Taken with the spectacular views of the Ohio River, physicians Joe and Omayma Touma breathe breathe new life into a grand old home.
By Carter Taylor Seaton
HQ 107 | AUTUMN 2019
In the 1920s, when many of Huntington’s grand old homes were built, their owners often chose a site for its beautiful vista. For some it was Park Hills overlooking the burgeoning city, and for others it was the east end of town overlooking the magnificent Ohio River. It was the latter that captured the hearts of Dr. Joseph Touma and his wife, Dr. Omayma Touma.
In the early 1990s, the couple attended a party at a home on Staunton Road and were taken with its spectacular view.
When the large home became available in 1994, despite the fact that their children were all grown, the Toumas jumped at the chance to own the view that previously had captivated them.
“It’s a totally different feeling being on the river,” Joe explains. “The river changes every day. If it’s windy it looks different; if it’s hot, still, it’s different. There are more migrant birds in the spring and fall. The boats, the coal barges — it’s almost like living in a different city.”
Sadly, the house, built in 1922, had been deteriorating for years, leaving the Toumas the task of totally renovating it. Fortunately Joe, a retired physician turned real estate developer, had years of experience restoring old structures, including many of the buildings that face Pullman Square in downtown Huntington.
The home’s tall baseboards and deep plaster crown moldings were salvageable, but most of the home needed a revival. They restored the thick pocket doors and refinished the hardwood floors throughout the home. Across the back of the home, they retained an earlier family room addition that features expansive windows, providing a spectacular view of their deep lawn and gardens, not to mention the river.
During the 11-month renovation project, the footprint of the original structure increased through additions on both sides to retain its symmetry. On the left, they added a utility room, bathroom and storage area. On the right, they enclosed and enlarged an open porch while raising the roof to add a second floor. This gave the couple a much larger second-floor bedroom area, as well as a spacious closet and bathroom. The new bath now features an old dresser that was converted into a sink and vanity.
The addition also gave them the most distinctive room in the house — one dedicated to the art and craftsmanship they remember from their birth city of Damascus, Syria. Joe had a connection back in Damascus who recommended a local craftsman to build the room’s ceiling, cabinets, fireplace trim, crown moldings, baseboards and even some of the furniture.
“It took nine months to plan and build all these beautifully crafted materials. The late Jim Witham, a brilliant local cabinetmaker, installed all the intricate half-inch-thick walnut and inlaid Mother of Pearl sections. The materials shipped to us from Damascus were so accurate that they fit together within a quarter of an inch.
Every single inch of this woodwork is hand carved,” Joe says proudly.
The artwork in the room adds to its old-world feel. All but one of the paintings are originals from the Orient. The lone exception is a painting commissioned by Joe of a street scene in Damascus by the late local artist Stan Sporny. Adding to the room’s eclectic charm is an early-20th-century French clock that sparkles in the afternoon sunlight. Eastern Orthodox metal chalices and crosses echoing the Touma’s heritage rest behind the glass doors of a handcarved cabinet.
The center hallway staircase leading to the second floor features refinished hardwood floors and a smooth, handcrafted walnut handrail. On the second floor are an office, three bedrooms and two bathrooms that can easily accommodate visiting family or guests, as do the two bedrooms, sitting room and bath on the third floor.
The Toumas also received help from Jay Bailey with Classic Construction who played a major role in the restoration of several of Joe’s historic buildings in downtown Huntington. Bailey was equally helpful in the transformation of the Touma home.
“We were proud to help Joe and Omayma return this historic Ohio River residence to its former glory,” said Bailey. “Like a handful of timeless homes in Huntington, this property needed owners with the vision to reimagine what it could be and the commitment to see it through.”
While the couple describes their home as “comfortable,” it’s the rear of the home and its view that give them the most pleasure. The family room and breakfast room, where they eat all their meals, give them a daily view of the gardens, lawn and river beyond.
“It was this view that inspired us to move to Staunton Road,” Omayma points out.
The Toumas chose to eliminate the home’s swimming pool to enlarge the backyard. A large rear porch spanning the width of the home — also added during the renovation — allows the couple to enjoy nature during the warmer months. Beyond the porch, a brick walkway draws visitors through the extensive gardens on either side and leads to a fig tree that Joe lovingly cares for throughout the year.
“We started all over, so this is a new design,” Joe says, sweeping his hand over the space. “I think this is the best decision we made during the renovations. It’s now a place for quiet contemplation on the Ohio River, or a gathering place for parties.”
The couple hired Peggy Jarrell to create and maintain the gardens, which are designed so there is something blooming at all times. Tucked behind the three-car garage, built by the previous owner, is a secret vegetable garden tended by the Toumas. Above the garage is an 1,100-square-foot apartment where the couple lived for a time as their home’s makeover was nearing completion.
Although the Toumas are only seven minutes from town, their home provides them with an abundance of privacy.
“It’s amazing when you think that the city and all the people downtown are just west of us. Yet we can come here and nobody sees you. It’s just so peaceful,” Joe adds with a satisfied smile.
