This delightful two-story Craftsman bungalow and the Grove Park Inn have something in common. Both were constructed in 1913 during the last decade of the Arts & Crafts era (1890-1920). The Arts & Crafts movement began in England and emphasized comfort, simplicity, honesty, handicraft and the dignity of work. L.S. Bradshaw Construction built this home and matching garage, possibly for W. B. Taylor, one of the home’s first owners. The rock Bradshaw chose was locally quarried granite. He added wooden shingles to the gable ends, six working fireplaces on the first floor, oak woodwork throughout and more rooms than one would imagine ó six down and four up with full baths on both floors.
The Gapens have decorated the home in period and reproduction Arts & Crafts furniture, pottery, textiles, Navajo rugs and lighting. The paint colors are also classic Arts & Crafts. This is only the second time the Rock House has opened its doors for OctoberTour; its debut was 1980.