An elegant Victorian built in 1902, now a home for a family of 5. Huge back yard showcases a very unique custom tree house built by the home owner for his children.

Joshua and Katie VanDixhorn,
Children: Genevieve, Felicity, and James and dog Eleanor
1154 Neil Avenue

Joshua and Katie have lived in their 3,000-sq. ft. home since 2015. Built in 1904, the property contains five bedrooms, three baths and a basement. Original woodwork can be found throughout the home, and a front and back staircase make it easy to move around the home. The property also features a unique backyard and garage. When it comes to decorating, have adopted the motto of “fill your house with things you like,” which should be a motto on an HGTV show if it isn’t already.

Previous owners renovated the kitchen and master bedroom, and Joshua and Katie have made a few minor changes. However, a quick peek outside will reveal a treehouse Joshua single-handedly built using building plans from Nelson Treehouse (Treehouse Masters) and lumber from Fifth Avenue lumber. The Joshua Treehouse was a 12-month process (three months of research, nine to build) and includes a deck, triple bunkbed, insulation, a home-made air conditioner, windows and a bookcase.

Originally from California, the couple has lived in Columbus 11 years and were former German Village residents. Joshua and Katie can both walk to work (Joshua works in IT Shared Services at Charter and Katie works in People Analytics at Nationwide Insurance), and the kids attend school at St. Mary in German Village. They love the Short North because of its proximity to downtown, walkability, homes with character and mature trees.