The sprawling mid-century ranch at 7145 Shook Avenue in Lakewood is a modern marvel. Mostly because it had a single owner. And Roy and Nan Peterson were (and are) the coolest.
They traveled extensively and Roy was really into Alfa Romeos. They’d head to Italy when it was time for a new one and drive the countryside until they racked up enough miles that it was considered “used” so they could save on fees. Then they’d ship it home. Okay? That’s just cool.
They also threw the best parties. I mean look at the pictures, this place was made for ragers – drinks served over a Tiki bar, lots of lounging by the pool which used to be out back. Everyone in the neighborhood was invited in for a drink, some fondue, and a probably a sausage ball or two.
Roy basically built the house. And by basically, we mean he did. He was an engineer with an obvious eye for design, so he drew up the plans, and then he and a friend completed the majority of the construction all by themselves.
Since completion in 1956, the only major thing that’s changed (aside from the pool fill-in in the 1980s), was enclosing the original carport in the 1970s to add a second master suite.
Aside from that, it’s about as original as they come. Original ceiling tiles and wood paneling, light fixtures, and some flooring, not to mention killer pink Formica in one bathroom.
The living room is pretty expansive with no columns for support so how can that be? Where’s the load bearing? Don’t need it. “What’s that now?” Don’t need it. They used steel I-beams in the construction phase, – and we’re not structural engineers here – but it would certainly seem this thing is solid as a rock.
In the living room there was a built-in stereo with a reel-to-reel that was recently removed. It, too, was top of the line – Harman Kardon. Roy had the foresight to have built-in record shelves right alongside the sound system. He also placed speakers throughout the house to keep the party going all night long.
In the kitchen, there’s a mosaic peninsula that Nan made. You see, Roy wasn’t the only one with talent. There’s no telling whose idea the state-of-the-art (for the time) refrigerators were, but you just know they never saw a shortage of Tab.
There’s really not much more we can say about this stunning little time capsule. Except the fact that we hope the next owners love it as much as the orginals.
David Bush with David Bush Homes has listed 7145 Shook Avenue, a 2,733-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath, split level house, for $799,000. Lucky for us all, it will be open on Sunday, August 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.
