Even among the beautifully constructed homes along Water Street in Newburgh, Indiana, the cheerful beauty of DeeDee and Steve Shoemaker’s house stands out.
Designed by Bill Gaisser Architecture and built in 2007 by DeWeese Construction, the house reflects the Shoemakers’ desire to move away from a traditional design. With a spectacular river view, they opted for porches on both levels, high ceilings, and a large terrace with a water feature around the back. A few southern magnolias, river birch, and a red maple
dot the property, along with perennials shared by friends, family, and neighbors.
“We sit on the upstairs porch, and you can see the river through the trees. It’s very reminiscent of being in a peaceful place or on a lake,” Steve says.
H.G. McCullough Designers and Sparks Construction Specialties have handled subsequent renovations and maintenance.
Adding to its non-traditional aesthetic are the bright colors employed on the exterior. The front door is painted coral, while the trim is a clean white. But the star is the fresh julep green enveloping the house.
“We wanted a bright green, a green- green,” Steve says. DeeDee adds, “It’s a green
we weren’t anticipating, but we love it.”
Perched along Newburgh’s Rivertown Trail, the home is popular with passersby, who comment on its beauty. Some say it’s reminiscent of a Creole cottage a la New Orleans; others see a coastal aesthetic. One thing is clear: it makes the most of its proximity to the Ohio River.
“Our home reflects the pleasure of living in Newburgh,” DeeDee says.
