THE ULTIMATE LIST OF CHEAP OLD HOUSES UNDER $50K…and BEYOND ––>
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Fun Friday – The Erickson Tree House
January 13, 2023
We need some entertainment after seeing tons of dropped ceilings and peeling laminate floors, so Old Houses Under Under $50k introduced Fun Friday. It is a collection of weird structures, usually NOT for sale, simply of interest. This one happens to be for sale, but definitely NOT under $50K. Today we visit the Erickson Tree House in Duluth, Minnesota.
This home either speaks to the heart of mid-century modern lovers or gives a heart attack to others afraid of mudslides.
The mid-century modern home, constructed of concrete and steel, is built on top of a steel bridge spanning a creek that flows through the Congdon Estate to Lake Superior.
In 1959, Lewis Erickson, a professional engineer, designed and constructed the house on steel stilts for his wife, Gwendolyn, whose early polio diagnosis affected her legs.
With this in mind, he built their home with a one-level, open floor plan. Back in 1959, it cost $45,000 to build.
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In 2005, Peter Gessel purchased the house.
When questioned about any quirks residing above a creek, Gessel recalled the 2012 flood.
“It came down Superior Street, came up on the driveway and both sides of the house,” he said. While the water didn’t infiltrate the home or garage, Gessel said, “If you had fallen into the creek, you would’ve been washed into Lake Superior.”
The light in the Erickson House’s entryway is contained in a metal orb.
Steve Kuchera / Duluth News Tribune
“It came down Superior Street, came up on the driveway and both sides of the house,” he said. While the water didn’t infiltrate the home or garage, Gessel said, “If you had fallen into the creek, you would’ve been washed into Lake Superior.”
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The wall of windows, in the open concept great room and primary bedroom, looks into the trees, suspended in nature. This engineering feat has stood solid through its 60 years and is ready to once again shine . One level living with three ensuite baths and an indoor pool + shower room under the garage are beyond, beyond! Take a step into the extraordinary!
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If you have a spare $675,000 lying around, the home is actually for sale.
4 Comments
NAIMA Anne HAVILAND
omigoodness, what a beautiful house. How wonderful it must be to dwell in the trees. What a lovely and loving gift for the designer’s wife!
Roberto Uniz
How much$$?
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It’s a Fun Friday,. They are NOT under $50K. $675,000.
Richard
What a beautiful home