Like Mrs. Robinson, visitors to this wonderful 1.7-acre property are invited to “stroll around the grounds until you feel at home.” The walk is worth it: amazing views of Cedar Glen from a wraparound deck, grapevines and stands of hydrangea, remnants of an old solarium abutting a charming carriage house, and a “secret” (but treacherous) path leading down to the street. The carriage house and the circular nature of the pathways remind us that this is a “pre-automobile” property, built when horse-drawn conveyances were the norm.

Then there’s the house itself, a rambling and affable stucco and timber structure that is 110 years young—the oldest house in Ambler Heights. Known as the Upson House after its first owner, it has an expansive hipped roof and gabled dormers, with narrow horizontal siding and some half-timbered surfaces underneath.

Stepping inside through the original heavy door, visitors enter a two-story foyer graced by the home’s original chandelier, a cherry staircase and white-oak nailed floors. Immediately to the left is the owner’s study, featuring an antique desk and table. Visitors should note the blueprints that are laid out on the latter piece, as well as a framed collage of 1896 newspaper pieces. These were removed from the wall when the entryway was relocated from what is now the powder room.
Behind the lengthy and tasteful living room is a large sunroom—the prototypical “room with a view.” Although thoroughly remodeled with freestanding fireplace and skylights, it is believed to be original to the house. And like many of the rooms, it affords the occupants incomparable treetop vistas and is one of several rooms that exit onto the lengthy deck that overlooks Cedar Glen. Be sure to take notice of the large tree “growing” out of the deck.

Every room actually has equally great views and a remarkable ability to capture sunlight. Charming light fixtures, most of them original, add to the ambience when Cleveland’s capricious sun fails to make an appearance. Clearly it’s a residence for all seasons and all times of day.

Watch for:

• Original hideaway pocket doors
• Interesting moldings and archways
• Large fireplace in the living room
  Early 20th century Belgian oak dining room set with a hand-carved buffet that is almost 12 feet long and weighs more than 500 pounds
• Interesting Moorish-flavor window frames along one wall of the living room
• A beautiful kitchen fireplace—perfect for pioneering cooking