300 Saint Main St, Monticello, AR 71657

This unusual-style house sitting on a large corner lot was built by a returning soldier who had been stationed in France during World War I. He was so enamored with the houses in the Normandy countryside that he designed and built what was referred to as the "shingle house" in 1925. It was known as this because the entire house, walls, and roof was covered with overlapping cedar shingles giving it a thatch effect. The roof even has some "waves" built into it for the hobbit house effect. Although later covered with metal siding and asphalt shingles, the original shingles have been protected and remain intact underneath. The original wooden windows are paired and with a turn of the original iron bar, both halves open outward similar to shutters. These were later covered with metal and glass storm windows, which preserved the unique french wooden windows. The red brick patterns a wraparound porch, but the original columns had to be replaced. Three doors open from the house onto the porch, two twin doors on Main St. side and the guest entrance on the Jackson St side. There are lots and lots of windows, therefore the house is flooded with natural light. Blinds were installed to regulate the brightness. Despite the rugged outside appearance, the inside of the house is elegant and very french with six sets of french doors, beveled mirrors, and pairs of original wall sconces. The doors throughout the interior boast the original oversized crystal door knobs. A piggback fireplace is placed between the twin front doors and extends to the master bedroom suite above, both rooms being 15-30 ft. The original tempered glass tempered glass fireplace faces remain. All rooms have ceiling fans, tall baseboards, and decorative moulding. The downstairs has a full bath with a newly added walk in tile shower and a small original half-bath. The upstairs has two full bathrooms complete with original tile and fixtures and some leaded glass windows. The bathroom closet off the master bedroom has a hidden lock cedar closet for your furs and guns. There is another bedroom suite consisting of two rooms separated by french doors. This could be an office or sunroom. The third bedroom is oversized and shares a bathroom with the bedroom suite. Between the two bedrooms lies a servant staircase for quick access to downstairs. The main curved staircase has an oversized landing large enough for a sitting area in front of a window overlooking the privacy backyard. All floors except for the kitchen and bathrooms are gorgeous, original maple hardwood. Downstairs there is the guest foyer with coat closet and an alcove overlooking the side yard. The kitchen area has been modernized with a sliding glass door to side yard and bar countertop, although it does have the original farmhouse sink. A pantry closet is opposite the basement door, which contains the central gas heating unit. The formal dining room is spacious and could be used as a downstairs bedroom if needed. The attic is completely floored and available for storage. Lastly. the house has a double garage with storage room and a mother-in-law house that is 42x24, which can be rented or used as an office. This is truly a one of a kind home, especially for this area.