Vintage homes in lake communities

Longtime Residents

More than 50 years ago, New Yorkers Kay and Hal Gellert scouted out Washington Lake, in Washington Township , as the ideal setting to raise their three small children. They purchased a half-acre and, with financing through the GI Bill and the help of an architect, built a four-bedroom Cape Cod.

"As a young couple, we needed an inexpensive place, and this little plot of land on the edge of a lake was surprisingly affordable," Kay recalled.

Hal, a self-described "frustrated architect," acted as his own contractor and did some of the carpentry, plumbing and home repairs. He accomplished all this while commuting two hours each way to his job in Manhattan, before the days of express bus service.

Back then, he remembered, the Washington Lake Association required only a $35 annual membership fee. "We were a very interactive community," Hal said, "all young people with growing children. There was a lot of socializing, picnics and backyard get-togethers. We also had common property for children’s activities."

Vintage Fireplace | Vintage Fireplace Mantel ...

ADDCO

Electric Fireplaces : Cherry finish

House Hunt: 23 Homes on the Market

Michael Winner: Inside the Holland Park mansion he's flogging for £60m