Characteristic of the imposing, mostly two-story houses lining Holbrook Avenue, this house is one of two neighboring structures owned originally by members of the Douthat family. Following the lead of Mr. F. Lewis Douthat, who built the house at 133 Holbrook Avenue in 1907, his sister Miss Pattie Douthat completed her home next door a year later. Together, these houses occupy practically the last lots developed from what had been the vast rear yard of the ante-bellum Sutherlin Mansion on Main Street.

A handsome example of Edwardian domestic architecture, Miss Pattie’s house at 135 Holbrook Avenue still features a hipped roof, projecting gable, and a full-length front porch with Georgian Revival columns and low Craftsman-type balustrade. Miss Douthat’s home remained in the family for more than 60 years, until the death of her last sister, Miss Champ Douthat, in 1969. For about the next dozen years, the house belonged to long-time Holbrook Avenue residents Mr. and Mrs. N. Lee Isenhour. From 1981 to 1986 it was the home of Mr. Houston Shame.

Soon after Mr. Rick Barker purchased the house in 1987, he painted the house a Colonial Revival gray with white trim and teal accents, emphasizing its simple classical detailing. Inside, serene contemporary decor coupled with expanses of jewel-toned walls make a striking counterpoint to the neo-classically-inspired staircase, mantels, and other millwork, most of which is enameled a gleaming white.