The year: 1891. The architect: George F. Barber. The plan book: “Cottage Souvenir Number 2, A Repository of Artistic Cottage Architecture and Miscellaneous Designs.”

Welcome to “Callalyn,” homeowners Mike and Carolyn Dufano’s literal interpretation of a late 19th century, “spindlework” Queen Anne Victorian plan from the famed architect who became one of the most successful home designers in the United States through his mail order blueprint business.

Featured on HGTV’s “Dreambuilders” and “What’s With That House,” Callalyn was actually finished in 2001 with a combination of old and new pieces. The mantel in the front parlor is from the 1920’s; all the doors downstairs are antiques from different periods and hail from as far away as North Carolina and as close as Lakewood Fairgrounds; and the “witch’s hat” roof on the turret was made by Mike at his house in Lawrenceville on his back deck before the actual construction of the home started in 2000. The home also features both antique and reproduction furniture throughout the first floor.

As you enter Callalyn’s foyer, you’ll see the Bradbury & Bradbury wall and ceiling papers, typical of a fine home from this period. Be sure to look up when you enter the dining room to see Mike’s plaster medallion – a piece he spent years creating before finally putting it up – which was featured on the back cover of the July 2009 issue of "Fine Home Building" magazine. Many of the light fixtures throughout the home were also created by Mike.

Adorning the dining room walls are four “counted cross-stitch” works created for Carolyn by her mother-in-law. Also, the front parlor is inhabited with a colorful stuffed peacock, while the rear parlor features large portraits painted by artist Leslie Gardner. Other features not to be missed are the two wood spandrels in the rear parlor and the tin ceiling in the kitchen.