806 Dennisville Rd., Dennis Township
4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | Single Family
In December 1952, right before Christmas, the Michaelis family purchased a lovely residence in South Dennis. Built in 1865, it had all the charm and qualifications required for a weekend and summer getaway from the hectic life in NYC. Lansing Michaelis wanted his children to have land to roam, trees to climb and fresh air to breathe. Both Lansing and his wife, Arlette, were born and raised in cities – he in New York and she in Brussels, Belgium. The quaint home in Cape May County was the haven they were seeking, and soon would be a mecca of both leisure and activity for many people.
Through the years, this wonderful home saw a long parade of visitors – not just weekend guests, but family who stayed for longer periods of time. For the extended family and friends there was a magical ambiance. Every season held its own charm; from the majesty of the snow-laden pines in winter, to the gentle rain on the lilacs and dogwoods in the spring, to the fun, laughter and adventure-filled summers, to the colorful glory of fall, people always returned with happy hearts. Visitors spoke fondly of their visits to South Dennis (many times pronounced with a French accent!). There were weddings in the garden, and family reunions and birthday celebrations that included clam bakes, grilled steaks and fresh Jersey vegetables.
Much of the popularity was due to Arlette. She had a fabulous sense of humor that even the stodgiest of guests found disarming. Although Arlette was busy as a beloved Avalon Elementary School teacher, and a published writer and lecturer about her family’s exploits aiding Jewish families in their escape from Nazi-occupied Belgium, she always found time to entertain and also to totally revamp her home. It was an artistic endeavor for her as she designed a master bedroom suite, an office and a kitchen remodel. She also enjoyed spending time in her beautiful gardens.
As the adage goes, where one door closes another one opens. As the red door closes on this family who cherished their home for almost 70 years, it opens for another family and many years of new memories.
MLS # 182900. Listed at $319,900.
To see this Featured Home and other properties, contact Barbara Mehl, Realtor with Long & Foster Real Estate in Avalon and Stone Harbor, at (609) 425-0560.
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