Franklin DRC advises more solid, historically compatible front door at 121 Miles Manor Court; Dutch door acceptable at side

The Design Review Committee on Dec. 15 advised the owner of 121 Miles Manor Court to select a front door that better reflects the house’s Tudor Revival character and to consider a Dutch door only for the side entrance. Applicant Scott Cash presented multiple inspiration images and told the committee the current doors “are kind of, in our opinion, distinctly non historic,” and that privacy from street exposure is a priority.

Staff said the new door designs in the applicants’ packet are “more appropriate and consistent with the Tudor Bridal architectural style” and asked for direction about whether a higher-visibility Dutch door would be acceptable on either the front or side porch. Commissioners generally favored a more solid front door with a small light or transom, and said the side door could include more glass or a Dutch configuration similar to custom solid-wood Dutch doors already used at the rear of the house.

Commissioner feedback stressed local precedent: members encouraged the applicants to drive neighborhood streets to compare historic Tudor doors in Franklin and to supply historic photos; the committee suggested addresses (809 Fair Street and 810 West Main Street) as local examples. The chair recommended the applicants locate older photographs (applicant said he would search a CD-ROM) and circulate additional drawings to staff for administrative review once dimensions and materials are provided.

Next steps: the applicant will look for historic photos, provide door dimensions and material samples, and return if the awning/door treatment or other details fall outside administrative review thresholds. The committee did not take formal action; its guidance is advisory to inform any future Certificate of Appropriateness application.