Restorations shine in sun-filled Ashmont classic

Address: 17 Beaumont St., Dorchester
Price: $699,900
Style: English Arts and Crafts
Built: 1883
Square feet: 2,056
Rooms: 12
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 2
Sewer: Public
Website: www.c21abigailadams.com

Boston architectural historian Douglass Shand-Tucci has described the stained-glass window in Donna Kaye's 1883 Arts and Crafts house as "perhaps the most magnificent window fanfare in Ashmont."

Given the abundance of distinguished Victorian houses in this quiet neighborhood east of the Ashmont MBTA station, that's high praise. But until Kaye restored the exterior three years ago, removing asbestos siding and painting the house a cheery mustard yellow with rich red accents, this perfectly preserved glass jewel called little attention to itself. Now, passing motorists slow down -- some even stop -- to admire its arch-shape and bullet-design trim.

Inside, the window is the centerpiece of a grand hallway with a massive carved oak staircase and working fireplace. The house, which Kaye has lived in and been working on for 19 years, was designed by English architect Whitney Lewis in the bold expression of the early Arts and Crafts movement.

The light-filled double living room has a total of seven windows on three walls. The sunny dining room was recently painted a warm red and updated with a new ceiling. The kitchen does need updating, but a huge adjacent pantry presents unlimited possibilities for creating a large family-friendly space. Upstairs, a small enclosed porch is used as a home office and a large bedroom serves as a den. There is also a master suite and guest room. The finished basement has a bedroom, bath, and separate entrance and could be used as an in-law suite, home office, or additional family space.

The house is listed with Sandra Fennelly at Century 21 Abigail Adams in Quincy.

GAIL RAVGIALA