A Big Easy Cottage with Plenty of History

A Big Easy Cottage with Plenty of History
Photography by Stephanie Welbourne Steele

Not only does the Winsbergs’ porch provide an ideal vantage point for observing the world around them, but it is also a beauty to behold from the sidewalk. Built in 1895, this central-hall cottage was owned by only two families before Michael and Connie bought it in 2001. Because it changed hands so few times over the years, much of its original features and hallmark Southern charm remained intact. “Apart from updating things right after we moved in, we’ve kept the renovations to a minimum,” Connie explains.

Inside, a series of gracious rooms with 12-foot ceilings and gleaming heart-pine floors capture a relaxed, well-balanced ambiance that caters to family and friends. “I think we accomplished this by pulling together a casual mix of antiques and traditional furnishings with contemporary artwork and accessories,” Connie points out.