20 Years!
/Friends this week marks 20 years of Chalet ownership!
“Chalet: an alpine style of wooden building with a sloping roof and overhanging eaves”
While driving with a friend in April 2003 we stumbled upon a For Sale by Owner sign; although technically she was a flip the owner Mrs. Cullen had moved into an apartment. I was familiar with the house having grown up a few blocks away. I rode my bike on this street and trick or treated here; back then we called her “The Red Schoolhouse” because she was painted red and the center chimney looks like and old fashioned bell tower.
july 24, 2003
The Chalet was built on property subdivided from the Leaycraft Estate. Our street was the original drive. There’s a wonderful history of three large estates - Laurelhurst, The Knollwood and The Birkendene that now encompass our local park and the south west area of town. Our neighborhood is filled with quiet streets, unique architecture and the park is down the street.
The Birkendene
We started calling her The Chalet soon after moving in. Built as a vacation home by Austrian craftsmen brought in specifically by the original owner she has 1400 square feet with three bedrooms and one family bath. We have incorporated what originally an outside galerie space into the sunporch and recently carved out space for our son to hang with friends in the basement.
The Chalet 2003 with the huge American Beech Tree
We’ve touched every space in the Chalet.
The Chalet has been immortalized: Borough Building Survey, a Nat Lewis painting and Published in: Caldwell Yesterday and Today.
The Chalet is unique with hand-cut railings, a bunch of french doors and wonky floors… she’s perfectly imperfect to us. We’re blessed.
Til next time friends stay well and I’ll see you over on Instagram.
