like the original design, they honor the connection between structure and nature, allowing the house to interact with its wooded surroundings. These touches transformed the property into not only a restored piece of history but a luxurious haven that feels fresh, vibrant, and timeless.
An Homage to History
This wasn’t just any old house in need of fixing—it was a project loaded with significance. Built for Monie Alan Ferst, a renowned engineer, industrialist, and philanthropist who founded Scripto (once the world’s largest producer of writing instruments), this home had seen nearly a century of history. A plaque at Georgia Tech honors Ferst as a visionary whose legacy went far beyond his time. That spirit of innovation and dedication to quality lived on in the home, making it a natural fit for Harvin and Tommy’s talents.
When Harvin and her team acquired the house in 2018, it was more than just a transaction; it was an adoption of sorts, a commitment to protect the home’s soul while updating it for the future. The process was intense and methodical, spanning two years, and the results speak for themselves. The Clifton Road project is now a shining example of what a restoration can be when it’s done with passion, precision, and an unyielding respect for the past.
A New Chapter
The transformation of 845 Clifton Road is a testament to Harvin’s dedication to bringing history back to life with integrity and flair. Today, the Normandy farmhouse is a beautiful fusion of past and present, a home that would make Shutze proud and that will no doubt inspire generations to come. The journey wasn’t just about fixing what was broken—it was about rediscovering a work of art and giving it a second life.
For those lucky enough to call it home, the Clifton Road property is now a sanctuary where elegance meets function, history meets modernity, and beauty meets resilience. It’s proof that with the right touch, even the most neglected treasures can become the most coveted homes.
Inspired Interior Finds
Explore Harvin’s handpicked interior design pieces that capture the elegance and timeless charm of the 845 Clifton Road transformation, from vintage-inspired finds to modern touches with classic flair.
