The Geneva Historical Society Tour of Homes

Gordon and MaryAlice Wheeler- House #1
4804 State Route 14

There is limited parking space at this home, so you might want to take the shuttle from Billsboro Winery.

The plaque to the side of the front door neatly says it all: “Designed and Detailed by MaryAlice and Gordon Wheeler.” Upon stepping inside, one is in a “kitchen designed for a short person.” And it is. The beautifully furnished kitchen is the nerve center and gathering point of this gorgeous new home of 1600 square feet.
The couple designed the home with MaryAlice’s myriad ideas and Gordy’s drafting skills. He encouraged her to arrange what she wanted on the drafting paper placed on a dining room table; he used his drafting skills to refine the concept, and an architect provided verification. Now they have their dream home: a lakeside two bedroom retirement “cottage” on one floor.
MaryAlice sparkles with enthusiasm as she explains such must-haves as pocket doors, inward opening French doors to the front porch “where having coffee is a joy,” interesting recessed lighting, and all ceilings at different heights. The whole design and building process took more than two years. The Wheelers cleared the land themselves, downing trees and subduing underbrush rife with poison ivy. The landscape and garden design are MaryAlice’s handiwork, and not to be missed.
For those who like to see everything, cross Route 14 and walk down through yet another garden to arrive at a patio and a 90-foot boat dock. The property includes 50 feet of lake frontage. Before you leave the house, however, enjoy all those architectural and interior decorating details. Notice how one of the largest clocks in the Geneva area has a way of appearing out of nowhere.