201 NE Fillauer Lake Rd

Description

Truly rare investment opportunity to own the largest piece of undeveloped land in Downtown Cleveland! With an appraised value of $2.5 million, the Fillauer Lake Estate offers the chance to own and live in a piece of local history, operate a business, or develop wooded land 2 miles from the historic heart of Downtown Cleveland. Bordered by Lee University, the estate comprises 20.82 acres with a spring-fed lake, a 5,508 sq ft Greek Revival house originally constructed in 1888 with a substantial remodel in the 1960's, a caretaker's cottage, barn, and an additional single-family residence once occupied by the most recent caretaker. Currently, the house and barn are used as an event venue and have provided an enchanting back-drop to many local weddings, parties, and special occasions. The barn and surrounding gardens provide the perfect space for a wedding ceremony or reception, while the house provides bridal suites and groom's accommodations. These modern-day social gatherings pay homage to the many gatherings and socializing of Clevelanders in the 1920's through the 1940's when Fillauer Lake was a local destination to gather on a hot summer day. The house and surrounding property was purchased by J.B. Fillauer in 1920, and in 1922 the lake was opened to the public. Streetcar tracks from Downtown Cleveland ran to the property and people from surrounding areas could visit to swim, paddle boat or picnic on the grounds. Changing rooms lined the shore of the lake and bathing suits were available to rent for 10 cents. World War II saw an end to this enterprise due to the large amount of maintenance required and the lack of labor during the war. The property was inherited by William K. Fillauer and he began remodeling the house in 1960 and drained a portion of the original lake to one third its original size. It has remained in the Fillauer family ever since. As you enter through the front gate and begin driving around the 1.5 acre Fillauer Lake, the columned Greek Revival house is slowly revealed. Garden beds dot the front lawn with the main features consisting of a pergola, a fountain directly in front of the entry, and a low stone wall with white picket gates that surrounds the entire house. The front door is immediately appreciated for its fretwork windows and colored glass transoms. The foyer wows with original staircase and millwork, crystal chandelier, timeless black & white tile floors, and a gold brocade wallpaper installed in the 1960's. To the right is what was once used as the family's formal living room that features a wood burning fireplace, beautiful crown moldings and baseboards and natural lighting. To the left is the wood-paneled study with a built-in desk, shelving and an original tiled fireplace. The master bedroom can be accessed through the study or the hallway and features a vintage blue-tiled bathroom and a large walk-in closet with a built-in vanity currently utilized for storage. Further down the hallway are 2 additional bedrooms, one with a full bathroom, and a storage room that could be used as an office or flex space. Upstairs there are 2 additional bedrooms that are used as bridal suites, one with a large built-in vanity, and a pink-tiled full bathroom off of the hallway. The balcony offers a commanding view of the surrounding lawns and garden beds. The majority of the 1960's renovations to the home can be observed as you descend the wide basement staircase that accesses the kitchen, dining room, family room and recreation room. Brick walls and wood paneling add warmth to this retro space that provided a modern heart to the historic home. A yellow-tiled full bathroom, laundry room and leather upholstered bar are found in the recreation room. This level also has its own entry and patio space. Surrounding the house is an original spring house, a wood house, and garage with sliding wooden doors. Further past the back lawn is the original caretaker's house constructed sometime in the 1920's and the large red barn that reveals itself to be a magical and quaint event space. The floors in the barn consist of laid brick and hardwoods. Decorative walls made out of old doors and windows line the dance floor. There are several covered patios and porches for guests to gather and a small kitchen used for event preparation. The back of the barn opens up to a large lawn that comprises one of many spaces perfect for large tents and outdoor events. An additional single-family residence on the property can be found by taking a right turn down the drive in front of the lake. This piece of the property is densely wooded and slopes upwards and then flattens back out offering a prime building spot should one choose. A large portion of this right half of the entire property, now wooded, was once a turn of the century vineyard with long avenues of vines above which flattens out to provide acreage that could be subdivided and developed. This property is truly one-of-a-kind and has been cherished by generations of family. Valuable in both development opportunities, physical location, historical background and as a private setting for a primary residence or business, the Fillauer Lake Estate is exceptional. Buyers are to verify any and all information they deem to be important. All information is deemed reliable but it not guaranteed.