We took care of the property for the 'long distant' owner for years before it became available for sale almost to the day of Carol closing her fitness center. There was a 'land developer' that was interested in the property also. Dr Fritelli was the current owner & had purchased the cottage and pond from Minnie Peck previously, who raised 5 children there. Dr Fritelli loved the property & entrusted much of the care, maintenance and management to Carol & Dan. He had it for his own private use. The developer (whom shall remain nameless) offered Dr Fritelli a fair market price for the cottage & land. Since the Empies had 'first refusal' we were able to match his offer to Dr Fritelli. Of course, the developer came back with a much more substantial offer. We could not match that. Dr Fritelli decided to sell the property to us at the first price and refused the developers. As stated earlier, he loved the property & knew we would take good care of it & share it with others without exploiting it. So, love of the land won against development and 'greener (money) pastures. Way to go Dr Fritelli...if only Ethan Allen & other business used you as an example!
We fixed up the cottage to share with others and, also, so we could afford it. We keep the rent very reasonable because we believe everyone should be able to enjoy the serenity of nature.
It was a lot of work but we enjoy work (crazy, huh!). Dr Fritelli would be proud. In our guest book he has a portion dedicated to his saying 'good bye' to his much loved land.
Our belief is to keep it affordable and always give more than what is expected.