City Commissioner Jim Baskett's stately home has played a large role in the history of Decatur.

Renee' Hannans Henry/Special (ENLARGE)

Jim and Mickey Baskett on the back porch of the their 83-year-old home

Renee' Hannans Henry/Special (ENLARGE)

The home, built in 1924 by Scott Candler Sr, is across the street from Agnes Scott College.

Built in 1924 by Scott Candler Sr., the Georgian Colonial is across the street from Agnes Scott College. According to a DeKalb Public Library historical account, Candler was the most prominent DeKalb County citizen in the middle years of the 20th century. Known as "Mr. DeKalb," he played the key role in creating the economic and social infrastructure that defines one of Georgia's largest counties.

"He lived here till he died and we bought it from his grandson," said Jim Baskett, a commissioner since 1995.

He's up for reelection. On Nov. 6, voters will decide between him and Alvin McNeely, a highway contractor.

Mickey and Jim Baskett have owned their home, which has six bedrooms (two are used for offices), three full baths and two half baths, since 1984.

"I liked the character of old houses. I'm a firm believer in restoring and not tearing down," Mickey Baskett said. "We needed a house big enough for office space.

While their home fronts a busy street, the lot also stretches back 500 feet into a peaceful garden.

"The family took good care of the home," Mickey Baskett said. "The character of the house hasn't been destroyed. They did additions but didn't detract.

"We've tried to revitalize and restore it."

One of the only remaining original chandeliers hangs in the music room. Mickey Baskett also framed a piece of the original hand-screened Victorian wallpaper.

The Basketts' taste runs traditional, with Queen Anne style furnishings. Mickey Baskett decorated the home, incorporating many pieces collected from her travels abroad. She bought the foyer light fixture during a trip to Venice, but it looks as though it was born in the home. And the muted sage dining room is filled with antiques that fit with the couple's traditional style.

Scott Candler III renovated the kitchen and the Basketts added a bar, granite counters and opened up the butler's pantry to give the room a larger feel. In addition to the professional grade Viking stove, the Basketts kept the butler's call box. Buttons are located in four areas of the home to call the butler – if there were a butler to call.

Finding a home they loved was important to the couple since they also work from home. The Basketts produce how-to arts and crafts books – about 25 a year. The renovated his-and-her bedrooms on the lower level make excellent offices. The larger light-filled room serves as a styling studio.

Candler built the rooms when it became apparent that he and his wife didn't want to negotiate the stairs. They expanded Mickey Baskett's office to add light and space. They also added a farmhouse style sink, perfect for rinsing paint brushes.

Past the library containing the couple's extensive publications is the Basketts' favorite hang-out room - the expansive screened porch. The room features several sitting areas, but the highlight is a seven-foot-tall chandelier made of hickory twigs. The piece was so large, they had to save an opening in the wall during renovation to bring it in.

Jim Baskett knew the chandelier was a perfect fit.

"We had such high ceilings (17 feet) something could get lost," he said.

Mickey Baskett furnished the room with a day bed and Applachian-style chairs. They also added a patio heater to prolong their outdoor living to December.

The couple eat their breakfast on the porch each morning and enjoy views of the lush garden and fountain just steps away. Candler was an avid gardener who created a formal Italianate-style garden. The backyard centerpiece is a cast iron fountain the Basketts found in England.

The couple owns a Global Electric Motorcar and constantly use it around town. Mickey Baskett said they can drive the futuristic golf cart anywhere as long as the speed limit is 35 miles per hour. The couple bought the vehicle to lessen their impact on the environment and so far they claim their real cars are "getting moldy."

RELATED LINKS

• Photos: See more of the Baskett home

• Previous Private Quarters

• Home & Garden

• ajchomefinder.com

• 2007 Home Sales Report

Step back in time

• Search our historic archives for stories on historic homes and more about the Atlanta environs from 1868 through 1939.