188 East Genesee Street - Skaneateles

So it takes two blogs to write about this home.....it's worth it!

I "met" this home years and years ago through a friend whose father lived there.  It reminded me of my own house, growing up.  It was built in 1915 and ours was built in 1920.  There was an economy of space...and by that I mean that all space was used well and with a purpose.  No huge front halls, like we have now in our 1989 home.  No straight up and down staircases, but rather a landing with a window.  My family's house in Syracuse had a back stair that joined the front at the landing, then went up from there.  I liked it, but didn't realize how special that was.  But it brought me to an appreciation for landings.

Three bedrooms in both houses, with one full bath upstairs.  The previous owners of 188 East Genesee carved out a half bath downstairs.  They told me that with six girls in the family their father needed a place to shave so he made the half bath.  I was an only child, so there was no need.  My mother refused to put one in - she cited that as a reason to move in with us, instead!

Yes, I met a good part of the 6-girl family at the last open house I held there.  I had heard stories but found it hard to believe.  They used the attic (our attic was strictly for storage), but as you can see in the previous blog the attic of 188 East Genesee makes a great playroom.

Everything back then was hardwoods, or at least wooden floors.  Each house had a fireplace that was in part ornamental and part useful.  Living rooms and dining rooms of course.  Both houses have sconces on the walls.  Both have wonderful sunrooms, although I am envious of the Skaneateles home's sunroom.  So large, with French doors!  I could see myself basking away in there on cold but sunny winter days.

Kitchens were smaller back then and not the focal point they are now.  Both mine and this one are eat-in possible, for those casual breakfasts and lunches.  Each house had a little back porch, for hanging out in the summer or stomping snow off in the winter before going into the kitchen.  Basements were for laundry, although 188 had the washer and dryer moved into the kitchen for convenience.

But while we lived on a street bordering Thornden Park, 188 East Genesee is just a short walk from the lake and all the stores.  We went to Westcott Street and the University; in Skaneateles you can go to the Sherwood Inn or the festival in August!

So check it out on Sunday.  I will be showing houses elsewhere, but Jeannine Larose from our office in the Village will be your host.  It's a solid house, and a good price for Skaneateles.  Don't forget those low taxes!  As always, tell her you read my blog - I love it when you do!