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Located at the base of the mountains, this quiet country home is within walking distance of both the Icicle River and the Icicle Ridge Trail head. Leavenworth is minutes away by car, and, for those traveling with bikes, it is an easy one and a half mile ride - and you don’t have to worry about parking.
Situated on a five-acre lot, the home is surrounded by lawns. I have fond memories of summer gatherings where we would barbeque, play croquet, and, as twilight deepened, visit quietly and watch for deer crossing the wooded areas on their way to the river. Many evenings we would walk to the river, fish for salmon in season, and watch for deer and other wildlife at any time.
When days grow short and cold and it's time to move indoors, the fireplace becomes the central focus. Built by a fine mason out of local stone, the fireplace is a functional work of art. On snowy evenings, nothing beats gathering around a board game with family and friends while enjoying the beauty and warmth of the fire. An old-fashioned wire popcorn popper sits next to the glass doors, always ready to be used.
This compact 2 bedroom home has new, good quality queen-sized Simmons Beautyrest mattresses that comfortably sleep 4. It's possible to sleep 5 if someone wants to sleep on the sofa or roll out a sleeping bag in front of the fire.
Leavenworth has long been the place to go for outdoor activities. Forty years ago, my uncle was leading pack trips into the mountain lakes located in the Cascade Range that circles the valley. Some of the trail heads to these lakes are located no more than 5 miles from Shore Street.
For me, rafting trips are a great option in the early summer before the water level in the rivers drops to tubing speed. Boating and fishing - or if you prefer, swimming and picnicking are available at Fish Lake or Lake Wenatchee, both around 15 miles away. And there's a wonderful swimming area downtown Leavenworth near Bear Island, but it will probably be crowded.
A recent option is wine tasting. There are now several wineries off of Highway 2 on the way to Wenatchee. And if you’re going that way, be sure to stop in Cashmere at the Aplets and Cotlets factory. They give a short tour of the plant, but more important, they have lots of free samples.
In winter, I like the local ski area. Ski Hill is family friendly, with modest slopes and tubing for those who don’t ski. Those who prefer harder runs will need to make the 40+ mile drive to the ski slopes on the top of Stevens Pass.
Leavenworth has, literally, dozens of restaurants but if you prefer to cook, the kitchen is well equipped. You will find some staples in the cupboards: coffee, tea, sugar, some spices, etc. These items are for your use. There is, unfortunately, no dishwasher.
The property is ideal for families—and for pets if you feel your pet will get along with our 15 year old Samoyed. She is a very friendly dog, good with children although you will probably not see much of her as she stays in the back apartment with the property manager. However, she is the matriarch of Shore Street, and all of the neighborhood dogs come by to see her on occasion. Should you bring your pet, there is a sleeping area for it on the utility porch, adjacent to the kitchen.
No smoking in the house, please.
Note: The homes on Shore Street are not part of the incorporated town of Leavenworth and, as such, are not on city services. That is true of the entire Cascade Orchard area. We have a well. Practically speaking, you want to use water wisely. The well will do two showers back to back, but not four-unless they are very short. |