In 2008, Bill and Jennifer Ryan found themselves standing in front of what every handy homebuyer dreams of: the very worst house on the very best street. And this one, in particular, was in pretty bad shape. The stately Folk Victorian had been completely gutted by fire and had stood in ruins – just studs holding up a roof – for several years before they happened upon it.

The 1906 house resembled “an Alfred Hitchcock movie,” says Jennifer, who was nonetheless happy to have found a shell she could design from scratch. Bringing back a house from the brink of destruction would be daunting to most people, but not to Jennifer, who owns Jenn Ryan Designs, a design/build firm specializing in interior design and renovations using old elements in new and exciting ways.

Although they’d been around the block a few times when it came to real estate ventures, the couple had found their greatest challenge to date with their new digs on Augusta. “We wanted to blend in seamlessly with the amazing Victorian neighborhood around us and pay respect to the history,” said Bill. Yet in order to realize the house of their dreams, the whole house had to come down except for the fireplace. In fact, the only original elements they were able to keep were the double-sided fireplace and its back wall that is now exposed in the hallway (complete with burn mark), the mantels that they stripped themselves, a few tiles, and the original tiger oak window on the side of the house.

Tonight when you explore this home in all its holiday splendor, take special note of how the historic interior overtones blend seamlessly with modern sensibility. The end result is purposely “not your momma's Victorian.” It's a sort of mix of Victorian and loft with some modern twists thrown in,” said Bill.

The couple is especially proud of their bathroom and steam shower which friends call “the yellow brick road.” Jennifer also made many of the light fixtures in the home, including the mason jar lights in the kitchen and dining room which happened “by accident after I couldn't allow myself the expensive lights I had my sights on,” she said. This accomplishment inspired Jennifer to start a new company called Reclaimed Lighting, where her artistic endeavors have been featured in several national publications and have found their way into restaurants and homes around the world.

Other special features not to be missed are the unique setting of the claw foot tub and the spectacular stained glass that was a favorite find from eBay. Also, don't miss the 100-year-old newel post from England, the piano legs turned into stair spindles, the 100-year-old antique brick tiles on the breakfast bar, the various use of antique furniture as vanities throughout the house, and especially all the period-appropriate antique doors and hardware throughout the house.

In 2009, Bill and Jennifer were thrilled to win the Urban Design Commission's “Design of the Year” Award from Mayor Shirley Franklin. Today, the home inspires them in many ways – from the rainbows cast along the walls by the stained glass to the fireworks visible from the front porch when the Braves win at Turner Field. Bill and Jennifer are thrilled to share their home with you on this special holiday evening.