Dutch Colonial gem in the heart of Collegetown.

Designed by renowned architects Joseph H. Pierce and Hiram H. Bickford, this 1909 home stands on what was once Ezra Cornell's private orchard. While located in the bustle of Ithaca's Collegetown, and just a few blocks walk to the city's "Commons" downtown, this striking home is tucked away in a small residential neighborhood. Orchard Place features a private street, restricted to student parking. It also has a common park-like yard at the end of the street open to its residents. 111 Orchard Place has three floors with 14 rooms, each full of wonderful architectural details and a warm inviting feeling. Lovingly maintained to retain its original splendor, this home also boasts many modern upgrades that truly make it a 21st Century home. A secluded backyard offers privacy and variety of flora, such as several fruiting grapevines and large blackberry bushes. In its 100-year history, only four families have been lucky enough to call this house their home... Will you be the fifth?

Originally built for Alfred B. Wrey, on property conveyed from the family of Ezra Cornell, 111 Orchard Place is referred to as the "Ezra Cornell Orchard Lot" in the original abstract. The home that stands on the lot was designed by Elmira-based architects Joseph H. Pierce and Hiram H. Bickford. Pierce and Bickford were extremely accomplished architects in their day, and many examples of their municipal and residential designs are protected by local and national historical societies and can be seen around Elmira and the Southern Tier. Yet 111 Orchard Place is only one of two homes in Ithaca known to be designed by the architects. Built in the Dutch Colonial style, the house features many original details such as large leaded windows, two working fireplaces, nine-foot high ceilings, mahogany wood molding, picture rails, built-in bookshelves and chestnut floors throughout. More recent architectural details were added, but we done so with Pierce and Bickford's sensibilities in mind. Examples include the 'Rejuvenation' light fixtures installed throughout the home, and the large stained glass window overlooking the staircase landing. The kitchen has also been upgraded with respect to the style and age of the home. Stainless steel appliances and recessed lighting complement the original wood and leaded glass cabinets. In 2008 the entire home was professionally repainted, and new gutters were installed. The old "octopus" furnace was replaced in 2007 with a new high-efficiency furnace and central air-conditioning. The main chimney was also rebuilt in 2007, restored to its original splendor soaring high above the homes third story! Another significant upgrade was made in 2005, when what was originally an extra bedroom was turned into closet space and a bathroom for the master suite. The laundry has also been moved to the 2nd floor, just feet from the enormous walk-in closet! We love this home and know that you will be too. We encourage you to contact us, Mary and Christopher Schubert at 607.339.6316 with any questions you may have, and to please view the photo tour and detailed room descriptions at the following url: http://www.111orchardplaceithacany.com/. THANK YOU!