The Smith-Mitchell House

521 Oak Street, N.E.

Circa 1928

With its steeply pitched roof, picturesque brick gables, and inviting arched entryways, this Tudor Revival home situated at 521 Oak Street brings the romantic character of an English country cottage to the heart of historic Decatur. Constructed in 1928, the home showcases many unique details reminiscent of Medieval and Renaissance era homes found in England. Rather than reproducing those English buildings exactly, American architects borrowed their most recognizable elements: steep roofs, prominent chimneys, masonry exteriors, decorative gables, and entrances that seem to invite visitors into another time. The style became especially fashionable in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, when homeowners sought residences that conveyed permanence, craftsmanship, and a sense of history. Some of this home’s features include a front façade central chimney topped with ornamental masonry chimney pots, low arched entryways, and an ogee arched front door. The brickwork is central to the home’s appeal. Its warm red and brown tones give the exterior depth and texture, while contrasting masonry accents emphasize its architectural details. The house is one of only a handful that has steel windows, a popular and very modern design feature for Tudor Revival style houses from this time period. Archived records indicate Clifford M. and Frances Murdock were some of the first residents to live here during the 1930s and 1940s.  They were owners of Murdock’s Thrifty Food Store on Bank Street. Today, 521 Oak Street stands as a reminder of the architectural diversity that enriches Decatur’s historic neighborhoods. Current owner, Brian Mitchell, invites this year’s Christmas Tour guests to enjoy his home’s exterior old-world architecture and the charm and warmth provided inside when you visit his unique and fabulously decorated home for the Holidays on December 12th.