Berkeley Lake's Birdhouse Builder, A Man of Many Talents

Jack Andreu says that the birdhouses perched over his fish pond are fully “rented” all spring with chirping wrens and blue birds who come yearly to the magical garden that he and his wife Virginia have created in their home.

And while most people complain about the deer eating their gardens, the deer that visit the Andreu’s garden are so at home, they curl up at night and sleep comfortably among the verdant ground cover.

To describe Jack Andreus as simply a birdhouse builder would be overlooking the multitudinous facets of his creativity. From his uniquely original birdhouses that bless the homes and gardens of his friends and customers, to the birdhouse clock that stands in front of the charming Berkeley Lake community chapel, Jack leaves an imprint of his spiritual nature and the loving kindness he exudes.        

After spending 30 years with BellSouth, then three years running an antique gallery with his wife, Jack decided he couldn’t stand not having a full time job.  He then spent almost 20 years as a DeKalb detention officer until 1999, when he finally allowed himself to retire - to take on the renovation of his current home which he admits “took more time than his full time jobs.” 

With their children grown and gone, the Andreus decided they needed a smaller house with larger rooms and purchased the “rather ordinary house” on Lakeshore Drive that they felt had “possibilities.”        

After the addition of the romantic antique Louisiana iron work balcony, antique shutters, river rock fireplace and the additional windows decorated with stained or etched glass, the once plain structure morphed into the comfortably inviting, artistic container for the Andreus avid art and Georgia pottery collection, along with the effusive design ideas that continue to compliment their home.

Though he says he has been surprised by his own creativity, Jack has definitely made up for lost time by integrating architectural antiquities in remarkably inventive ways. 

In addition to taking down a wall to open the kitchen to the living room by joining it with old brick, he cleverly added a decorative screen door to the pantry entry and created a handsome butcher block and marble kitchen work center by adding antique molding to the already charming legs. 

His use of antique Victorian fretwork and corbels are repeated in many unexpected and charming ways all around the house and even on the birdhouses.

 You might imagine that the Andreu’s effusive decorating ideas don’t stop at the house itself; they flow into the garden, starting on the back porch with lush plants and flowers that spill outside into the yard touching every corner with their loving attention.          

It’s obvious that Jack’s exposure to all of the art and antiques inspired his imagination to new ways to integrate ceiling tiles and other unusual and unexpected ornaments into his birdhouses.

With his love of God and nature, he makes sure there is always a cross or spiritual symbol included in his designs and those who are lucky enough to own one of his distinctive birdhouses appreciate his amazing creativity and the joy and love he expresses through his work.  About Jack’s birdhouses, Virginia says her “Pink Lady” in their front yard is her favorite.