Frigidaire Flair… basement kitchen… stone fireplaces… Hollywood Regency bedrooms… cozy, comfortable, beloved modern
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:
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
John says
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.
Rick says
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.
Jay says
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.
Chris says
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.
nina462 says
Oh, and I love the car detail too! I have a 68 Dodge Coronet to go with my house.
nina462 says
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.
SS says
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.
JKaye says
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.
pam kueber says
Yes, isn’t it cheery!!! Andrew just sent a close up of the front door — I just added it — it’s lovely. 🙂
Janet in CT says
That door is fantastic! And I am so curious why they never used the dishwasher?!
Cheryl says
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.
Lauryn says
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.
pam kueber says
🙂 wonderful story, thanks, Cheryl!!!
Marion says
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.”
pam kueber says
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!
Marion says
Wonderful! Thank Andrew for us all, please.
Janet Gore says
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!!!