Quiet elegance apparent in neighborhood of historic homes

WORCESTER --With its massive arched doorway and generous proportions, the foyer at this Worcester home extends a welcome with panache. And what a home it is.

Wainscoting, paneled doors, alabaster light fixtures, a grand staircase -- all the details one might expect from a home on the National Register of Historic Places.

In fact, all 11 homes on the block are on the National Register, as well as part of a local historic district. That means restrictions on alterations to the exterior, but also ensures that the neighborhood will maintain its stately and serene character.

``There's a quiet style to these homes," said owner Joan Kariko , an instructor at Becker College. The gardens, she said, are where homeowners get to express themselves.

Just off the foyer, a 32-by-18-foot living room has a huge bow window with diamond-paned glass, dark woodwork, built-in bookcases, a beamed ceiling, and working fireplace. The kitchen has two pantries, open shelving, and an old built-in freezer whose wooden interior now is used for storage. There's also a massive black Garland stove that Kariko laments parting with.

The bedrooms have a surprising amount of closet space -- there are four of them in the master bedroom. One bathroom has an original pedestal sink with brass fixtures. The former maid's quarters are now referred to as the graduate student suite. Broker Chris Werme of Coldwell Banker in Shrewsbury plans to hold an open house today from 1 to 3 p.m.

VANESSA PARKS