Rich in history!!! Historic Talkeetna residence & former lodge on 12.5 wooded acres (3 lots) at the end of the road & via AKRR. Beautiful log home originally built in 1946, 'Kirsch's Place' is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Original wood & finishes, vintage charm, & AKRR artifacts provide a picture of a past era, yet it is equipped w/ all of today's modern conveniences & comforts.Previous owners have kept records of, meticulously maintained, and preserved the property & history with tremendous effort and care.
This ~2069 sq ft home was originally built in 1946 by the Kirsch family (participants in the Matanuska Valley Colony in 1935). It was moved from its original foundation and extensively renovated and updated during 1993-2003. The new foundation includes a full ~1343 sq ft basement w/ additional finished living area (including a stone fireplace), full bathroom w/ original clawfoot tub, storage, mechanical room, and laundry area (with a chute!). The main floor includes 2 arctic entries, commercial kitchen w/ Wolf Range, living room w/ stone hearth & woodstove, dining room, 2 bedrooms w/ ensuite baths, and additional 3/4 bath for communal use. Four of the 5 bathrooms were recently updated w/ custom tile walk-in showers. The upper floor is accessed from the arctic entry and could be a separate owner's living quarters or additional guest accommodations if the home were to be run as an Inn. There are two large bedroom areas joined by a jack and jill bathroom. Both rooms are spacious w/ storage and seating areas. The dormer style windows provide character with angled ceilings and creative storage areas. The 'landing' area at the top of the stairs highlights the original historic exterior and provides additional light to one of the bedrooms.
A second home built in 1997, was built on the site of a previous section house at Sunshine Siding (location of the AK RR mile 215.3). Accents of exposed wood timbers, custom log framing elements, and an open concept with vaulted ceiling add to the charm and character of this home. Currently, the main floor is heated with both a blaze king woodstove and toyotami oil fired hydronic boiler in-floor heat system, the large 1152 sq ft garage below also has a toyostove. This home has all the conveniences including 3 baths, washer/dryer, and well and septic. There are 2 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms as well as an additional shared bath for the main living area. The main living area is full of natural light, feels very spacious with the vaulted ceilings, as well as warm and cozy from the multiple heat sources and wood features. The garage area is accessible from the carriage house doors outside the home. The log elements extend into the garage as well. This home has been built with attention to detail, historic character, and beautiful craftsmanship.
This property is also home to another small cabin built in 1946 (renovated & restored in 1995), outhouse, woodshed, storage shed, and greenhouse. Ample lawn areas, gardens, trails, and historic 'treasures' compliment the abundant birch trees & secluded peaceful setting that was discovered & developed in a time when the area was only accessible by rail until the early 1960's.
Today, this property is easily accessible and near to essential ammenities at the 'Y', local brewery, bikepath, and ~12 miles from all the action in 'Downtown' Talkeetna.
