House Hunting

Posted on Sun Sep 20th, 2020 @ 4:17pm by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH

Mission: Season 3: Episode 5: Shoreleave
Location: Colorado Springs, Earth
Timeline: MD2 - All Day
980 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

House hunting was the pits. Phoenix hated every minute of it. But she had promised. She and Miran walked behind the realtor as she droned on about the house they were looking at.

“Influenced by iconic Craftsman style homes, this dignified estate sits beneath the steep slopes of Cheyenne Mountain. Set in this stunning geologic setting, the intent was to reflect that power in the home's 24,000 square feet. Using granite sourced from the mountain, a mass of boulder creates the foundation, which gives way to brick walls. The brick, hand cast in wood forms, is one of many handmade materials used on the home to connect the setting's raw beauty with human warmth and ingenuity. The home's 7 bedrooms, 12 baths & 8 fireplaces showcase work of renowned craftsmen across the country and around the world. at the home's entrance, one is greeted by a grand, redwood timber pre-cohere, designed to invite the mind into another world. Spanning a natural ravine, the house is seamlessly split into two areas, the private north wing & the social/family south wing. With its own entrance, the north wing opens into the home's entrepreneurial headquarters. Here, the workspace is complemented by two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and two baths. Underneath the office, a full apartment, accessible by the garage below, is perfect for staff, guests, visiting consultants, or clientele. An exercise room and sauna link this work area and the home's social/family area. In the south wing of the home, the Renaissance-inspired interior shines with Italian marble underfoot and intricate ceiling finishes overhead. For those who love to entertain or family time, the bar/game room, media room, library/workroom, wine cellar, sports court & pizza oven boast opportunity to enjoy company. Several outdoor terraces offer extensive views. A stone path leads up to the secluded spa. Take a walk among the 500+ acres of trails & open space. The home is an extension of its natural surroundings and yet only five miles to Colorado Springs. The Residence is intimately scaled and the warmth of textures and fine craft invite one into the long awaited dream of being at home in the woods.”

Miran rolled her eyes but Phoenix smiled. They had both looked this property over several times, and it was, to be fair their top pick. But the more they now saw of it in person made Phoenix loath to select it. Together the sisters looked around and then after a quiet look shook their heads. "Maybe the next one?" Phoenix suggested to the woman leading them through.


The agent nodded and 20 minutes later they were walking through the next on their list.

"Under the canopy of a tree lined drive, you enter this Estate greeted by a fountain & unobstructed views of Cheyenne Mountain. Enter through the ivy-covered front entry to enjoy spatially dynamic spaces for easy living with refinement in every detail. The use of beams, high roof vaults, wide plank heart pine flooring, hand trowelled walls, Alderwood cabinetry & built-in's add richness to this home's character. With 12, 525 sf, options are plenty for generational living. 5,458 sf of main level living includes En Suite Master, exercise rm, 2 offices, 2nd En Suite bdrm, formal dining room, 2 half baths, laundry & gourmet kitchen/great room with high end appliances. The U shaped design of this home surrounds a covered Veranda with fireplace that can be accessed from the kitchen/great rm. & Master suite. Upper level is perfect for guests with 2 En Suite Bedrooms. Lover level has an enchanting entertainment area with circular bar in copper and onyx + 2 En Suite bedrooms & 2,000 sf. of storage. You will delight in showing this home. Easy living with so many dynamic spaces. New roof in 2018, central vac, sound system, outdoor lighting, copper gutters & downspouts. Oversized four car garage with radiant heat & 4 separate garage doors. Multiple washer/dryers. Kitchen opens to Great room with rock surround fireplace, custom cabinetry, eating nook, granite countertops & hidden butler's pantry. Kitchen appliances Thermador, Bosch, Fisher-Paykel & Subzero. You will love the private environment in the gated community of Stratton Preserve with Cheyenne Mountain as your back drop with unobstructed views."

After looking through it, both Sisters again passed. This was not going to be easy, they knew.
And hours later, Phoenix was about to give up when their realtor brought them to the final house of the day.

Spreading her arms wide, she led them into the house with yet another beaming smile. "Stunning custom home nestled on over 1 acre, Private lot with unobstructed city & mountain views, Mature pines, Large, flat grass area w/stone patio, perfect space for children & play equipment, Rear trex deck overlooks the mountains, City or mountain views from every room, Stucco exterior w/stone & brick accents & tile roof, 6 fireplaces, Over sized, fully finished 4 car garage w/larger doors & space for a workshop, Custom 8' interior doors, cherry cabinets & vanities throughout, interior & exterior wrought iron railings & stainless steel hood, Architectural triple pane Pella windows with built in shades, Over 4500 sq ft of hardwood on main & upper level & stairs, Beautiful 2 story foyer*Main study w/French doors, closet & city views (could be 2nd main bedroom),Great rm features a fireplace & with walkout to deck, Formal dining w/crown moulding, Gourmet kitchen features granite counters, subway tile, high end appliances including 2 dishwashers & a full size freezer in pantry, spacious nook with fireplace & walkout. And it backs onto national park, and you have access to it and the near by ski trails."

The agent paused and watched the two faces. She had it.

The sisters wandered through the house two times without speaking before Phoenix nodded and turned to the agent. "Done. Lets do the deal."

The Agent smiled. "Of course, this way Captain Lalor."

The offer was made, and would be accepted and payment made within the week.

Before they returned to the Elysium, the Lalor sisters would have their own home after nearly 4 years without one for Miran and 15 for Phoenix.