Photos Hardy Realty
In the quiet, tree-lined streets of College Heights, a home rich in history and love has come to market for the first time since it was built over seventy years ago. The house, constructed by Harold and Rena Storey as newlyweds in 1953, is more than a piece of real estate—it’s a living piece of Rome’s history. For decades, the Storey home has been a cornerstone of the community, a place where family, friends, and neighbors gathered, celebrated, and shared life’s most meaningful moments.
A History of Courage and Community
Harold Storey was no ordinary man. As a World War II veteran, he earned the Purple Heart and the French Medal of Honor, one of the highest recognitions France bestows upon individuals. These awards speak to his courage, but his life after the war was equally heroic. He returned to Rome to continue his family’s legacy in the lumber business, taking up the mantle at S.I. Storey Lumber Company, which has been a Rome institution for over a century. But Harold’s impact extended far beyond his business, as he was a staunch advocate for the underprivileged in the community, teaching Sunday school at an alcoholics’ rehab center, known as the Star House, and lending his voice to Rome’s classical music scene by hosting weekly radio segments.
Rena Storey, too, was a force of nature in her own right. An accomplished portrait artist, Rena filled their home with her work, capturing the essence of her subjects with every brushstroke. She was also deeply committed to the community, helping to start Rome’s first soup kitchen. Her efforts are still remembered today, with an article celebrating her work twenty-five years later. The Rome community, and indeed their home, was a reflection of the values they held dear—service, beauty, and a deep connection to those around them.
The House That Love Built
“It’s one of those houses in Rome that people just know,” says M.J. Chisholm, the listing agent. “It’s not just because of its history or its size—it’s the feeling you get when you walk in. It’s in a great, in-town neighborhood with 2.5 acres, which is extremely unusual. College Heights is wonderful. The house is 4-sided brick, set on a private lot with a beautiful front porch where Mr. and Mrs. Storey, Harold and Rena, used to sit.”
The house itself showcases the Storeys’ combined appreciation for both beauty and practicality. “My parents bought the lot in 1950, the year they married,” says their daughter, Rena Henderson. “They were both interested in the combination of building and beauty. They moved in right before I was born in 1953, and they just never left that house.” The house was truly the perfect canvas for their lives—a place where art met life, and where every corner held a story.
One of the most charming aspects of the home is its versatility. It boasts two primary bedrooms, one on the first floor and one upstairs, providing comfort and accessibility for all stages of life. The rooms are generously sized, including a beautiful, paneled den, a glassed-in sunroom that bathes the space in natural light, and a large basement that has served as everything from a children’s playroom to a photography studio for Hal, Harold and Rena’s son.
Hal reflects on his time growing up in the home with fondness. “The den, which is where we spent a lot of our time, just off the front hall, was always my favorite place. It was warm with wood paneling and a fireplace, so it was cozy. My friends that I grew up with still talk about Dad’s big green leather chair that was always in that room.”
But the house was more than just a home; it was a gathering place for the community. “Mom loved to entertain,” says Hal. “She was the consummate hostess, and this house was perfect for it. Whether it was supper club dinners or Dad’s milestone birthdays, the house was always filled with friends and family.”
A Neighborhood Full of Life
The College Heights neighborhood, where the home is located, was an ideal place for the Storey children to grow up. “College Heights was a great neighborhood to grow up in,” Hal says. “All the kids around there were our classmates. It’s nice to see younger families there now raising their children, and it’s just a neat neighborhood. We just had a lot of fun growing up there. We would always be outside or playing at a friend’s yard or down the street. It felt safe, looking back now, because as kids, we didn’t really think of safety, but the whole neighborhood was just welcoming and inviting.”
This sense of community and belonging is what makes the Storey home so special. It’s not just about the house itself—although with its “good bones” and spacious rooms, it certainly is a standout—but about the life it has seen and the lives it has touched.
A New Chapter Begins
As the home goes on the market, the Storey family hopes that the next owners will appreciate its history and continue to fill it with love and laughter. “I hope that new owners will enjoy the character, as well as that big living room and dining room,” says Rena Henderson. “It’s a house with good bones and so many memories. It was a wonderful place to grow up, and I hope it will be the same for another family.”
For those looking for more than just a place to live, the Storey home offers a unique opportunity. It’s a home where the walls should echo with the sounds of children playing, where the front porch invites long conversations with neighbors, and where every room holds a story waiting to be discovered. This is not just a house for sale—it’s a legacy waiting to be continued.
If you’re interested in becoming the next chapter in the history of this beloved home, you can contact M.J. Chisholm at mj@hardyrealty.com for more information. You can also visit HardyRealty.com to view the listing.
