A Hometown Office with Homegrown History and an updated, homelike feel…
DeBerry Insurance Agency on Main Street in Spring Hill has always been known for its welcoming feel. Owners Eric and Chris DeBerry purchased the historic building in the heart of downtown Spring Hill when they opened their agency in 2003. They are dedicated to making each customer feel at home when they visit the office. In fact, true to the hometown spirit the agency was founded upon, the office is as much a hub of the community as it is a place of business. Many “regulars” stop by weekly to catch up on the happenings about town.
A little over a year ago, the DeBerrys decided it was time to refresh the space and embarked on a remodeling project throughout the building. They implored the artistic expertise of designer Debbie Burns to help them embrace the “feeling of being home” for visitors and team members.
A beautiful seating and conversation grouping in the entryway invites visitors to come in and relax right away. Soothing paint colors create a sense of serenity. Other decorative touches, such as the centerpiece wall clock and patterned furnishings, complete the effect.
Refurbished, antique barn doors, sourced locally, were added to help create a separation in the space between the front entry and offices. The mantel of the fireplace in the main room was enhanced with shiplap accents, sconces and fresh paint. Other furnishings have been refreshed with a little paint and imagination. Much of the existing furniture was re-purposed and refreshed with a few touches. The DeBerrys wanted to continue their commitment to preservation in the renovation, just as they had when purchasing the historic building.
One of the most significant aspects of the project was replacing all of the windows in the building. The new windows help further preserve the space and also reduce noise from the busy Main Street traffic.
A beautiful “coffee and tea bar” offers visitors freshly brewed coffee and tea.
“It’s truly an ‘our home is your home’ approach for Eric and me,” said Chris DeBerry.
“Opening this office in 2003 and making use of an existing building on Main Street instantly made us feel invested in this community. We truly feel like we are a part of it. We want the feel of our office to express the gratitude we have for our friends and customers.”
Locals estimate the DeBerry Insurance building was constructed during the 1950’s at which time it served as the official parsonage for the historic Spring Hill United Methodist Church, located at the corner of Duplex Road and Main Street. As the parsonage, the building was home to several pastors and their families over the years. All of them became part of a beloved trifecta of neighbors including the Shouse family next door and the Edwards family two doors down. (Mr. Edwards, also known as “Papa Edwards” was famous for sitting on his front porch and waving to passers-by!)
Mrs. Bessie Hatfield, a longtime Spring Hillian, knew the DeBerry office building very well during its life as a church parsonage. She and her husband were married there.
