SOLVAY, N.Y. – Talking with Cheryl Gates about her grand Victorian home at 208 North Orchard Road in Solvay is like speaking with a wonderful storyteller.
Her husband James was the one who answered the phone when the interview for this House of the Week feature commenced and he quickly passed the receiver.
“Hold on, here’s my wife, Cheryl,” he said. “She’s the historian of the house.”
A former architect and contractor, Cheryl jumped right into the history of the house she and her husband have called home for the past eight years. She, and the house, had quite a story to tell.
The double-lot property was originally part of the George Gere tract before it was sold to Lamont Stilwell in 1893. Interestingly, as part of the agreement, the deed said that said that new owner could “not manufacture, sell or give away any malt or spirituous liquors to be used as a beverage.”
Stilwell, who was a prosperous attorney and whose 1922 obituary said was “instrumental in the development of the village and Solvay,” built the Victorian home in 1902.
It changed hands for the next 40 years.
In 1942, Dr. Henry Townsend, who, with his family had escaped the Holocaust and settled in Solvay, bought it and used it as a doctor’s office, as well as a home.
“My dining room was once an x-ray room, my living room was an operating room,” Cheryl tells with a laugh, mentioning that a young Townsend daughter was often scolded for playing her piano while her father performed surgery.
The Ryan’s own personal story is just as heartwarming.
Cheryl says they were “childhood sweethearts” growing up.
“I was half his age, though,” she said. “I was three, he was six.”
Life got in the way and the two lost track of each other, except through annual Christmas cards shared by their mothers.
They reconnected years later and got married.
In 2012, when they wanted to move to the Syracuse-area to be closer to James’ adult children, they looked at only one house, the one at North Orchard Road which they first spotted online.
Everything about it was just perfect for them.
“It was just fantastically beautiful,” she said. “Our furniture just fit perfectly, and it suited our tastes.”
“This house has such a history, that is what made it worth it.”
With original fireplaces, stained glass windows, columns, original trim, wooden beams and French doors, the house is like stepping back in time. All the floors are all hardwood and original and many of the walls and ceiling contain exquisite carvings and details.
Updates like the 100-year metal roof with a waterproof membrane, new Anderson windows and high-end kitchen appliances have been added to the house, but the James and Cheryl have done there best to maintain the home’s authenticity and original character.
She said that one of the Townsend children, now in their 80s, visited the house recently, and were overcome with emotion.
“It is just like it was,” they said.
When it was time to close the interview, Cheryl was asked to wrap up her feelings about the house.
“I just love it so,” she said.
An open house is scheduled for Sunday, January 5, from noon to 2 p.m.
THE DETAILS
Address: 208 North Orchard Road, Solvay, N.Y. 13029
Price: $227,100
Size: 3,236 square feet
Acreage: 0.45 acres
Monthly Mortgage: $857 (based on this week's national average rate of 3.90 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)
Taxes: $9,462 (Based on assessed value of $182,500)
Built: 1902
School District: Solvay
Kitchen: While the house is extremely authentic to its history, the kitchen has been updated and reflects current tastes and convenience. Granite counters and modern “top-of-the-line” appliances are featured, including a Wolf range with a custom copper hood, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Asko dishwasher. A small pantry hidden behind a sliding door and Wood Mode cabinetry makes the kitchen great for entertaining. “We’ve hosted so many dinner parties here!” Cheryle Ryan said.
Living areas: Beautifully detailed house that feels like it did in 1902 when it was built. There are 15 rooms with original hardwood floors throughout. Owner loves the gorgeous, spacious living room with its cast-iron fireplace, with an ornate carved oak mantlepiece with columns and mirrors. The formal dining room, with French doors, includes a spectacular glass chandelier and fabulous lighting from a big bay window. The most interesting room might be the wood-paneled study, once known as the “Men’s Smoking Lounge.” The room includes beveled glass doors and ornate carvings of dragons and historic secret compartments. The room has a door which leads to the basement, which has a new washer and drier.
Master bedroom: The second-floor master bedroom is very large and contains many windows and has a unique scrolling on the ceiling. The room features his and her walk-in closets, with built-in shelving. There are four bedrooms in the house. Third floor can be converted into a guest suite for visitors.
Bathrooms: The master bathroom has a bathtub and separate shower. There are two full bathrooms in the house and two half baths.
Outdoors: Built on a double lot, the owners say the property has plenty of room for outdoor games like badminton. The property has two garages, one formerly being a workshop with 30 power outlets. A garden between the two garages, hosted weddings during the 1930s. A 100-year metal roof has been installed within the past 15 years and Anderson windows had been added in the last ten. A paver driveway goes to the two garages. Owners loved eating on the front porch. The home is centrally located is in easy walking distance to elementary and high school, community center and public swimming pool. Public library is right across the street.
Agent: Beverly Frank
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Address: 401 North Main Street, North Syracuse, N.Y. 13212
Phone: (315) 727-2710
Email: yourcnyagent@gmail.com
To nominate a listing for House of the Week, send an email to home@syracuse.com.
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House of the Week: Grand Solvay Victorian has a story to tell - syracuse.com
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