by Megan Venable | Photography by Ben Finch, Finch Photo
Laura and James Shamiyeh were living in Maryville when they realized everyone in their house was commuting to Knoxville daily – Laura with her volunteer work with the McNabb center, and James as Chief Operating Officer at UT Medical Center. Their two children were also making the daily trip to Webb School of Knoxville. Deciding to move, they looked at two houses in Sequoyah Hills, finding their perfect match in the second one on Noelton Drive.
“The house was in great shape,” Laura says. “All I did was a little landscaping and one bathroom floor. And whoever chose the paint colors did an excellent job!” The Shamiyehs even found that the furniture from their house in Maryville fit in the new house better, making for a pleasing flow through the space.
The neighborhood is ideal for the family. “We love all the green space and walking space,” Laura confirms. “We met so many of our new neighbors walking around. And you kinda feel like you’re always in a treehouse!”
The first year they were in the house on Knoxville Marathon Sunday, the Shamiyehs were in for a big surprise. “We knew the race ran up Noelton, but what we didn’t anticipate was a DJ outside first thing in the morning!” Laura laughs, “It’s so much fun to be able to walk right outside your house and cheer on friends.”
The home is filled with artwork and collectibles that the family has picked up from their travels or from one of their favorite places to collect art, ArtXtravaganza at Webb. “I love color. It’s my jam.” Laura talks about the bright hues that adorn the walls.
Laura and James will be empty nesters in the fall and are making plans for this upcoming life change in the house. “This could be our forever house. I want to make sure the kids always have a space at home,” she says about the future. “I love all these tiny closets and quirky nooks.” For instance, the family found the upstairs hallway to be awkwardly spaced. Laura had it turned into a study hall for both kids. “The house’s quirks work for us,” she says.