“Cluster of Stars”

   I remember first visiting Saranac Lake. 1987.  Roads bordered by beautiful lakes.  A festival in the park.  Quaint Main Street shops and restaurants.  Mountain vistas all around me. People I didn’t know saying “good morning”. Cars actually stopping to allow me to cross the street.  I was smitten with this mountain village, and I still didn’t know the half of it.  
   Saranac Lake is special; just ask anyone who lives here.  Saranac Lakers know their village is like no other, and will happily share their love for this community with anyone willing to listen. The area's rich history, natural beauty, artistic vibe and local food scene may be what attracts visitors, but the close knit sense of community is what keeps many from ever leaving, and calling Saranac Lake home.

   My good friend, Colleen O’Neill, moved here from the NYC metropolitan area and dove right in, volunteering as often as she can, serving the town she loves so much.  She puts it best; “In 2013, I bought my mountain chalet in McKenzie Estates and immediately fell in love with life nestled in these mountains—and the community in Saranac Lake. I've got the best of everything living in Saranac Lake and I don't plan to leave.  The place, the people, and our traditions, have captured my heart forever.”
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 Saranac Lake has something to offer everyone considering living here.  
   From a real estate perspective, there are three vastly different options available to those considering a home. I’ll call them Village, Lake, and Mountains.              
   Today I’ll focus on Village.
 
Saranac Lake Village- the Capital of the Adirondacks
   A small village of just over five thousand residents surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, Saranac Lake has long had a cosmopolitan feel, despite its relatively small size. Visitors have come from NYC and other metropolitan areas since the 19th century to enjoy the clean air, relaxing atmosphere, and arts and entertainment.
   Among those who have summered in Saranac Lake include Robert Louis Stevenson, Mark Twain, and Albert Einstein (who’s life was saved by local hero Don Duso, pulling Einstein out of Lower Saranac Lake).
   There’s plenty to do in Saranac Lake, including visiting museums, attending art walks, riding the new Adirondack Carousel, and enjoying live theatre at the Pendragon and performances at BluSeed Studios. There's also plenty of nightlife spots where you can find live music and enjoy locally crafted beers.
   Living in the village provides more than just the convenience of being within walking distance of all Saranac Lake has to offer. Living in the village provides a true sense of belonging.
   This week I am fortunate to be able to list for sale a special home in the village, for owners who are moving just a couple of miles down the road. 
 

William Street Castello
            
   Built in 1910, this is more than a property for sale; this is a family home with a story to tell.  Linda Moore, pictured above, puts it this way:
   “Moving 100+ miles away from a large, close-knit family and circle of long-time friends was no easy task for me, but Saranac Lake captured my heart and I’m glad it did.  My husband and I found a diamond in the rough on William Street in 2008 and it’s been a blessing to us ever since.”
   Over the last 11 years the Moore’s have lovingly restored this charming home to the splendor it now displays. 

   “Being in the heart of the village was important to me in order to feel the heartbeat of this Capital town of the Adirondacks and make it my own. The hours, elbow grease and money spent restoring this 100 year-old home were more than worthwhile!  Our home is the heart of our family, where we share, laugh, and make memories.
             This is also the place I work out of full-time, so we created an intuitive flow with convenient traits on all three floors that make it so comfortable.  I love this home, and I admit that sometimes I feel that it’s hard to leave!" 

   “Character” is the descriptive most used by our guests – from the interior stone and brick walls, tin ceiling and original woodwork accents, to the private backyard oasis complete with covered porch, stamped concrete patio and authentic wood-burning pizza oven. The uniqueness of our home and its charm are bountiful.  We get great joy and satisfaction hosting family and friends, old and new, and sharing a home that we’re so proud of.”
 
   “William Street Castello” has abundant space, and is situated on an oversized village property with a mix of both hardwoods and evergreens, creating an oasis in the heart of the Village. A mix between cosmopolitan charm and rural attributes.  ​

   The owner, Greg Moore, told us that “I enjoy tapping my Maple trees in the Spring, and being able to sit in privacy on the patio in front of my pizza oven throughout the summer. I am sometimes surprised to remember that I am in the Village, a short walk to my favorite places to eat and shop.”

   In case you’re wondering about the title of this article, “Saranac” is an Iroquois word meaning “Cluster of Stars”– a fitting name for this mountain Village.
           
​    If you are interested in joining the Saranac Lake Village community, the Moore family and I welcome you to tour this wonderful home.
 
Cheers.