A renovated home in Green Island incorporates all of the elements for low-key, high style living.

By Caroline Kostuch- Photography by S. Saxon

Looking to downsize after Phil retired from his many years at TSYS, Phil and Anita Tomlinson were ready for a change but wanted to remain in the Green Island neighborhood. With the help of their realtor Mary Varner, the Tomlinson’s were able to find their home in 2017. When the couple first found the home, it was not yet listed on the market, but with the help of the listing agent, Linda Worthington, Phil and Anita were able to purchase the home they wished for from the original homeowner.

Wanting to make the home their own and fit it to their needs, the Tomlinson’s did a complete renovation on the original home with the help of architect Jack Jenkins and builder Tray Brinegar from Ray Brinegar Builder. One of the largest projects they faced during this renovation was relocating the staircase in order to make room for an elevator. In addition to this, they completely transformed a large screened porch into a classic breakfast room and sitting area. In total, the home has four bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths.

On top of this, the Tomlinson’s finished the already partially completed basement to accommodate two bedrooms, a sitting room, game room and playroom. With family members in schools all over the SEC and ACC, the Tomlinson’s love their college football, so including a television in each room was a must. Also on this ground floor, Anita’s most favorite room, the game room was specifically built to accommodate Anita’s card-playing group that has been together for many years. The card group is made up of 16 people who have known each other and remained close friends for over 30 years, so having a special space dedicated to their card-playing was absolutely key. Built to accommodate Phil’s career memorabilia and keepsakes he has been given throughout the years, the Tomlinson’s added a study to the floorplan. Phil’s possession that he is most proud of, a Bo Barlett painting gifted to him upon his retirement, hangs pridefully on the wall by the study.

Columbus always stays close to the Tomlinson’s hearts as Phil and Anita have both been in Columbus for almost their entire lives, with Phil having been born here. The couple moved briefly to Macon and Atlanta previous to Phil being offered employment with CB&T and then TSYS which brought him and Anita back to their roots in Columbus. The Tomlinson’s always appreciate the quietness and privacy of their new homestead in Columbus and especially appreciate the beautifully landscaped backyard done by Pete Page Landscape Company, creating a perfect space for her children and grandchildren to enjoy. Other local companies also worked to make their outdoor space exactly what the Tomlinson’s imagined. With lawn service done by Commercial Lawn Care and tree maintenance done by Avery tree service, the yard is always in top shape. Also helping create full safety and entertainment for the home, Alexander Electric Company did all electrics including cameras, alarm system, computerized music and other special features. Without the work of these companies, the outdoor atmosphere would not be complete for the Tomlinson home.

GREEN ISLAND JEWEL