Frigidaire Flair… basement kitchen… stone fireplaces… Hollywood Regency bedrooms… cozy, comfortable, beloved modern
Leota & Tobias Schindler, owners of this lovely house for 40+ years
Take your shoes off, come inside, and stay a while — yup: It’s our first time capsule house of an all-new year. And already, this 1960 mid century modern slash mid century modest house — just listed for sale in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania — is setting a bar that’s going to be hard to beat. It is a beauty — full of wonderful features and detail — and we have permission to feature the photos from the real estate listing for our forever archive. A gazillion thanks to reader Andrew, who not only sent the tip yesterday afternoon, but moreover, has had a close relationship with the house and its late owner. Thanks to Dan and Cheryl, son and daughter-in-law of the owners Leota and Tobias Schindler, for providing the lovely family photo shown to the right, and for permission to feature this beautiful home that has been in their family for more than 40 years. And, thanks to real estate agent Donna Fleetwood of Harrisburgh Homes.com for permission to show and archive associate Annie M’s photos — and for her enthusiasm in showcasing the beauty of the home.
Two separate seating areas flanking back-to-back stone fireplaces:
Andrew writes:
Hi Pam,
This beautiful, custom home was built in the year 1960.
In 1972, Mr. and Mrs. Schindler (Tobias and Leota) purchased the Nob Hill home after their home in Harrisburg was damaged by the Hurricane Agnes flood. Lee, as she was well known, relocated to a higher elevation on the West Shore. She chose Sunset Drive because it is the highest elevation in Camp Hill. She also wanted to be close to their business, Schindler’s Restaurant. While the restaurant was sold and is no longer there, the home is a comforting 5 minutes away from Holy Spirit Hospital. The residence is conveniently located 8 minutes from the Capital, 5 minutes from many physician’s offices, shopping, dining and entertainment.
Returning to the US in 1961, and retiring from the Air Force in 1964, the Colonel and Mrs. Schindler traveled around the world with their 4 sons, stationed in England, Japan, Texas, Georgia, California and Pennsylvania.
Some of the furnishings in the home were brought back from England and Japan. Lee lost her husband in 1984, then lived in the home for 25 years by herself. Using the 3 patios to entertain, Lee especially enjoyed her large windows and long-range views. She used the downstairs for guest quarters and entertaining.
Lee was a character, a spirited woman born of good Iowa stock, quick of wit with many friends. She loved to shop, play bridge at a competitive level and was always dressed in the latest fashion.
I moved into the neighborhood in 2005 and became acquainted with Lee until she passed away in 2009. To assist Lee & Tobias’ oldest son Dan and his wife Cheryl, I became the caretaker of the home. I’ve always admired these types of homes and fell head over heels in love with this one and its features. Cheryl, myself and our good friend Micheline Justice, who has always enjoyed interior design, staged the home to compliment the special built-ins and unique features, which create the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Andrew’s 1962 Buick LeSabre “Leota” – this is his photo
We parked my 1962 Buick LeSabre in the garage as our final touch. (I named her Leota after Mrs. Schindler.)
Dan & Cheryl think of me as family so watching this home sell is very hard for me, and I’m sure for Dan and Cheryl as well.
Once I finish taking all my retro Christmas decorations down, I’ll put back up all my normal 50′s stuff and will send you pictures.
Cheryl is sending a picture of Leota decked out in the 70′s which I would love to see included in your story. If you need close-ups of anything home related, let me know and I will run up and take pictures!
Pam, thanks again. I know I speak for Dan & Cheryl when I say how much we appreciate your featuring this on the website. The 3 of us have put so much work into this house, our heart and soul, to bring back its original charm!
Thank you!
Andrew Samples
Well, thank you, Andrew — and thank you, Daniel and Cheryl for all your help with this story, too! Yes, what a spectacular house — another example of a 1960s-era home that was absolutely lovingly cared for by its owners. Yes, envious readers: Complete with a Frigidaire Flair.
From the listing brochure:
What is a time capsule house? As you stroll through this home, you will notice that the classic features of a timeless 60’s ranch that shows pride of ownership as well as unspoiled character and charm. It was the beginning of the Space Age and the Jet Set and homes were being designed with open and modern spaces. Homes portrayed elegant refinement and this house was so essentially 60‘s, it was once featured in House Beautiful.
Set high on Nob Hill, the double lot provides a rare, quiet and convenient setting. Note the architectural features that make this home unique:
- Concealed accent lighting at the ceiling in the living room and family room
- Two sided stone wall fireplace with decorative insets and shelves
- Room separator in living room has the original curved glass
- Built in displays in the living room and lighted glass front cabinetry in dining area
- 60’s homes had walls of windows as you will see along the back of the house
- Built in bar in the lower level with a flagstone floor for serving martinis
- Lower level fireplace has a wonderful black and white mural photo of Harrisburg
- Outside entertaining with multiple patios
- Two kitchens, one up and one down
- Extensive tile work in bathrooms
- Locking lined silverware cabinet in the dining area
- The vintage Frigidare Flair Stove is in working order! (similar to the one Samantha used in Bewitched)Atomic Warehouse in Harrisburg recently sold a Flair for $3200. Be sure to look on the internet and you’ll find it has quite a “cult” following!
- Vintage dishwasher by Hobart in kitchen has never been used
- Stone planter in the basement wall of windows
For further questions contact: Donna FleetwoodRe/Max 1st Advantage 717-591-5555 or 717-439-3459
The house has five bedrooms, two and bathrooms.
There also is a huge basement — complete with another kitchen. (Note to self: Remember to send Donna a note to give to new buyers that clarifies that Avocado is “In”.)
Dig the bar. Luv those lights! Andrew has volunteered to take more detail shots — I want to see these closer up!
And… Andrew delivered – his closeup photos, above.
I adore this shelving — with accentuate the asymmetry of the fireplace!
Cheryl sent a photo of the decorative fringe that covers the pinch pleats
Andrew sent this close up of the room divider
Another favorite feature: Simple yet stunning room divider at foyer. Notice also: That canopy lighting (is that what I should call it?) above the seating area at the front of the house. Andrew: How about close up of how the pinch pleats are trimmed out at the top??? Update: Cheryl says: “The trim for the pinch pleated sheers in the LR and family room is thick fringe ~ 4 – 5″ wide.” She adds that, the fringe is attached to a rod in front of the sheers with velcro. This fantastic designer touch allows this beautiful feature to be enjoyed when the sheers are open. Still, I’d love to see a close up — how cool!
The bedrooms include the latest in 1960 French Provincial furnishings. Tres belle! Someone help me with my French, please!
Red front door — photo from Andrew
Jan. 4, and I was already feeling the time capsule pressure. Whew! Pressure off — for at least a week. But I repeat: This will be a real tough one to beat!
Thank you thank you Andrew and Donna.
Link love:
- See the complete listing
- Donna Fleetwood — HarrisburgHomes.com
- And thanks also to Donna’s associate Annie M for the terrific photos.
Hi Pam,
I will get some close ups of the lights above the bar, the fringe and one of the front door, my favorite part of the house. Thanks again! Andrew
Thank you, Andrew!
I am in LOVE with both kitchens. I hope who ever buys this charmer realizes what a gem it is and doesn’t go crazy with renovations.
Beautiful! I wonder if it had more pops of color back in the day (paint, furniture, etc.)
I LOVE this gorgeous home. I sure hope the new buyers don’t destroy it, trying to “update” it.
It’s perfect as is!
Who was the original designer/architect of this house? Reminds me of a house in Westchester County, N.Y. that I know very well.
To the best of our knowledge, William F. Rittner was the builder. He died in 2010 at the age of 92yrs old.
C’est magnifique!
Holy Moly! Yesterday’s design dilemma featured big windows but this house takes the cake for huge windows.
I am IN LOVE with that fireplace with built in shelving — such a wonderful and loved house.
Me too — I LOVE that shelving!
not loving those dropped ceilings in the rec room area, but everything else is great. how many sq feet in this thing? it looks as big as a walmart inside…:)
Pam, what a beautiful ! Those hardwood floors and all those windows and all the architectural details. This is not mid century modest by any means, especially for PA. As a custom home, the small interesting details and all the grand spaces tastefully decorated make it a stunning stand out as the home of prosperous business people. It must be very hard for the children to sell this beautiful home. This is a house where you could truly live in the lower level and preserve the 1st floor for company and special occassions.
OMG! I just looked at the listing. My mouth dropped open. My teeny weeny house outside Phila. would sell for as much . Wow, that’s a lotta house for the money.
This is a fantastic home located on a quiet street! I don’t think it could be rebuilt for the asking price. We hope someone who appreciates this gorgeous home, will buy it. We plan to sell almost all the furnishings after the home sells.
It is a wonderful home and you can just feel the love and pride and warmth coming right through the pictures! I feel sure that the right person will fall in love with it and become its next caretaker!
Thanks so much for sharing the story and pictures!
Maybe the buyer would like to purchase some of the furniture. The furniture in the split living rooms is well suited for the space. Very comfortable. I’ve always been partial to Chippendale style furniture. It’s truly a beautiful house. I like the fact it has hot water baseboard heat. Much better for maintaining indoor air comfort. Best wishes for a successful sale to someone who truly apprciates its fine details.
If anyone has back issues of House Beautiful Magizine, I believe this house was in one of the issues between 1960-62. Please let us know. We cannot find the copy that Mrs. Schindler had…
What a gorgeous house! Beautiful job staging it too! I love the simple kitchen and the Flair range but I sure would ditch that huge fridge! I am curious – Andrew or Cheryl – is that White of Mebane French Provincial bedroom? They were the producers of the Cadillac of French Provincial and it sure looks like that’s what it is. The bedroom set looks just perfect in that setting! And a second kitchen? Wow!
Hi Janet,
That is a White bedroom suite. KING SIZE. The dresser is as long as my 1962 Buick.
Thanks,
Andrew
“Dan & Cheryl think of me as family so watching this home sell is very hard for me, and I’m sure for Dan and Cheryl as well.”
Ah yeah, this got me teared up. I totally get it! And I desperately hope that whoever buys this house really, truly and completely appreciates it as it is! Hold out for the right person to purchase it!
Thank you! I keep telling Dan and Cheryl to keep it and move back to PA. I would love to have them here full time!
It’s a beautiful house.
Another local time capsule home. I knew they were hiding all around me (my fantasy anyway). This one isn’t as local as another one you featured last year, which was practically in my back yard. I noticed that one (in my town) finally went off the market a few months ago and I still think about it and wonder if the buyers kept it as is. I could drive by but I’d rather not know!
What a beautifully preserved home! Regarding the hidden uplighting in the living room – we had this in a house we once lived in. We always referred to it as a trough light, as it consisted of florescent tubes mounted in an open-top box that sort of resembles a trough. Ours was identical to what’s in these photos, including the way it slopes outward as it goes up. And the bottom of the box lining up with the edge of a lower height ceiling over an area in front of the window wall, while the rest of the room has a higher flat ceiling. Our house was built in WV in the late 1950s. The paperwork that came with the house included the small catalog from which the original owners had selected the plan. All of the plans in the book included many built-ins, such as this.
“trough light” — that makes sense! Thanks, Kelly!
It just makes me want to cry, I want it so bad!
It is a beautiful and beautifully decorated home, but looking at the photos I still see a 1960s home. I like that it is being preserved though because in many areas–northern Virginia for one, builders grap up homes like these, tear them down and build ugly mcmansions on them, eliminating the green space that once separated homes from each other. These new homes are particularly appealing to buyers who do not want lawns to mow and to do other outdoor chores.
Nice photos too.
There is so much to “ohh and ahhhh” over here, but especially moving is the love between people and this home. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my, what a gorgeous home and a beautiful story to go along with it. My favorite part: that Lee was “a spirited woman born of good Iowa stock”! Like so many other readers, I do hope this home goes to someone who appreciates its beauty and historic value. Thank you, Andrew and Cheryl (and Pam!) for sharing.
Oops, and Dan too! Thank you Dan.
Love the kitchen & bath fixtures. We have a Fridgidaire Flair (complete w/ flip-open hood) ready to go in our “Storybook Ranch” retro-restoration…
Very lovely. Nice to see such a well kept home. Lots of design details for retro homes.
What a beautiful house! It looks like such a happy home. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely gorgeous. You can tell that it has been well-loved and cared for.
Beautiful house, the fireplace(s) are gorgeous! I was wondering the name of the bushes in the very front flanking the walkway. They are so sculptural, bonsai-like and appropriate to the architecture. Curious to know if they would do well in zone 9
We believe they are dwarf Japanee black pines. Please check with your horticultural contacts to see if there’s a variety that will do well in your area. A quick Internet search shows these may do well in Zones 4 – 8, however we are not experts in this area. These beautiful trees are likely 30 to 40 years old.
Delicious! Just goes to show that Classic style never dies! I love it!
Ohh, want! I just spent a week looking at houses in the Bay area, where for 4X the money, you can get 1/4 the house. Wish I could move to Nob Hill — what a beautiful, beautiful house. I hope she gets owners who are deserving and appreciative of her graces.
Zoe, that is being a bit charitable….most of Palo Alto is probably 6-7 times the cost of that house, or even higher.
It is depressing here if you are a home shopper….house prices are going waaaay up here again. So much for the housing “correction”.
Just checked, and the median home price in Mt. View, CA is at $740k, which is up $84k from last year…….and Palo Alto (gulp) is at 1.33 Mil for a median price, up $284k over last year.
I’m seriously thinking of leaving here…………!!!! Maybe to PA, love this Time Capsule, and love the story of its owners even more. I hope someone will buy it and preserve it as is.
Come to PA! Our housing is ridiculously affordable here. This time capsule is a gem and the price is outstanding…and yet, it’s still considered a fairly pricey house for the area. People expect new McMansions for $300,000 and often overlook these gems.
I live about 1.5 hours from this house. Mine is a more modest time capsule, but it’s still over 2200 sq. ft. with MASSIVE closets for a 1950s home and was half the asking price of this house.
Pennsylvania is loaded with bargain time capsules!
My mother is from Shenandoah, Pa., so I have quite a soft spot!
Louisiana too! My family just bought a huge one owner 1954 time capsule house over 3,000 ft2 for 143,000. Over a dozen closets, built in in every room, all original bathrooms, beautiful wallpaper, real walnut wood floor, 2 patio, massive live oaks…. It’s insane how cheap it was $40- something a square foot is unheard of!
P.S. The only thing I would change is the refrigerator — that kitchen is just crying out for a classic white Big Chill fridge!
I just looked at the listing and maybe the fridge is just part of the staging and doesn’t go with the house – I can’t tell. I too would put in a different fridge, one that is less deep so it doesn’t stick out so far like this one does. I know there are alot of companies doing stainless in smaller depths; maybe they aren’t retro looking but they could fit in well. Every time I look at the photos, I see something else I missed before! This house is SO fascinating!
One thing I noticed this morning was that the house has a “patio”. Pam, you should do an article on patios. They were common in the fifties and sixties and nowadays we all have “decks”. One thing I distinctly remember being impressed with was my friends whose dads built a barbecue! They were made out of bricks or sometimes field stone and somebody’s old stove sacrificed the wire shelves to grill on. I still see them in backyards but I don’t know if anyone ever uses them any more now that propane grills are so popular. Unfortunately we can’t see the patio in the photos due to the snow, but it surely is the perfect house to have one with all those windows to look out on it! Just curious, Andrew and Cheryl, did it ever have a pool in the backyard?
Hi,
There was never a pool but there is room for one. it has a concrete patio off the driveway/kitchen, down on the lower lever there is a beautiful flagstone patio that has steps that lead from the concrete patio down…perfect for those summer parties and then a small private patio off the master bedroom.
Thanks
Janet, I just want to offer a different perspective here. Patios are still very common, not just in the mid-decades, but now! We don’t “all have decks,” certainly not in the more established neighborhoods as opposed to newer suburbs. Decks, in fact, are not really at all appropriate when doing a renovation of an older home — and not as sustainable an option unless you are using a composite decking of some type.
In all my years as a practicing landscape architect I have designed hundreds of patios, but I would guess only a handful of decks. Though I do more renovation of existing homes, I have designed patios for many newly-constructed homes — and ranch homes as well.
This is not to say Pam shouldn’t do an article on patios (or decks) – it’s a great idea! I would guess many readers have wonderful period-appropriate outdoor furniture which would be fun to see. A discussion of mid-century manufacturers of outdoor furniture (Gold Medal of Racine, Simmons, Brown Jordan, Salterini, etc.) would be quite interesting.
What a lovely home with a heart warming history. I noticed that many of the walls have paneling, I’m curious were they always painted? I went to a home last week and the entire home was wood paneling, I immediately got a warm and fuzzy feeling. It was such a trend to add paneling in the 60′s and 70′s, but it did make the rooms so dark. I have painted all of mine and it lightens everything up but you still have the texture. I am still reminded that at one time there was a cool dark den in my homes life. Thanks for sharing Dan, Cheryl and Andrew.
Gosh, only 10 miles away from me. What a beautiful home. We bought our 1960 built home 4 1/2 years ago, and have spent all of the time we’ve owned it trying to bring it “up to snuff”. Still needs replacement doors and windows … but I can’t bear to part with the “windy” Anderson Windowalls … they are so neat. Hope someone buys it and loves it … I would!!!
Bee-yoo-tiful!
I LOVE the divider in the foyer and think many of us mid-century-modern lovers might like to reproduce it in our own homes. From the photo, it’s not obvious what’s going on in the open section of the divider–is it reeded glass? Wood slats? Vertical blinds?
I also think I’m not alone in my desire to see a photo of the kitchen from back in the day with the original fridge!
And yes, that’s a “trough light.” We’ve got ‘em in our 1953 Cliff May “Rancho.”
Andrew is at the house right now taking some close up shots — I think we’re going to get more of that room divider. I agree: It appears to be quite lovely!
Wonderful! Thank Andrew for us all, please.
What a lovely home. While the interior photos are wonderful, my favorite photo is the first one, of the brick walk up to the front door. I love the red mailbox and curving walk, which add touches of welcoming cheer to the low, sweeping lines of the house. You can tell this is a home where people had happy times.
Yes, isn’t it cheery!!! Andrew just sent a close up of the front door — I just added it — it’s lovely.
That door is fantastic! And I am so curious why they never used the dishwasher?!
Apparently, Mrs. Schindler preferred washing dishes by hand! She had told us the dishwasher leaked and not to turn it on. After she passed away, we called a repairman to fix the dishwasher. Imagine how surprised we were to find the drain had NEVER been connected! That’s right, the dishwasher had never been used! LOL! The paper with instructions/info that came with the dishwasher remains intact inside the door.
We decided since we had washed dishes by hand all these years, we ‘d preserve this vintage dishwasher for the new owners.
I love that awesome addition to the story of the house!! We finally took the dishwasher out of our small kitchen because it was taking up much needed space and I’ve always hand washed our dishes. I guess once you get used to the hand washing thing, it’s just what you do.
This house is gorgeous! I only wish that it had been available 12 months ago. Last December we moved to Camp Hill from Dallas, TX and we had a difficult time finding a ranch home from the 1950s-1960s. After much searching and waiting, we finally found one, although it is not nearly as beautiful as this home.
Nice, nice, nice! I would like to know what the picture is above the fireplace (black/white panoramic view).
A special on patios this spring would be nice too.
Thanks for sharing.
Oh, and I love the car detail too! I have a 68 Dodge Coronet to go with my house.
Wow!! This is absolutely stunning!!! Thanks for sharing!! I would move in tomorrow! Just gorgeous!! What a find. You can tell it is a house that had lots of love and family.
Wow to the close-up of the front door! Am I mistaken or are the panes of glass actually mirrors that are reflecting the outdoor scenes? I have never seen this before.When you look at the picture of the living room, the interior side of the door appears solid with no lights. Can’t wait to see a close-up of the room divider.
Wow, that does look HUGE! Really like the foyer divider. The main floor kitchen seems really small considering the size of the house. Good idea; the basement kitchen; probably made entertaining much easier. Interesting how back then long built in bathroom sink but no double sink. Thumbs up to art in the green bthroom. When my folks bought a new house in 1961 (not even close to this fancy) the model home down the street had a ‘centered’ door knob. On this one, I first thought the bottom window (I think they’re both reflecting) was a pet door. Thankfully, I guess it isn’t. Wonderful home; would be nice to see the garage in some of these places. Thanks for sharing.
Love: the red door with original center door knob and collar. Those are really hard to find. The Frigidaire Flair is beautiful. I like the French Provincial master bedroom furniture.
PS as a collector of Howard Johnson’s memorabilia I understand that the 1967 Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge in Harrisburg is still there and only slightly renovated with 1990s ugly-exterior-stucco. We stayed at the Harrisburg Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge in 1969 when our family was driving through Pennsylvania. It was a beautiful study in mid century modern architecture at that time.
Love it! Just Want to take a nap on the hardwood floor!!
I wish I was rich so that I could give Andrew the money to purchase this home. He deserves it.
Aww thank you! I would have bought the house but I LOVE my house. Once I finish the exhausting task of putting my xmas decorations away, I plan on taking some pictures to send to Pam. Thanks again!
We’ve got that lighting most of the way around the perimeter of our 1966 ranch. We’ve always called it “cove lighting”–because it washes the ceiling. I thought trough lighting washed the walls?
Regardless…gorgeous house. Covet that FP. Thank you for sharing!
You are correct, I wanted to comment for Pam as well (because she has a question mark at the end of her lighting comment) that the architectural term for that type of lighting is called “cove lighting”. It’s recessed slightly back from an edge and creates a glow – just like in the photo and I’m guessing just like at your house. It’s a wonderful architectural feature!!
Dan, Andrew & I want thank Pam for publishing the story and images of the Sunset Drive home. We are grateful to everyone who has, and may in the future, post their comments. It warms our heart to hear your thoughts and we greatly appreciate your suggestions! You have brightened our life and spirit. Thank you!
I grew up north of this area along the Susquehanna River, and remember Hurricane Agnes well. Some good came out of that disaster with this treasure of a home, and I hope that whoever buys it will honor and enjoy it.
Stunning! Thank you for sharing this home and your story and family/friends.
I would love to see photos of the interior from years past.
It warms my heart to see people so connected to family and the homes that were such a part of their lives – if everyone cared so for the homes and the history – we’d all have better communities and neighborhoods today where more than just a few of us are engaged and interested.
Also – I brake for Frigidaire Flairs:)
This one seems to have a comfy relationship to the sink and dishwasher when it’s cooktop is out – seems they measured it all out perfectly though to make it work!
One last comment – seems to be 2 front doors from the pictures – a main and a side type door.
There’s only one front door. It’s red with black trim. The door has 2 small clear glass windows inset. A long narrow window with period glass is on the left side of the door.
Oh – I see now the room divider is on the opposite side of the room – the front door is the one with the tension lamp in the windows.
The fact that this house exists and there are more like it out there is the exact reason that the husband and I are still buying lottery tickets
This is a great way to start off my morning! Beautiful!
I keep going back to look at the photos of the living room and fireplace and have discovered the closeups of the drape fringe and the room divider. I want one just like it! One lovely home.
Gorgeous house! Love those wood floors. I’d give anything for those wood floors. I’ve got a ranch of the era when wood floors were no longer a given. Sigh.
The one thing I’ve never understood is why a house so large would have such a small kitchen. This one is workable, but still on the small side (though not nearly as small as the galley was in my own home when I moved in). Builders do it in the McMansion styles of today as well. I just don’t get it.
That front door is very cool too, in color as well as design, and those bathrooms are huge (compared to mine anyway)!
I’m in love with this one! The room divider is really perfect and I also love the assymetrical fireplace with the built ins.
http://www.russellrealty.com/p/160/20123572
A wonderful time capsule home for sale!
Gorgeous home.
Looking at these time capsule homes is one of my favorite things to do. What a stunner! I have the cove lighting in my living room and family room, but what I would give to have that fireplace and built-ins, and the stove and the room divider and well, everything. Thank you Andrew, Dan and Cheryl.
Oh my!!This is a very lovely retro house.I am in love with it.Thank you for sharing this.
One thing to remember about kitchens of the period is that there was much less to put into them. Many fewer small appliances with which to clutter the counter, and far fewer foods to include in the pantry. I was born the year this house was built, and I remember when many of the foods in the grocery stores today didn’t exist. Meals were from scratch, not from a box, and nothing was nuked. If you had a set of Revere Ware and a few pieces of CorningWare you were good to go.
There really are no words to describe the beauty contained in this home. The tears in my eyes as I look at each picture will have to be enough.