After spending 45 years at his 34-acre estate located at 15216 Grove Road SE in eastern Ohio, ceramic artist Tom Radca is planning to downsize and relocate his studio to a new venue.
“I always imagined I’d stay here until my final days,” he explained about his home. “So, it was quite a shock when my daughter suggested I move about four or five years ago. I’ve built everything here with my own hands and those of friends. At the start of 2024, I began to entertain the thought that perhaps it’s time for a change.”
He continued, “This place is truly magnificent.”
The home, originally the birthplace of famed baseball player Denton “Cy” Young, has undergone significant expansions and renovations. At its heart lies a log cabin from 1835, with its original logs still exposed in the kitchen and living room. Radca has enhanced the home with a sun porch and added a new section made of logs which includes a bathroom furnished with both a shower and bathtub. The bathroom walls feature unique ceramic tiles that Radca himself helped craft.
The interior of the house showcases a collection of artworks that Radca has either traded or acquired from across the globe.
Additionally, the property includes a converted horse barn now operating as an Airbnb. This guest lodge boasts five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room, and a kitchen, and it can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Situated on a hill overlooking the main house and the lodge are two more buildings – one serves as a kiln for firing his ceramics, and the other as his studio.
A scenic pond lies along the lengthy driveway that leads to his residence.
The property is listed for sale at $1.2 million.
Radca envisions the ideal buyers as a retired couple who would appreciate living on the property and managing the Airbnb to generate additional income.
A Long-Standing Passion for Ceramics
Tom Radca, 73, originally from Cleveland and an Air Force veteran, acquired the Perry Township property as a more suitable home for his growing family, which includes a son and two daughters, while he was living in Columbus.
In the first six years after moving in, he planted about 3,000 trees annually, including species like red oak, white oak, tulip poplar, green ash, and pine.
Radca has always been driven by a desire to do what he loves, a lesson he took from his father who disliked his job. “I told myself that no matter the income, I wanted a job I loved. I wanted to be eager to go to work every day. That’s not to say my career didn’t have its challenges, like spending seven years crafting mugs, cups, bowls, and dinnerware,” he shared.
His artistic approach was profoundly influenced by Norm Schulman, a visiting instructor at The Ohio State University during the 1980s. “He was a blessing. He completely transformed my perspective on clay,” Radca remarked.
His time in Bangkok, Thailand, where he held an exhibition 28 years ago, also significantly impacted his work.
The Nature of His Craft
Radca specializes in architectural ceramics. He previously created large platters up to 35 inches in diameter, some weighing as much as 36 pounds. However, due to health limitations, he now focuses on smaller items like tiles and pots.
He markets his creations at art fairs nationwide.
He collaborates closely with a neighbor, Margit Stewart, who has been assisting him for about 25 years and specializes in tile-making. “Thanks to her, this place thrives. She’s been a blessing,” he stated.
Recently, they have been working on a commissioned project to create a 6 by 12-foot ceramic tile water wall for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce in Millersburg.
Although Radca plans to move his studio, he intends to stay close to his current location on Grove Road due to Stewart’s pivotal role in his work.
He has no intention of retiring from ceramics. “I’ll continue doing this until my last breath. It’s my passion,” he affirmed.
“I still adore my work. Sometimes, if I wake up around 3 or 4 in the morning, I can’t help but sneak a look inside the kiln because it’s just so thrilling,” he added.
Details on Acquiring the Property
Interested parties can reach out to Radca to learn more about the property or his work via his website at tomradca.com.
Contact Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
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Passionate about analyzing economic markets, Alice M. Carter joined THE NORTHERN FORUM with a mission: to make financial concepts accessible to everyone. With over 10 years of experience in economic journalism, she specializes in global economic trends and US financial policies. She firmly believes that a better understanding of the economy is the key to a more informed future.
