Features
It is almost Biblical that this room should be listed
last,
as it was the first lower level room to be remodeled.
AND...
it remains by reason of construction and proximity
to the stairs, the room with the most interesting
potential, especially now with the popularity
of fine wine cellars, and the need for
safety and property security.
The History
When the house was purchased, the previous owner referred to this room as "the root cellar," for
this is where he and his late wife had stored "roots" (i.e. potatoes, veggies, etc for you non-farmers).
After the purchase, "the root cellar" briefly became "the cat room" where two cats
slept overnight, but roamed elsewhere during the day.
However, within a year, "the cat room" became "my room" for an office. Today it still
is an office... AND as one can see from the pictures, the collection point for personal memorabilia.
What makes this room so special is that it is directly under the Breezeway... And, when
constructing the custom ranch, a decision was made to enclose this area with a foundation wall, rather than support the
superstructure with steel "I-beams" as used to support the "L" and main line. SO, the roughly 8'x14' room is a concrete
vault.* Also recall, that in 1954, when this house was built, air-raid shelters were chic as this country was in the
midst of the Cold War with the U.S.S.R.
Fast forward to today: The Cold War is currently not a threat;
Admiral Birdseye convinced most homemakers -- long ago -- to go to the freezer shelves at a supermarket rather than a
"root cellar" to get their veggies; and unfortunately.... property theft remains an increasing problem.
Now were my grandfather, Vincenzo, alive today, he would advise"
"Eh! Rippa d'concretta... getta sum barrels... en maaka vino."
Indeed, this was the traditional requirement for an Italian wine cellar. Underground.
Isolated. Cool year-round. And most importantly... A DIRT FLOOR for bacteria and other of Mother Natures wonders which
give wines their distinctive taste and bouquet!
Well, just as Admiral Birdseye has convinced the average homemake to buy-rather-than-plant, the
established vintners and appellations of the world have convinced the gamut of wine sophisticates to buy-rather-than-press,
ferment, and be embarrassed when serving vinegar rather than wine.
So let's list the potential for this "little
room that could, can, and always will do more."
-
An impressive wine cellar will
an impressive heavy oak door.
-
A walk-in safe deposit / valuables
clothing vault w steel or concrete floor above
-
A self-contained mini saloon with
a bar
-
A bar with a half-door bar counter
and the entire room for beverages
-
A safe-room during a
hurricane
-
A cozy, two lounge-chair,
entertainment room with wide screen
-
A sound recording studio without
disturbing others in the house
-
A hand-tool, hardware and paint room
-
A personal office /
craftroom as it currently is
-
A "root cellar," for
the harvest from the corrals-turned-garden
-
And of course, last but not
least, a wine cellar -- including Perodi cigars -- which would tickle the bejeezus out of Vincenzo... but, probably dismay
everyone's palate
* There is one basement-type window which is currently blocked and unreachable
from outside.
Room Specifications
-
8'x14' in size
-
Located directly under Four Seasons Beezeway
-
All four walls full-foundation thick concrete
-
Stucco over concrete walls
-
Carpet over concrete floor
-
Small window - usable, but currently covered
-
Electric service entrance and 150 amp panel
-
50 amp and 15 amp service outlets
-
Multiple-line telephone connections
-
Electric heat
Hey... Everyone needs a room like this!
