A home in the 100 block of Cattell Street on Easton's College Hill is one of many on the 2017 Historic Easton House Tour.
There's nothing unusual about families downsizing when the kids go off to college. But for new Easton residents Sandy and Bill Prothman, downsizing took on a whole new meaning.
With their two children in college, the former Kansas City residents left behind a house on more than 5 acres and purchased a charming two-story house in the 100 block of Cattell Street.
Bill's job transfer brought the couple to the Lehigh Valley, but it was a desire to try something different that led them to the College Hill home.
It is one of several properties eatured in this year's Historic Easton House Tour, which is May 6.
And just as you can't judge a book by its cover, you can't judge the spaciousness of this home by its facade. One step inside and you are introduced not only to Sandy's style but to her family.
Music is important to the family and is displayed in the entrance. Family treasures sprinkled throughout the home tell a story of Sandy and Bill's family dating back to their grandparents.
It's cool mix of old and modern that works well in an open space, multi-level living area.
Upstairs, three bedrooms tell more family history. Sandy's grandparents and parents slept in the bed in the master suite and both of her children's rooms are furnished with other family heirloom furniture. Her daughter's room is decorated with crochet work made by her grandmother. For her son's room, she decided to honor the rich history of her new hometown with a nod toward Americana.
Photos of trips decorate walls, along with found treasures and art that not only blend well but have meaning.
A historic house on restaurant row
Sandy says she has been antiquing since she was a teenager and notes that old sewing machine - it has its original instructions and a bill of sale in the drawer - was something she bought when she was just 16.
Aside from antiquing and creating beautiful looks for her home, Sandy is a jazz singer and performer in a duet called Sandy and Max. She also is the owner of For the Girls, a bra-fitting and lingerie boutique at 11 N. Second St. in Easton.
The Historic Easton House Tour, in partnership with Easton Main Street Initiative, will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 6.
The event is an annual fundraiser that benefits the preservation of historic buildings and the continuation of Easton cultural events.
Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 the day of the tour. They can be purchased online at the Easton Main Street Initiative Offices, 35 S. Third St., and at a variety of locations in the Easton area.
For more information, email info@eastonhousetour.com or call 610-330-9940.
Do you know of any cool spaces that you'd like to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below or email me at kjfrantz@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow lehighvalleylive.com on Twitter at @lehighvalley. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.