DePaola Home

27 Wesley Street |
Humble Swiss Cottage

This Swiss cottage was built in 1870 by The Cole Manufacturing Company for W. A. Mitchell. He owned this lot as well as the large house next-door, to the right of the property. During Mr. Mitchell's lifetime, it was rented to the Methodist pastor for his family. After his death around 1900, it was sold as a private residence. When it was first built, the house consisted of only four rooms and a small kitchen. There was an addition in 1890, which added the hall bath and main bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The rest was added in the 1930s, at which time they installed the current oak floor, covering up the original wide plank pine to seamlessly blend with the addition. In the 1980s the Erhenhard family moved the kitchen from the very back of the house (laundry room) to where it is still today.This structural architecture of 2" thick heart pine walls with crossed timber bracing is what makes it unique. The interior "stick style" bracing is reminiscent of medieval architecture. As far as we know, this is the only house of its type in Coweta County.The current owners are Melissa and Rob DePaola. They have lived here with their twin boys since the spring of 2020. Although the house has had several different owners over the years, there is a common theme with some of them. Melissa is an artist/designer and Rob is a musician. This was also true of Shelley Laurin and Martin Rudy who owned the house from around 1990 to 2012. At that time, the TV room was "the music room". Just like Melissa does today, Shelley also had her artwork displayed throughout the house. Melissa really wants it to feel like a warm hug when you walk through the door. Her whimsical art aesthetic ties in with the Christmas decor, which is made up of antique finds and hand-me-downs.Since purchasing the house in 2020, Melissa and Rob have done an extensive amount of cosmetic remodeling. They bought it from the Verlander family who lived here for 8 1/2 years with their 7 children. Both full bathrooms were in need of an overhaul. Melissa personally designed them. She meticulously handcrafted the intricate pattern on the floor of the ensuite shower, reminiscent of tile you might find in a house of this age. They recently added a secret hideaway for their two children in the attic. Rob, along with hired help, completed the transformation.Although there are always projects to do, this house has been loved and taken care of over the years, all while keeping so much of its historical charm!

The Strain Home

52 College Street

The Dent Walls Strain Home was built in 1850 by Joseph E. Dent, a successful merchant. Pat and Mike purchased this Greek Revival home with its cantilevered porch and large wooden front door in 2013. They then began a two-year restoration with Jerrel Griffin Construction Company. A giant tarp covered the house for three months while the old lead based paint was abated. Two walls were removed to create open space, and the original brick was exposed on all nine now-operating fireplaces. Structural beams were added for aesthetic and functional purposes. A twelve-foot addition provided space for a master bath, master closets, laundry room, pantry, and back porch. The floors are all original heart pine, and the counter tops are made of repurposed wood from the house. The master claw foot tub is original, and is beautifully placed in front of a new leaded window. Closets and two bathrooms were added on the second floor at a time when the house served as a boarding house. Pat and Mike's six grandchildren enjoy their third floor getaway, with views of the town and of the matching Greek Revival House of Mr. Dent’s brother. Four out buildings were constructed on the property. A carriage house over the garage, a pavilion and pool house for entertaining, and a greenhouse/shed to help with Mike’s gardening. James Farmer Designs decorated the house and designed the landscape plan.

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Leighton and Jill Green Home

32 W. Washington St.

This beautiful Victorian home, located just off Newnan’s court square, is approximately 175 years old. Its close proximity to downtown originally drew Leighton and Jill Green to the property, where they have spent the past 27 years raising their four children. Remarkably, the home has had only five owners across two families in its long history.

A major renovation in 1998 preserved its historic character while updating it for modern family life. The result is a charming blend of past and present that the Greens continue to lovingly maintain.

One standout space is the 1950s kitchen, featuring vibrant red laminate countertops, chrome accents, and a working antique stove. Off the kitchen, a cozy breakfast room—once a workshop—revealed one of the home’s unique treasures: a hidden cooking fireplace, discovered during renovation.

Upstairs are four spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large walk-in closet added during the remodel to make up for the limited storage typical of homes from the 1800s and early 1900s.

With twelve-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and a Christmas tree in nearly every room, the home comes alive during the holidays. Each tree has its own theme—handmade childhood ornaments in the hallway, glass ornaments in the study, and a family-collected tree in the den. Even the Coca-Cola-themed kitchen joins the festive fun.