By Gregg Parker 

Although the 117-year-old residence had been neglected and lost some of its spirit, the house at 403 E. Main St. in Hartselle has regained its Victorian ambiance with contemporary conveniences thanks to the work of Mike Tarpley and business partner Randy Hinkle.  

Built in 1903, the house has a wraparound porch along with a side porch for relaxation on warm, sunny afternoons. Carved columns support the porch’s ceiling. The house features a high-pitched roof that gives a dramatic look, and its siding is painted white. The dwelling has a new, metal roof.  

The prime downtown location in Hartselle appealed to Tarpley.  

Truly original 

Four Victorian antique fireplace mantels are original to the house. Other original components include the wallpaper in the foyer, molding and the 10- and 12-foot ceilings. 

Tarpley completed extensive improvements to and restoration of the structure. Fresh paint for the interior and exterior was a must, and he installed new windows for both aesthetics and energy conservation.  

“We refinished the hardwood floors throughout the house,” Tarpley said. “A total renovation of kitchen included new cabinets, granite countertops, new appliances and new lights.”  

To renovate the bathrooms, he installed new vanities, countertops and lights. “We totally reconfigured the master bath with a tile shower and floor. A new vanity has a granite countertop.” 

Comfortable spaciousness  

The house boasts two stories, with 2,400 square feet on the first floor and an extra 1,500 square feet of unfinished space on the second floor. It features three bedrooms, with a spacious, walk-in closet in the master bedroom. A large kitchen and dining room can accommodate family dinners and holiday entertainment as family and guests mingle afterwards in the roomy living space.   

A large foyer sets the mood as people enter the home, which follows a conventional floor plan. The spacious rooms all have high ceilings and handsome, dark hardwood floors. 

The house adheres to French country style, with a color theme emphasizing light grey with dark grey accents. The crown and shoe moldings are painted white.  

Tarpley said that the kitchen and dining room are favorite spots in the house for gathering and conversation.  

Blooming color  

The home’s backyard has large azaleas for blooms in early spring. Perennials help to give color year-round in the lawn. Other flowering specimens are climbing clematis, rose bushes and crepe myrtles.  

Pebble paths provide both a pleasing view and practical walking route in the yard. “We have the original gazebos and two large birdbaths,” Tarpley added. The property also has a one-car detached garage and a separate woodwork shop. 

His wife, Lawana Tarpley, is retired from the Morgan County Schools district. Their daughter Jade Chowning works for Remax Platinum.