A Historic Brooktondale Farmhouse Thoughtfully Restored for Modern Living After years of thoughtful design, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for its history, this beautifully restored 206-year-old farmhouse blends modern comfort with timeless character on a peaceful country property overlooking the rolling hills of Brooktondale. Expansive views, a spacious backyard, and generous outdoor living areas create an exceptional setting for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the beauty of the Finger Lakes. The expansive deck provides comfortable seating and a gas grill while overlooking a professionally maintained native pollinator garden that offers vibrant seasonal color from spring through fall. A large ceramic planter filled with fresh culinary herbs is available for guests to enjoy while preparing meals. The kitchen was designed for both everyday living and serious cooking, featuring an efficient layout and a carefully selected collection of appliances that make everything from a simple breakfast to a gourmet dinner a pleasure to prepare. Year-round comfort is provided by energy-efficient air-source heat pumps that offer both heating and air conditioning. A balanced fresh-air ventilation system continuously supplies all three bedrooms with filtered outdoor air, creating a bright, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment. The primary bedroom features a private bathroom and a balcony overlooking the valleys and hills surrounding Brooktondale. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom with a tub and shower, while a first-floor three-quarter bathroom includes a spacious walk-in shower. Throughout the home, the original handcrafted doors, trim, period hardware, and a few original windows have been carefully preserved, allowing the home's historic character to remain an integral part of everyday living. The home is offered fully furnished. The monthly rental includes high-speed internet and television service, electricity, natural gas for the kitchen range, ADT security and fire monitoring, professional lawn care, snow removal, garbage and recycling service, and bi-weekly professional housekeeping. Use of the adjacent barn and is also available. Located within the Ithaca City School District, the property is approximately seven minutes from downtown Ithaca and only five minutes from Cornell University, offering convenient access to outstanding restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions, and countless outdoor recreational opportunities. The owner lives less than two miles away and is readily available should maintenance or repairs ever be needed. A Home with an Extraordinary Story During the renovation, we uncovered an extraordinary piece of the home's history a beautifully handwritten diary hidden within one of the walls. Written in elegant pen and ink, the journal offered a remarkable glimpse into daily life more than a century ago. While I was teaching Technology Engineering, one of my students began each class by reading the diary entry written on that same calendar date exactly 103 years earlier. Listening to the words of someone who had lived in this very farmhouse on that same day, more than a century before, created a powerful connection across generations. It was fascinating, deeply moving, and, at times, gave us chills. That discovery became a guiding inspiration throughout the restoration. Every effort was made to preserve the home's original craftsmanship. Whenever possible, original doors, hardware, trim, flooring, and other architectural details were carefully restored rather than replaced. What began as a renovation ultimately became something much greater. The collaboration between the families who once called this farmhouse home, the students who helped imagine its future, and the craftsmanship that brought the project to life transformed the experience into an unforgettable educational journey and a meaningful tribute to the enduring history of this remarkable home. Minimum Stay and House Information The minimum rental term is 10 months, with some flexibility depending on the circumstances. Ideally, rental periods will align with the local school calendar, from August through July, making the home especially well-suited for educators, visiting professionals, and others seeking a long-term residence. To help ensure a comfortable stay, I provide a comprehensive Renter's Manual that explains everything tenants need to know about living in this historic farmhouse. The manual includes important information about the home's systems, operation, and maintenance. For example, the home is served by a private well, so the water supply is not unlimited. Thoughtful water conservation helps ensure a reliable supply throughout the year. The property is also served by an older septic system, which functions very well when used properly. Unlike a municipal sewer system, septic systems require a little extra care. Only human waste and septic-safe toilet paper should be flushed, and tenants should avoid putting grease, wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or other non-biodegradable items into the system. These are simply part of living in a well-maintained country home. As long as tenants understand and respect these systems, they have consistently performed well, and they have not been an issue for previous renters. There are a few routine responsibilities that tenants are expected to perform during their stay. One of these is placing the garbage and recycling containers at the end of the driveway for weekly collection according to the local pickup schedule. These simple tasks help keep the property running smoothly and ensure that everyone enjoys a clean, well-maintained home. Additional information about these responsibilities, along with other helpful tips for living in the farmhouse, is included in the Renter's Manual.
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