Imagine stumbling upon a home that effortlessly captures the warmth and joy of your family's most treasured memories – that's the heartwarming tale of Patricia Woodcock's move to a stunning Fayetteville Colonial. Picture this: a place where Sunday dinners echo with laughter, where grandchildren chase dreams on a backyard tennis court, and where every corner whispers stories of love and legacy. But here's where it gets intriguing – could such a perfect match exist twice in one lifetime? Let's dive into the details and see how this 1931 gem from famed architect Charles Umbrecht redefined 'home' for her.
FAYETTEVILLE, NY – It felt almost too good to be true. What were the odds that Patricia Woodcock would discover a new residence that replicated the exact 'vibes' of her previous Cazenovia abode?
Surprisingly high, as it turned out.
She nurtured five children alongside her ophthalmologist spouse in Cazenovia, residing in a remodeled carriage house that her son, Jonathan, initially dubbed 'a complete mess' upon their arrival.
'Dad tackled the renovations with us still living there,' he recounted. 'Our belongings were crammed into an 18-wheeler parked right on the front yard.'
Yet, once completed, it became their sanctuary – the hub for family gatherings, walkable paths, and even a tennis court. Jonathan reminisced about how they'd erect enormous tents over that court for grand family bashes.
By 2018, with her grown children relocating westward to Onondaga County's Fayetteville and Skaneateles regions, Patricia chose to follow suit, eager to stay close to her grandchildren.
Her three-bedroom residence at 5221 Leverett Lane in Fayetteville delivered precisely those familiar comforts from her former home.
'It suited her flawlessly,' Jonathan shared. 'It embodied the ideal family dwelling.'
And to top it off, a Wegmans supermarket was just a stone's throw away.
Constructed in 1931 by renowned local designer Charles Umbrecht, a German expatriate, whose New England-inspired Colonials were hailed as coveted collectibles by The Post-Standard back in 1983. For beginners curious about Colonial architecture, think of it as a classic American style featuring symmetrical facades, steep roofs, and timeless details that blend elegance with functionality – often drawing from early American homes like those in Boston or Virginia.
'This isn't your run-of-the-mill cookie-cutter house,' Jonathan noted. 'It boasts distinctive angles crafted with intention and flair.'
Nestled on nearly an acre of wooded grounds, the property exudes enduring charm, from its radiant moldings and majestic staircase to sunlit rooms ideal for displaying Stickley furnishings – think those iconic, handcrafted American pieces known for their Arts and Crafts simplicity and durability, some of which Patricia has cherished for decades.
'Mom has a passion for decorating,' Jonathan added. 'Pieces she's owned for 40 to 50 years still gleam like new, showcasing her impeccable taste.'
Spanning over 2,600 square feet, Patricia had ample opportunity to infuse it with her style.
Visitors enter via a welcoming foyer with the staircase in view, offering a clear sightline to the backyard.
The steps, broad and gently sloped, posed no challenges even in her later years.
The formal living area features an attractive wood-burning fireplace complete with built-in wood storage, perfect for cozy chats with loved ones.
A snug wood-paneled den served as her favorite retreat, equipped with a gas fireplace and a concealed panel accessing a half-bathroom.
She adored the trio of fireplaces throughout.
'Mom craves warmth,' Jonathan explained.
During warmer seasons, she'd relax on the sheltered porch, observing her pets and grandkids at play.
Homemade pasta, rich red sauce, and meatballs were staples of her Sunday feasts, prepared in the upscale kitchen.
This culinary haven boasts plenty of white cabinets, granite surfaces, and premium appliances. Her grandchildren delight in the island's wooden trapdoor that discreetly disposes of scraps into a hidden bin.
Adjacent, a pantry and laundry zone include space for a beverage cooler and – as Jonathan humorously describes – 'the tiniest bathroom on earth.'
The elegant dining space easily fits a large table for hearty gatherings.
Upstairs, three spacious bedrooms await, with her master suite featuring a generous walk-in closet and a luxurious bath complete with a jetted tub.
Downstairs transformed into 'grandchild headquarters.'
The kids could frolic noisily in the completed area, which includes a recreation room with a workspace alcove and yet another gas fireplace, plus a hobby workshop.
Tennis runs deep in the Woodcock lineage, and the backyard court amplified that tradition. Two of Patricia's grandchildren advanced to state championships this season, refining their skills on Grandma's court.
(Though Jonathan insists he's the family's top ace.)
'It's the heart of the property,' he said, highlighting the dog-friendly fenced zone, manicured greenery, and double-car garage.
Patricia Woodcock eagerly anticipates upholding her family customs in a forthcoming Skaneateles build.
An open viewing is set for Sunday, December 21, from 10:30 to 12:30.
For further details on this listing, reach out to Realtor Molly Elliott from Howard Hanna Real Estate Service. Her contact information follows.
THE DETAILS
Address: 5221 Leverett Lane, Fayetteville, NY 13066
Price: $769,000
Size: 2,646 square feet
Acreage: 0.84 acres
Monthly Mortgage: $3,776 (calculated using the national average rate of 6.22% from Freddie Mac on December 11, for a 30-year fixed-rate loan with 20% down; excludes additional fees or points.)
Taxes: $15,925 (based on an assessed value of $507,100)
Built: 1931
School District: Jamesville-DeWitt
Kitchen: Sunday Italian feasts, featuring fresh pasta, meatballs, and tomato sauce, held special significance for Patricia Woodcock. Her son Jonathan praised the gourmet setup in her Fayetteville Colonial for sustaining that legacy. It includes extensive white cupboards, granite worktops, and high-grade appliances like a Sub-Zero fridge. The nearby pantry offers storage and room for a wine cooler. Laundry facilities are here too, alongside 'the world's most compact bathroom.'
Living areas: Jonathan Woodcock describes his mother's house as 'an impeccable family residence.' Spanning 2,646 square feet, it welcomes guests through the front door with a view straight to the rear yard. The home shines with polished moldings, a fresh roof, and bright, airy chambers. The staircase has a gentle incline and wide treads. The capacious living room includes a wood-burning fireplace, leading to a covered veranda and intimate wood-paneled den. The formal dining area can hold a substantial Stickley china cabinet and large table. The basement is largely finished, with a downstairs lounge featuring a built-in office spot and gas fireplace.
Bedrooms: Three 'ample' bedrooms occupy the upper level. The primary suite is roomy, with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom.
Bathrooms: The property includes two half-baths downstairs and two full ones upstairs. The master bath resembles a spa, featuring a whirlpool tub. The secondary bathroom is renovated. One half-bath hides behind a panel in the den, while the other is in the kitchen pantry.
Outdoors: Perched on a roomy, secluded 0.8-acre plot, this Fayetteville dwelling features verdant, expertly tended gardens. Pets can roam in the enclosed porch section. Invisible fencing encircles the grounds. The personal tennis court, adored by the family, gets tented for al fresco celebrations. It's mere minutes from Route 481, a Wegmans outlet, and Syracuse's downtown.
Agent: Molly Elliott, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Howard Hanna Real Estate Service
Address: 28 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152
Phone: (315) 730-1745
Email: mollyelliott@howardhanna.com
Website: Molly Elliott (https://mollyelliott.howardhanna.com/Agent/Content/10702396/about_me)
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And this is the part most people miss – while homes like this 1931 Colonial capture timeless charm, some argue that maintaining historic properties can be a costly burden compared to sleek, energy-efficient modern builds. Do you believe the allure of classic architecture outweighs the hassles of potential upkeep, or does convenience win out in today's fast-paced world? Is preserving family traditions in a vintage setting worth the premium price tag? Share your perspectives in the comments – agree, disagree, or offer your own take on what makes a house truly 'perfect'!
