Historic 1923 Lawrence Home in Kansas With Expansive Brick Patios, Dual Sun Porches, and Rare Dual-Street Access
This beautifully preserved 1923 home in Lawrence, Kansas, is deeply rooted in local history, built by G. W. Stratton of the University of Kansas on land tied to the original Fort Thatcher Place—one of the city’s most historically significant neighborhoods. Its architectural style blends classic early 20th-century charm with privacy, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 sun porches, and an expansive, maintenance-free yard described as an oasis in the city. The home boasts recent updates like heated kitchen floors and modern AC/heat units, while original radiators and a natural gas generator offer reliable comfort. Listed at $1,050,000, the property combines rich heritage, ample entertaining space, and enviable proximity to KU landmarks, making it a rare move-in-ready gem eligible for historic preservation status.
Front Exterior
A historic home with a generous two-story facade, shingle siding on the upper level, and a smooth, pale-gray stucco on the lower level. Multiple white-trimmed windows allow ample daylight into the house. Distinctive details include colorful striped awnings over the doorways, adding charming vintage appeal. A red brick walkway curves gracefully through manicured hedges and lush landscaping, leading to the entrance. Mature trees with leafy branches frame the house, casting soft dappled shadows over the garden and walkway. The architecture features gables and dormers, while a wooden deck and side porch offer inviting outdoor spaces.
Deck Entryway
A covered wooden deck sits beneath a section of the house featuring a Gambrel roof with weathered cedar shingles and crisp white trim. Two large rectangular windows and a small arched window line the upper floor, letting in ample sunlight. An arched lattice entryway, painted white, leads onto the deck, paired with decorative wrought iron wall art. The muted green stucco walls complement the natural setting, while the deck is surrounded by a wooden railing and shaded by tall leafy trees. The space feels open, welcoming, and well-integrated with the lush outdoor landscape.
Backyard Deck
A spacious cedar-toned wooden deck extends from the historic house, bordered by a manicured hedge that outlines the transition to the adjacent garden walkway. Large multi-pane windows line the gray stucco and shingled exterior walls, filling the area with natural light. Striped retractable awnings in dark green with orange accents provide shade above the double French doors. Overhead, mature trees cast gentle shadow patterns on the deck and lawn, and a detached garage with white shutters and matching windows completes the setting. The scene combines vintage charm with inviting, functional outdoor living space in a leafy, tranquil environment.
Front Entrance
A classic American home exterior featuring a symmetrical facade with white-framed windows and wood shingle accents on the upper level. The central covered entryway features a curved arch above the front door, which is painted white with sidelights. Two American flags flank the steps, which are made of stone and bordered by lush, leafy plants in red planters. White picket fencing and decorative window shutters enhance the charm. The house is surrounded by greenery and shaded by mature trees, creating a welcoming, historic, and well-maintained curb appeal with an inviting, cheerful atmosphere.
Front Entryway
A welcoming front door opens to reveal a partial view of a well-kept entryway. The dark painted door is adorned with a lush, vibrant wreath featuring pink, purple, and red flowers with greenery, adding a cheerful touch. Surrounding the door are sidelights with classic grilles, one featuring blinds for light control. The inner wall near the door is painted a bold, deep red, contrasted by crisp white trim and door frames. Through the glass storm door, the exterior stone steps and a tree-lined street can be seen, evoking a cozy, historic charm and a connection to the greenery outdoors.
Deck Entryway
A wide wooden deck leads up to a covered entryway, framed by two symmetrical white lattice arches with square grid patterns. The house exterior features smooth gray stucco walls, accented by shingled siding above the entry and crisp white trim around the roofline. Two decorative white metal wall grills are mounted symmetrically on either side of the arches, introducing an element of historic charm. Double doors with multiple glass panes provide access to the interior. The overall aesthetic blends rustic textures with elegant detailing, inviting guests to pause before entering the home.
Wraparound Porch
Spacious wraparound porch with rich, honey-toned wooden decking and sturdy wooden railings. Large French doors with arched white frames accentuate the entry, flanked by a pale gray exterior wall and decorative wrought-iron wall ornaments. The upper floor features a gabled roof line with weathered shingle siding and several double-hung white-trimmed windows, adding historic charm. American flags are displayed along the perimeter, while lush green trees and manicured shrubbery create a tranquil, natural backdrop. The overall design blends classic Americana with elegant architectural details, offering inviting outdoor living space perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests.
Porch Overlook
An inviting, spacious porch with a rich reddish-brown wooden floor stretches out to a sunlit deck surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs. Large, open geometric white lattice arches frame the view, giving the area a classic and airy feel. The structure’s muted gray pillars contrast with the warm tones of the deck, while the natural light filters through foliage outside. The deck transitions seamlessly from the covered porch area, and the wooden railing on the deck provides a sense of openness, allowing an unobstructed view of the surrounding garden and woods, enhancing the serene, historic charm.
Backyard Deck
A spacious wooden deck, glistening as if recently rained on, stretches across the foreground, scattered with yellow autumn leaves. The deck features a subtle angular design and is surrounded by a simple wooden railing on one side. Manicured hedges border the deck, creating a sense of separation from the suburban backyard beyond. Mature trees with green and yellow foliage arch overhead, partially obscuring the cloudy sky. In the background, an American flag on a tall flagpole stands near the edge of the deck, while neighboring houses with vintage facades and fenced yards add to the residential, tranquil ambiance.
Kitchen Details
A traditional kitchen is styled with soft white cabinetry featuring paneling and brass hardware, creating an inviting atmosphere. The U-shaped counter layout maximizes workspace and includes built-in appliances such as a dishwasher and stove, all in white. A beige laminate countertop pairs subtlety with the neutral gray tiled flooring below. Crown molding runs atop the wall cabinets, with faux greenery decoratively lining the top edges. The room is softly lit by recessed ceiling lights and a small ceiling fan. Olive green paint on the walls adds warmth and contrast, while a set of square blue glass tiles in the backsplash provides a touch of color.
Living Room Doors
A bright living room with soft yellow walls and plush off-white carpeting. Three sets of French doors, each with multiple glass panes, open to outdoor areas, allowing natural sunlight to flood the space and cast geometric shadows on the floor. The main feature is a white wooden fireplace with black tile hearth, centered on one wall with a touch of greenery atop the mantle. Large windows with white blinds line another wall, while the overall layout feels spacious and inviting, combining traditional charm with an airy, open feel.
Living Room Entry
A bright living room with soft yellow walls and plush cream carpeting. Three French doors with glass panes open outward, two leading to a patio and one to a porch, allowing abundant sunlight to stream inside. There’s a large, traditional white fireplace with a black tile surround and gold accent trim on the right. Above the central set of doors is a modern wall-mounted air conditioning unit. White trim frames the windows and doors, and a single window with white blinds adds extra natural light. The overall ambiance is airy, cozy, and welcoming with classic architectural details.
Staircase Entryway
A staircase stands prominently, featuring creamy white steps with light beige carpeting and wooden handrails that add a classic touch. The stairwell walls are painted a bold, deep red, making a striking contrast against the neutral trim and balustrade. To the right, an open doorway with matching trim leads into a sunlit room painted a soft yellow, which features large windows with white blinds and a glass-paneled door. The floors throughout appear to be carpeted in a pale tone, contributing to a cozy and traditional atmosphere enhanced by the clean architectural lines and vintage-inspired palette.
Upstairs Landing
A vibrant upstairs landing features striking deep red walls contrasted with white trim, creating a bold and dramatic look. Neutral-colored carpet covers the floor, providing softness underfoot. The wooden stair railing with white balusters adds a traditional touch, while the wood-topped rail introduces warmth. Dual doorways lead to adjacent rooms painted in a calming slate blue, visible in the background and lit by abundant windows. An archway frames a cozy nook by the window, and a ceiling fan with a light fixture hangs overhead, blending functionality with classic aesthetics. The overall look is colorful, warm, and welcoming.
Upstairs Landing
An upstairs hallway area painted in a bold, deep red creates a striking contrast to the white trim and beige carpet underfoot. The layout centers around an open staircase with a wooden handrail and classic white balusters. A graceful arch at the end of the space frames a nook with three large windows, letting in daylight. In the nook sits a white radiator and a small lamp on the windowsill, providing a cozy touch. The room’s clean lines and symmetry suggest a blend of traditional and transitional aesthetics, while nearby doorways lead to adjacent rooms in softer hues.
Bathroom Sink Area
A compact, vintage-style bathroom featuring a pedestal sink with chrome fixtures and a classic white toilet beside it. The walls are partially tiled in white square tiles, topped with a medium wood trim that matches the wood-framed mirrored medicine cabinet above the sink. A single towel ring with a dark hand towel hangs on the wall. To the right, a large window with privacy-patterned glass lets in natural light, while a white cast iron radiator stands beneath the sill. Gray square floor tiles add depth, and simple touches like a tissue box and soap dispenser provide functionality.
Sunroom Windows
A bright sunroom filled with natural light from large, multi-paned windows that wrap around two walls. The room features olive-green walls with crisp white trim, lending a classic and inviting look. Soft beige carpet covers the floor, adding warmth and coziness. A white ceiling fan with light is mounted centrally, contributing a functional detail to the space. The abundance of windows offers clear views to the garden outside, making the room feel connected to nature. The overall aesthetic is serene and welcoming, ideal for relaxation or enjoying morning sunlight.
Bedroom Entryway
A cozy, light-filled bedroom with soft, cream-colored walls and plush, neutral carpeting. A large double window on the right lets in natural daylight, framed with white trim that matches the room’s baseboards and doors. A classic white radiator sits below the window, adding a vintage touch. Two simple panel doors, one partially open, are set on the left wall leading to adjoining rooms or closets. The ceiling features a contemporary brushed-nickel ceiling fan with white opaque light, giving a blend of historic and modern aesthetics. The room opens to a hallway with deeper red-painted walls beyond, adding visual interest.
Basement Workspace
A spacious basement area with concrete floors and exposed ceiling beams, painted in neutral gray and white tones for a utilitarian look. The left side features a water heater and furnace unit near a white-bricked support column, hinting at the room’s dual purpose for utilities and work. Against one wall, two tall metal filing cabinets, beige and black, offer organized storage, while a wooden workbench is topped with a clutter of tools and supplies. Pipes, electrical wiring, and ductwork run across the ceiling, along with industrial fluorescent lighting that brightens the entire space. Walls are mostly unfinished with painted masonry surfaces.
Garage Entrance
This area features a concrete driveway leading up to a two-story garage with a classic gambrel roof. The garage door is white with four small windows along the top. Above the garage is a small balcony with a wooden railing, accessible by a single door. The siding is a mix of grey-painted panels and brown shingles, giving a rustic charm. An American flag and a Kansas City flag hang near the entrance. Surrounding the driveway are leafy trees with autumn foliage, a wooden fence, and a painted U.S. flag sign, creating a warm, inviting, and distinctly American aesthetic.
Backyard Deck
A spacious wooden deck extends from the rear of the house, bordered by leafy trees that filter sunlight, creating a tranquil, dappled effect across the area. The deck is fitted with a wooden railing and overlooks a garden edged with manicured hedges. French doors with divided glass panes open to the house, above which hangs a green, red, and cream striped awning providing shade. The home exterior features dark shingle siding on the upper story and pale stucco below. The scene is bright and inviting, evoking a relaxed, outdoor living atmosphere in a wooded setting with clear blue skies.
Garden Feature
A rustic brick pathway lined with scattered autumn leaves winds through a garden lush with low green ground cover and slender trees. At the center sits a weathered wooden lobster trap adorned with two bright red, life-sized metal lobster sculptures, adding a whimsical and coastal-inspired focal point. The scene blends natural elements and playful art, with wet leaves enhancing the earthy, inviting feel. The surrounding wooden fence and trees enclose the area, giving it a cozy, sheltered atmosphere that contrasts artfully with the vibrant red lobsters. Overall, the design emphasizes rustic charm and a nod to maritime heritage.
Porch Entryway
Covered porch with natural wood plank flooring, bordered by a muted gray textured wall. White-framed glass pane doors add a touch of classic detail, leading to the house interior. A decorative grid archway incorporated into one wall provides an elegant, almost garden-like accent, allowing sunlight to filter through and cast intricate shadows on the floor. To the left, a simple wooden railing guards the edge and hints at stairs descending outside. The space has a peaceful, airy quality, surrounded by the lush greenery of mature trees seen through the glass. Soft neutral tones and wood create an inviting, timeless outdoor transition.
Front Walkway
A wooden walkway bordered by a simple wooden railing leads down a slope surrounded by lush green vegetation and young trees. The wood appears freshly rained on, adding a glistening, natural look. The path gently descends toward a sidewalk and street, visible beyond the treeline where several cars are parked. The area feels secluded and tranquil due to the dense greenery, creating a peaceful barrier between the home and street. The overall atmosphere is serene and inviting, blending natural elements with a touch of rustic architectural charm.
Garden Walkway
A gently curving stone and brick path leads through a lush, shaded garden area dense with groundcover and mature trees. Green foliage from small bushes and tall trees surrounds the path, lending a sense of privacy and tranquility. A rustic wooden fence is visible along one side, partially obscured by vegetation. Fallen leaves dot the walkway and ground, giving a natural, slightly untamed look. Muted earth tones dominate the color palette, with deep greens from the plants blending harmoniously with the brown and red bricks, creating a serene, inviting outdoor atmosphere perfect for a historic home.
Garden Pathway
A charming brick pathway curves through a lush garden area, leading toward a small building with classic gray siding and white-trimmed windows featuring shutters. The ground is covered with dense green foliage and several slender trees, creating a canopy of branches and leaves. To the left, a wooden fence adds privacy, while at the far end, a gray arched gate in a low stucco wall opens to another part of the property. The space has a peaceful, slightly overgrown feel, with natural light filtering through the trees and a tranquil ambiance reminiscent of a secret garden.
Listing Agent: TIM MARTIN of KW INTEGRITY via Zillow
