by Margo Aramian Ragan
Playing with Legos was an early clue that John Gemmi, owner of Gemmi Construction, had interest and talent in construction. Jacquie Lewis, Solebury resident and former neighbor of John, fondly recalls watching John build homes with his Lego pieces, never dreaming that one day, she would call on him to help her with several major home renovations.
Fast forward to several decades. By this time Jacquie was living in a sprawling Solebury residence, located on a seven-acre property that has the Cuttalossa Creek meandering by the grounds. A stunning waterfall adds its own special magic. However magnificent the existing home was, Jacquie discovered that it wasn't meeting all of her needs.
“As my parents aged, I found myself in the role of family matriarch in that all family gatherings were being held in my home,” Jacquie explained. “Everyone would congregate in the kitchen area. I love to entertain both large and small groups, so bumping the house out from the back and side seemed to be a natural progression for providing space for these social activities.”
Her first step was to call an architect to discuss her vision. Jacquie is a voracious reader, so she wanted special areas where she could cuddle up in a chair and read. Next, she is a natural hostess. “I have entertained as many as 100 people here, and as little as a friend or two,” she informed.
“Consequently, I wanted the house to be large enough to accommodate a wedding reception, for example, yet still have the warmth and friendliness to welcome a smaller group.”
More than anything, she did not want the house to be intimidating. She recalls a relative who used to cordon off parts of her rooms so that guests could not possibly damage the furniture or artifacts. “Why have beautiful things if you do not share them with people you love,"\” Jacquie asked.
Therefore, she wanted the house to embrace her guests in comfort. Her first experience with an architect was not too encouraging. “Unfortunately, when I was shown his project plans, it was his vision, not mine,’ Jacquie said. She remembered John from years past, and was familiar with the restoration and reconstruction work his company had done with other homes in Bucks County.
To finish reading this article go to page 74 in the Fall 2012 issue of Bucks County Magazine.