This old (and new) house

As a girl, Betsy Bramlett fell in love with a house.

"Before Mark and I got married," she said, "I used to drive by and say, 'Oh, I love this house.' "

In 1985, her husband, Mark Rudisill took her for a drive to look at a house: an 1890s Victorian-style home on Missionary Ridge.

"When we pulled around the curve," Bramlett said, "my jaw dropped. I said, 'This is my house.' "

After 25 years, Bramlett and Rudisill decided to make some adjustments to their beloved home. They worked with Chattanooga architect Andy Smith on a six-month renovation project that included creating a sitting room, remodeling the kitchen and adding new bathrooms and utility room, all while keeping the spirit of the house in mind.

According to Bramlett and Rudisill, Smith, who also teaches architecture at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, brought his class to look at the house before the renovation and had them contribute designs. Some of the students' ideas were incorporated into the remodel.

The couple have a deep and abiding love for their home.

"I am never leaving," said Bramlett.

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