I have long admired the quaint story book homes big and small in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.  So last Sunday I  jumped at the opportunity to spy inside a few on a neighborhood tour.

The 8 houses ranged in age from the early 1900’s to the late 1950’s.  Architecturally they ran the gamut from Spanish and Georgian Revival, English, Victorian and Craftsman, but by far the most exciting stop on the tour for me was a home designed by modernist architect Richard Neutra in 1959.

Over the past 5 years, the house has gone through a major renovation to restore as many of its original features as possible.  A labor of love, the current owners have done extensive research to help aid them in their quest.  Nestled in a secluded, wooded area just steps from the local University, the Hassrick house is an excellent example of the International Style Neutra is so famous for.

From street view the house appears as an unassuming solid blocked massing similar to that assembled by a child with wooden blocks.  It is this simplicity that makes the modern style of this home so appealing. Neutra’s thoughtful design sensibility creates a flowing open floor plan.  A quick tour around the perimeter of the home reveals the architects goal of blending interior living spaces with the natural setting while retaining  the privacy of the inhabitants. Neutra used the term “biorealism” to describe his work, emphasizing the relationship between man and nature.  The rear private elevation of the home is created by a floor to ceiling 40’ wide monumental sliding window, opening seamlessly to blur the lines between inside and  out.  This theme is repeated in the bedrooms lining the rear of the structure.  Though a home like this is not for everyone, you can’t help but admire the bold choices the architect made and the trust the homeowner placed in him to create the design. As you walk around the natural setting it is hard to believe the hustle and bustle of center city Philadelphia is just a short 10 minute drive away.

It was interesting to note and hard to ignore on this beautiful Fall day, though all the homes on the tour were unique in their own ways, nature was important to each and every one of them.  From small postage size patios on the traditional Philadelphia row homes to the sprawling private back yard oasis of the Hassrick house, one cannot deny the importance of having an outdoor space to call your own.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a crisp beautiful October day.

Last week my husband and I discovered this beautiful nature trail right at sunset.

Overlooking Gordon’s Pond. If you look closely you can see the towers on the beach.

The view from the look out platform. At Sunset this is the perfect spot to see the Atlantic. This is also a favorite to bird watchers!

Looking west toward Cape Henlopen State Park the sun goes in for the evening.

As we were leaving the ducks were enjoying themselves in the twilight colors of the sunset.

I spent the first week in St. John, USVI to celebrate the wedding of my best friend Chad and his lovely wife Alena.  I was honored to serve as best man.  There were over 30 people from Rehoboth Beach there for the wedding.  With a group that large we took over any spot we went to and we had a great time!  We spent one day boating throughout the British Virgin Islands including a trip to the Baths in Virgin Gorda.  One of the most fun and relaxing vacations in years!

The Wedding Party

Bride & Groom

Groomsmen

St. John

2010 Lifesaving World Championships were held in Mamora Beach, Egypt. I was honored and proud to be one of the twelve selected to represent for the United States in this year’s worlds championship. The Lifesaving World Championships consist of beach and pool events. My main events are on the beach. I compete in beach flags, the open 90, the 4×100 relay, rescue race and taplin race.

Out of 72 competitors in the beach flag competition, I placed 5th in the world. I was very excited about this accomplishment.

Me & my trainer Harrison

The USA National Team

Winning a flag

In the heat

Dana, Harrison and me

The rescue race

The pool

The medal winners

Egypt was truly an amazing experience. I was glad to see that part of the world. Even though my favorite part about this trip was the competition, visiting the pyramids was breathtaking.

I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to compete and build friendships throughout the world. Being part of the US team over the years has allowed me to see the world, experience different cultures and find life long friends.

Holding the Pyramids

Just another day at pyramid

Me at the Pyramids

My buddy Rayli from South Africa

Palace street

The camel

Our tour guide

Beautiful sunset

Henlopen Acres II

RB Yacht Club

Henlopen Acres I

]]> http://echeloncustomhomes.com/blog/homes-in-the-snow/feed/ 0 http://echeloncustomhomes.com/blog/matty-the-jewish-christmas-elf/ http://echeloncustomhomes.com/blog/matty-the-jewish-christmas-elf/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:37:14 +0000 Matty Adler http://echeloncustomhomes.com/blog/?p=556