Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
Address: 2334 Upland Pl., East Walnut Hills
Price: $1,200,000
While The Rolling Stones famously sang, “You can’t always get what you want,” it’s clear they never knew someone like Jacob S. Fechheimer. A co-founder of Fechheimer Brothers Co. (a long-enduring, successful uniform manufacturer headquartered in Cincinnati), the entrepreneur had commissioned a home to be built in East Walnut Hills in the late 1890s. However, upon its completion, the interior wasn’t up to snuff. According to realtor Roxanne Qualls, he’s reported to have said something along the lines of “this will not do,” and set about rectifying its shortcomings.
Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
Working through his designers and architects, he purchased entire rooms and pieces of furnishings from European castles and historic mansions. “The entire first floor was installed into the rooms, so they’re rooms within rooms,” says Qualls, “that’s what makes the entire first floor so outstanding and stunning.”
Like a jewel box, the interior is nothing short of enchanting. Every room brims with a level of elegance that’s nearly impossible to replicate in today’s construction. This isn’t a home that eases you into its grandeur—the moment the front door opens, you’re gobsmacked by the foyer. A carved plaster ceiling repeats a geometric pattern of octagons and triangles, with additional layers of detailing inside each octagon. The use of gold trim inside the pattern casts the light in a resplendent glow. Unpainted wood paneling brings just the right amount of textural balance.
Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
Flanking the foyer, a formal sitting room and library can be accessed via pocket doors. While the aesthetic between the two rooms is vastly different, the common thread that connects them is pure luxury. “The whole first floor is exceptional,” says Qualls, “it’s really an ultimate expression of Cincinnati’s gilded age.”
The library feels masculine, yet comfortable. Wood paneling envelopes the room, while a large, tiled fireplace is bordered with richly carved built-ins. Unique crests appear on both the tile surround and the cabinet fronts, leading a curious mind to daydream about the old castle or estate where they may have once resided.
Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
Across the hall, the sitting room is decidedly more feminine, with plenty of glitz and glamour. Two sets of mirrored French doors make the room appear larger, while also reflecting the layers of gorgeous trim from the ceiling down to the baseboards. No surface is spared the luxe treatment in this space. The fireplace mantle is marble, with crystal candelabra sconces twinkling just above it.
The opulence doesn’t end with these rooms. Moving into the dining room is a feast for the eyes. Impressively sized, it accommodates a 12-person table with ease—and plenty of room to spare. A wallpaper mural in muted green tones perfectly complements the extensive woodwork, which includes a stunning built-in buffet. On the opposite wall, an emerald green tiled fireplace features a carved motif from a popular, late 1700’s French sculptor named Claude Michel (who was known as Clodion).
Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
Just off the dining room, a sunroom offers additional space to entertain or simply unwind after a long day. Unsurprinsgly, Fechheimer didn’t skimp on architectural details in this room, either. Yet, even in areas where original features no longer remained, the owners were diligent in choosing historically accurate fixtures, whether it be chandeliers, push buttons instead of basic light switches, or an Italian Renaissance sideboard as a vanity in the bathroom.
“While the way the owners handled the historic nature of the house is really exceptional, they also did not neglect the basics, like infrastructure or mechanics,” says Qualls “It’s been done so well.”
Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
The home has been updated for modern comfort, which is no small feat considering its 5,385 square footprint. There are five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms across three floors. A two-car garage addition was designed thoughtfully and includes a lovely rooftop deck that overlooks the nearly 0.4-acre lot.
The Fechheimer home is blessed by the endless care and attention to detail of its current owners, preserving the legacy that Jacob established well over a century ago. After receiving everything it could want, and now awaiting the next steward, here’s to hoping the house finds just what it needs.
Photograph courtesy Sibcy Cline
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