Imagine finding a new home that doesn't just offer four walls and a roof, but also echoes the very soul of your family's cherished past. Sounds impossible, right? Well, Patricia Woodcock did just that with a stunning Colonial in Fayetteville, NY, a home that her son, Jonathan, affectionately calls a 'perfect family house.'
Patricia's journey began in a renovated carriage house in Cazenovia, a project Jonathan humorously remembers as a 'disaster' during its transformation. 'Dad renovated it while we lived inside,' he recalls. 'All our stuff was stored in an 18-wheel tractor trailer on the front lawn.' But when the dust settled, it became the heart of their family, a place brimming with Sunday dinners, laughter, and unforgettable memories. The property boasted 'family events, walkable grounds, and a tennis court,' where they often erected large tents for grand celebrations.
As her children ventured westward into Onondaga County, settling near Fayetteville and Skaneateles, Patricia felt the pull to be closer to her grandchildren. That's when she discovered the three-bedroom house at 5221 Leverett Lane, a place that resonated with the same warm, inviting spirit as her beloved Cazenovia home. 'It was just perfect for her,' Jonathan emphasizes, adding with a touch of humor, 'And it even had a Wegmans close by!'
Built in 1931 by the renowned local architect Charles Umbrecht, a German immigrant celebrated for his New England-style Colonials (described by The Post-Standard in 1983 as 'collector's items'), this house is far from ordinary. 'It is not a cookie cutter. This home has unique angles,' Jonathan points out, highlighting the thoughtful design and distinctive style.
Nestled on nearly an acre of wooded land, the house exudes timeless elegance. Gleaming moldings, a grand staircase, and sunlight-drenched rooms create a welcoming atmosphere, perfectly complementing Patricia's love for Stickley furniture, vintage décor, and charming wallpaper. 'Mom loves to decorate,' Jonathan shares. 'Some of her furniture was bought 40 to 50 years ago and still looks brand new. She has a style.'
With over 2,600 square feet of living space, the home offers ample room to spread out and create lasting memories. Stepping into the foyer, guests are immediately greeted by the grand staircase and a clear view of the lush backyard. The wide, gently sloping stairs were easily navigable for Patricia.
The formal living room, featuring a beautiful wood-burning fireplace with built-in wood storage, serves as a cozy space for conversations with loved ones. And this is the part most people miss: the cozy wood-paneled den, complete with a gas fireplace and a secret panel leading to a half bathroom, became Patricia's favorite retreat.
She particularly cherished the home's three fireplaces. 'Mom loves to be warm,' Jonathan explains. In warmer months, she delighted in watching her dogs and grandchildren play from the covered porch. Sunday dinners were a sacred tradition, featuring homemade pasta, red sauce, and meatballs prepared in the gourmet kitchen.
The kitchen boasts abundant white cabinetry, granite countertops, and high-end appliances. A playful detail adored by her grandchildren is the wooden trap door in the island that cleverly conceals the trash can. Adjacent to the kitchen lies a pantry area and laundry room, complete with a beverage fridge and, as Jonathan playfully describes, 'the world's smallest bathroom.' The formal dining room provides ample space for large family gatherings.
The second floor houses three generously sized bedrooms. The primary suite is a luxurious haven, featuring a walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom with a jetted tub. But here's where it gets controversial... Is a jetted tub truly 'spa-like,' or is it just another feature that rarely gets used?
The lower level, dubbed 'grandkid central,' offers a finished space where the children could freely play and make noise. It includes a family room with an office nook, another gas fireplace, and a workshop. Tennis is a beloved Woodcock family tradition, and the backyard tennis court has played a significant role in honing their skills. Two of Patricia's grandchildren even reached the state finals this year after practicing on their grandmother's court. (Although, Jonathan jokingly claims to be the family's best player.)
'Central to everything,' the property features a fenced-in area for dogs, meticulously maintained landscaping, and a two-car garage. And this is the part most people miss... the property also has invisible fencing around it!
Patricia Woodcock is now looking forward to 'continuing her family traditions' in a new house being built in Skaneateles. An open house is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, from 10:30 to 12:30.
For more information about this exceptional property, please contact Realtor Molly Elliott of Howard Hanna Real Estate Service. Her contact information is provided below.
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 (based on the national average rate of 6.22%, according to Freddie Mac on December 11, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20% down payment. Fees and points not included.)
Taxes: $15,925 (Based on assessed value of $507,100)
Built: 1931
School District: Jamesville-DeWitt
Kitchen: Big Italian-style Sunday dinners, with homemade pasta, meatballs and red sauce, were important to Patricia Woodcock. Her son, Jonathan, said the gourmet kitchen at her Fayetteville Colonial was great for continuing that tradition. It features ample white cabinetry, granite counters and upscale appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator. A pantry off the kitchen has storage and room for a wine fridge. The home’s laundry is also located here, along with “the world’s smallest bathroom.”
Living areas: Jonathan Woodcock calls his mother’s home a “perfect family house.” There are 2,646 square feet of living space. Guests arrive at the front entrance and can look through to the backyard. The House features gleaming moldings, a new roof, and sun-drenched rooms. The staircase features a gradual rise and wide steps. The spacious living room has a wood-burning fireplace and access to a covered porch and cozy wood-paneled den. The formal dining room can accommodate a large Stickley China cabinet and big table. The lower level is mostly finished. There is a family room downstairs which has an office nook and gas fireplace.
Bedrooms: There are three “generous” bedrooms on the second floor. The primary suite is spacious and has a walk-in closet and private bathroom.
Bathrooms: The home has two half baths on the first floor and two full ones on the second. The primary is “spa-like,” with a Jacuzzi-style tub. The other bathroom has been updated. A half bathroom is hidden behind a panel off the den. The other half is off the kitchen in the pantry.
Outdoors: Situated on a spacious, private, 0.8-acre lot, this Fayetteville home has lush, well-maintained landscaping. Dogs can run in a fenced-in area of the covered porch. The property has invisible fencing around it. The private tennis court was loved by family. The family cover the court with tents for outdoor events. The property is minutes from Route 481, a Wegmans and downtown Syracuse.
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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What do you think? Does this Colonial's blend of classic charm and modern amenities make it the 'perfect family house'? And what's your take on the 'spa-like' jetted tub – a true luxury or an overrated feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
