Larry Has a House for Rent

Built in 1936, the Home is truly an amazing, peaceful retreat. The park-like setting was designed to be friendly to wildlife, and indeed the deer herd is over a dozen strong as witnessed by the wide path they have through the towering Swedish Firs that shield the rear of the property. Though I am 3 minutes walk to the hospital, the natural habitat and lily pond are a draw for a variety of critters: from birds to, at one point, over a hundred squirrels (!), to the annual toad breeding, migrating frogs, butterflies...you get the idea! The 2-person hammock can move about to sun or shade, the fire ring by the deer path is like being in the woods, the cedar gazebo is covered with honeysuckle and climbing roses, the sheltered saltwater hydromassage hot tub has 5 different massage action seats, and the sandstone blocks behind the fern and hosta about the tub area are a surprisingly comfortable space to sit, watch, and journal. Or sit in front on a cherry bench set atop Key West Limestone and watch the world strolling along this quiet neighborhood street. The Host is only the second owner of this home and one reason it was purchased was the lovely amount of bright natural light illuminating each room. The spaces are peppered with a varied collection of lovely objects. Original works by noted Oregon-based artist Tish Epperson, Bob Ross pointillism (no, not THAT Bob Ross! My brother-in-law is still living. :), calligraphy art from the 1800's, watercolors and door art by the young artist Georgiana Rose Deister, alcohol-ink paintings, Nicaraguan pottery by the renowned Heliberto Brachamonte, Oriental and Persian hand-woven carpets, lead-crystal chandelier, National Art Quilt magazine's cover quilt, wood sculptures from Charlottesville, Virginia and Liechtenstein, Texas limestone and calcite/onyx plant stands, a vast rock and mineral collection (many from the Host's world travels), and host-designed furniture that was mainly crafted from trees taken down on the property. The kitchen is complete and very functional as befits the home of a past American Culinary Federation professional Chef. Both guest rooms provide a comforting environment and a sound rest. The second full bath on the main floor has deep purple walls...and ceiling! (The darker ceiling makes this small space seem larger.) The upstairs tub back is perfectly angled to enjoy a nice warm-water soak with aromatic bath salts...or a bubble bath! Throughout the home are numerous bookcases housing a extensive book collection. The office computer and printers (one color) are available as needed. Indeed, while you are here, this is home, so relax and use whatever areas you will. Alas, no TV as such as the Host busies himself with other activities, but a ROKU stick brings in quite a selection and there are numerous DVDs to choose from. Feel free to cook and store food; just buy your main ingredients and anything you will use frequently; then fill in as needed from the pantry. Laundry is available; again, just use my homemade HE detergent. For stays short or quite extended, this is a wonderful place to nest for work or area adventures. Indeed, the 3rd most-visited State Park in the US, the Hocking Hills, is 30 minutes away. Standing Stone rises above the river valley and was such a commanding and well-placed landmark that 3 major First Peoples trails met there. There is a surprising array of absolutely marvelous parks nearby, including Clear Creek Metro, Charles F. Alley Park, and the Dawes Arboretum. The Hocking River livery has kayaks and canoes available. The local bike path is 9 miles, mainly along creeks. The nearby Nelsonville-Athens path has 10 miles of wooded travel along the Hocking River before finishing in Athens and the Ohio University. Lancaster, Ohio has always been a major regional center that has cradled the first newspaper cartoonist, the Civil War-era Sherman brothers (General and US Senator), and other notables. Several interesting museums including one where you can blow your own glass. Just 30 minutes from Columbus, the nation's 13th largest city should more variety and culture be on your plate.