07-10-2009, 11:48 AM
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090...+s+mansion
Marge Schott's Indian Hill mansion and estate is on the open market for the first time since the former Cincinnati Reds owner died in 2004.
The 19-room, 12,000-square-foot mansion, sitting on 15 wooded acres, is listed by Cincinnati-based Sibcy Cline for $3,950,000.
No one has lived there in the five years since Schott, one of Cincinnati's most well-known and eccentric public figures, passed away. Since her death, the property has been in the hands of the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation.
The sprawling estate, originally called Ambleside, was built in 1928 by architect John Henri Deeken, and modeled after a mansion in Ireland.
"This is one of his architectural masterpieces," said Tom Donnellon, attorney for the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation.
Its steep gables, slate roof and stone tower are reminiscent of a castle. The building was constructed with oak flooring, wrought iron, leaded windows, Rookwood tile and a motor court paved with stone. Nearly everything is original to the 1920s construction, and as such, it's a bit of a fixer-upper. Some of the fixtures appear dated and water damage is apparent in some spots. The shag carpet that Schott installed throughout the house decades ago has been removed.
The sellers hope the property will appeal to someone interested in a piece of Cincinnati history, who has deep pockets and the wherewithal to update and maintain it.
Entering past the stone, turreted gatehouse on Blome Road and down the long drive is like walking into the past. Visitors enter an 18-by-30 foot gallery hall. A "flower room" off the front hall was converted to a hideaway bar, with a hidden door and three barstools. The kitchen includes a small indoor grill from the '20s and built-in cabinetry for china, silver and crystal. Eleven wood-burning fireplaces all show evidence of holding fires at one time.
The mansion was built for Mr. and Mrs. Leonard S. Smith Jr., who owned National Marketing Machine Co., and was meant to be staffed and serviced by live-in help. A buzzer system was used to call servants. It still exists, with call buttons on the floors meant to be positioned under dining tables. The servants' quarters is on the second floor, next to the children's wing.
Schott lived in the house since 1954, when she moved there with her husband. When Charles Schott died in 1968 at age 42, Mrs. Schott continued to live there, with her famous St. Bernard dogs, until her death.
Over the years, it was the site of fundraisers for the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Reds gatherings and even a Major League Baseball owners meeting in 1988.
Much of the first year after Schott's death was spent inventorying the contents and emptying the mansion, Donnellon said. Three separate auctions of the contents were conducted, including two for her collection of baseball memorabilia.
Two years were spent exploring the market for 60 acres and an 81-year-old mansion, as Donnellon and others met with about 15 real estate developers.
A Montgomery-based firm, HPA Development, received approval to subdivide nine 5-acre lots surrounding the main property. They are on the market separately.
That left the mansion and 15 surrounding acres, which went on the market in June, with Nancy Schott Hesser, Schott's cousin by marriage, as one of the listing agents.
Marge Schott's Indian Hill mansion and estate is on the open market for the first time since the former Cincinnati Reds owner died in 2004.
The 19-room, 12,000-square-foot mansion, sitting on 15 wooded acres, is listed by Cincinnati-based Sibcy Cline for $3,950,000.
No one has lived there in the five years since Schott, one of Cincinnati's most well-known and eccentric public figures, passed away. Since her death, the property has been in the hands of the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation.
The sprawling estate, originally called Ambleside, was built in 1928 by architect John Henri Deeken, and modeled after a mansion in Ireland.
"This is one of his architectural masterpieces," said Tom Donnellon, attorney for the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation.
Its steep gables, slate roof and stone tower are reminiscent of a castle. The building was constructed with oak flooring, wrought iron, leaded windows, Rookwood tile and a motor court paved with stone. Nearly everything is original to the 1920s construction, and as such, it's a bit of a fixer-upper. Some of the fixtures appear dated and water damage is apparent in some spots. The shag carpet that Schott installed throughout the house decades ago has been removed.
The sellers hope the property will appeal to someone interested in a piece of Cincinnati history, who has deep pockets and the wherewithal to update and maintain it.
Entering past the stone, turreted gatehouse on Blome Road and down the long drive is like walking into the past. Visitors enter an 18-by-30 foot gallery hall. A "flower room" off the front hall was converted to a hideaway bar, with a hidden door and three barstools. The kitchen includes a small indoor grill from the '20s and built-in cabinetry for china, silver and crystal. Eleven wood-burning fireplaces all show evidence of holding fires at one time.
The mansion was built for Mr. and Mrs. Leonard S. Smith Jr., who owned National Marketing Machine Co., and was meant to be staffed and serviced by live-in help. A buzzer system was used to call servants. It still exists, with call buttons on the floors meant to be positioned under dining tables. The servants' quarters is on the second floor, next to the children's wing.
Schott lived in the house since 1954, when she moved there with her husband. When Charles Schott died in 1968 at age 42, Mrs. Schott continued to live there, with her famous St. Bernard dogs, until her death.
Over the years, it was the site of fundraisers for the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Reds gatherings and even a Major League Baseball owners meeting in 1988.
Much of the first year after Schott's death was spent inventorying the contents and emptying the mansion, Donnellon said. Three separate auctions of the contents were conducted, including two for her collection of baseball memorabilia.
Two years were spent exploring the market for 60 acres and an 81-year-old mansion, as Donnellon and others met with about 15 real estate developers.
A Montgomery-based firm, HPA Development, received approval to subdivide nine 5-acre lots surrounding the main property. They are on the market separately.
That left the mansion and 15 surrounding acres, which went on the market in June, with Nancy Schott Hesser, Schott's cousin by marriage, as one of the listing agents.