32 photos — 1960 time capsule mid century modern ranch house — Camp Hill, Penn.

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:

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.

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!

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.