Historic Fleet Cabin

Description

Most people buy homes, but a few of us want to buy time machines. We look for those places that are steeped in history, where every room has a story, and we can only wish that the walls could talk. There are just a few places like that in Oklahoma. One is the Historic Fleet Cabin. This sprawling estate is in the middle of Ada, Oklahoma, approximately 160 miles from Dallas and 85 miles from Oklahoma City. A bit of mystery surrounds this property as only a few people have actually had access to it. Today we throw its doors wide open and present the Fleet Cabin to you in all its glory as the Land Doctors latest listing.  

Originally built in the 1930's and completed in 1937, The Fleet Cabin was originally constructed for Frank Fleet as an addition to his extensive estate and primary residence up the hill. Frank commissioned W.F. Krause & Sons, well-known landscapers and woodworkers during that time, to design and build the cabin. Remember the Krause name, as this is an important point that we will return to in a moment. Over the next several years the Fleet family hosted numerous parties for family, business associates and the early elite of Oklahoma's history. It became the family's private park and retreat. Over 60 years later the story of the Fleet Cabin came full circle when W.F. Krause's grandson, Billy, and wife Danna purchased the property in 2002. Because of this acquisition, the walls actually have a voice as Billy can provide a treasure trove of details about the construction, history and evolution of the property that have been passed down through the family.

Now that the stage is set, you can follow along as we explore the property. As you pass through the main gates and up the drive beyond the pond with its tranquil fountain, you'll soon feel as if you've entered a different time and place. The primary grounds have been meticulously maintained and manicured and feature numerous terraced levels with immaculate landscaping. As you walk through the terraced levels you'll notice the extraordinary cedars that were planted in the 30's and have grown to maturity over the decades. The elm trees, oak trees, crepe myrtles, hollies, baldcypress, and catalpas are just a few of the trees and plants you will find on this exquisite property.

Generally speaking, the cabin is built in a wilderness lodge style that incorporates three main elements: naturally formed concretion rock featuring interbedded sands and gravels, petrified wood and large pine logs imported from Minnesota. Stone paths lead you either past the swimming pool or the outdoor fireplace and pavilion through the first of the terraces to main entry on the south end of the lower floor. This entry leads into a transitional sunroom with white painted concretion rock. From this point, you open a hand-made Dutch style door into the lower living room. Just stop right there and take it in as your eyes adjust to the romantic indirect lighting inset into the rock walls. Wow! A large fireplace graces one corner while antique light fixtures hang from the large logs in the ceiling. The original stain of the logs has aged into a beautiful bourbon colored patina that cannot purposely be reproduced, as only the passage of time yields that tint. A small hallway to the right leads you to a functional kitchen and a small bedroom. A 3/4 bathroom is located between the two. Another corner of the lower floor is occupied by the second guest bedroom. Opposite the fireplace stands a hand forged steel spiral staircase held together by a one-piece continuous steel top rail that extends from the bottom to the top floor. As you work your way up the staircase, you can start to see the large logs in the walls and ceiling of the top floor. You start to realize that you are about to see something special.

Stop again, take a moment and take it all in. You now stand in a great hall where the giants of early Oklahoma history like Robert S. Kerr came to set the course for a young state, do deals and settle political arguments with a hand of poker. An enormous fireplace constructed of petrified wood dominates the room. Beautiful logs form the walls and ceiling, one of which has the year 1937 inscribed in the end of it. Stained glass windows adorn the peaks of the room on the east and west end and direct a beautiful light into the room. Indirect lighting embedded into the tops of the upper joist logs cast a warm light up to the ceiling that then scatters back to the floor where it reveals old world wood floors held in place by hand carved wood pegs. A hand made Dutch style door with a speakeasy window opens from the room to the north side of the house where a stone path leads you back down through the terraces to the lower level. Coat closest lie on each side of the entry. Closer inspection reveals that the doors and windows are trimmed with live bark pieces that have amazingly stood the test of time for 83 years. In addition, the interior doors are hand made with pioneer style hardware. Just behind the great room is a large master bedroom suite that includes a fireplace and large seating area with beautiful view of the rolling cross-timber hills to the south. Two doors lead from this room to twin rock stairs that curve gently back down to a landing near the main entry on the first floor. Lastly, there is a small bedroom and another bathroom complete with imported Spanish tile on the southeast corner of the upper floor. If you run out of room in the cabin, a small guest suite complete with bedroom, sitting room, kitchenette and bathroom is located in the combination guest home and shop located just beyond the pool.

The primary property consists of approximately three acres, with a densely forested additional parcel on the West side that is approximately 2.66 acres. The is also an additional parcel available on the South side of East Central Blvd.  It is 4.86 acres with approximately 580' of frontage along Cradduck Road.

As a final note, the sellers will remove their family mementos and most treasured keepsakes but will negotiate on much of the furniture if desired by the next owner. If you've always dreamed of owning your own exceptional piece of history, this is the property for you. Let the Land Doctors show you the place that will provide your friends and family a lifetime of memories and experiences they will cherish forever. Call Alex Leach today at 580.272.3953 or drop him an email at Alex@LandDoctors.com.