Remember my friend Lesley's wonderful Caribbean doll house I wrote about in August? Last week, she invited me over for a tour of another treasure --- her kitschy Swiss chalet!
Back in the mid 1960's, Lesley's grandmother purchased this doll house for her at New York's F.A.O. Schwarz. Isn't it incredible?
For years, this doll house resided in the third floor attic of Lesley's childhood home in Scarsdale. A couple of decades later, her husband Henry spotted it there and suggested they take it home to Rowayton. Lesley has been working on it ever since. And it has become a labor of love, not only for Lesley, but for many members of her family, too. Have a look inside. (You can click on any photo for a larger view.)
Isn't it spectacular? The attention to detail is inspiring. Did you notice the cuckoo clock? How about the false teeth on the dresser? In the kitchen, you'll find bread in the oven, a rolling pin in the hutch and the table set for tea. Each bed has a chamber pot and beautiful bedding. If you open drawers and cabinets, they, too, are filled to perfection. The tiny artwork on the walls is so sweet. The alpine picture on the right is actually a framed Swiss chocolate candy wrapper!
Knowing I wanted to come by for a peek, Lesley spent a good twelve hours dusting and cleaning the chalet. Her mom, Nancy, helped wash and rehang the tiny curtains. Years ago, she also helped sew the bedding.
This doll house has really been a family affair. Lesley has had the support of her son Willy and late husband Henry, plus many others who contributed to the project. Originally from Austria, her father Frederick's family owned an art gallery in Lucerne and they spent a lot of time in Switzerland. When her Aunt Frances took trips to Europe, she brought back animals, folkloric furniture and people for the doll house. Some items were found at local shops like Eileen Godfrey Miniatures in Pound Ridge, New York. Some of the furnishing are handmade. Lesley can always count on her good friend Jill to help with that. And we can't forget Grandmother Ada, who started it all by purchasing this toy chalet over 40 years ago.
This whimsical doll house is kitschy, clever and infused with Lesley's droll and witty sense of humor. I'm so glad she allowed me to have a peek. I hope you've enjoyed viewing it, too.
Susan
I fell in love with the furniture (Dora Kuhn) and collected it, and now I'm going to try to build a 'similar' house to hold the furniture - I can't wait! This is gorgeous! - Sue in Phoenix
Posted by: Sue | November 19, 2011 at 10:38 PM
I love it too, it reminds me of my childhood in Switzerland helene
Posted by: helene | September 02, 2011 at 05:50 PM
i would like to speek with you or others who would like to talk to me about info about german furniature that came from germany , from the early twentys and after the war in the fiftys that spielwaren produced from the early 20's 30's 40's 50's and etc.
im doing rearch and ilike to get a book about miniatures that need to come out, how important they are and that books like zelner, that did mention info, but i feel more needs to be talk about and ( and why im feel that a book need to be publish, that german miniature from what i know, that in the 1950's, that they were not mass prodused, like american companies, they were not made on esembly line, from japan or china, etc, but were hand crafted, in small german villages, of 10 or more craftmen,, and then stamped with the name spielwaren
so i like to speek with others, that can help me with this research
mleder9901@aol.com
michelle
Posted by: Apps 55753818692 1151929929 0ca14d4e78a694c64cc131995454af0a | April 01, 2011 at 10:06 PM
That is soooo cute. I wish my kid would have something like it.
Posted by: ebel patio furniture | December 09, 2010 at 09:30 AM
Thank you so much for pictures of what it should look like, I got this dollhouse today....just a few hours ago at an estate sale in NJ. it has none of the furniture, is missing the second floor shutters and flowers and the flowers and bushes on the first floor are missing, but I now have an idea as to the age and finished look of my dollhouse thanks to you! God bless you and you family, and thank you again.
McSwain Estate Toys & More
Posted by: R. M.S. | October 16, 2010 at 09:26 PM
This is amazing, simply amazing! Just like in the movies when rich daddy gets his little darling angel the very bestest birthday present.
Posted by: Mom Wald's Place | September 23, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Oh my, your friend is so lucky!
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | September 21, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Such a treasure to pass down.
Posted by: Ruth | September 17, 2009 at 08:20 PM
Simply adorable! What a dream doll house. Thanks Susan.
xo Colette
Posted by: colette | September 17, 2009 at 01:24 AM
A-dorable! What a wonderful gift to have received as a child and to have all the family join in helping furnish it. Back in the 60s I wanted a doll house soooo badly & never got one until I bought myself one in my late 30s. Love, love, love miniatures & doll houses. Also, love the little cherries on the table and cherries on the pottery. So sweet for your friend to share with us! :)
Posted by: tammyCA | September 17, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Am I the only one who took one look at this & started singing in my head "Yodel-la-he-hoo" a la The Sound of Music???
Posted by: Kim | September 16, 2009 at 08:07 PM
What a sweet, whimsical dollhouse! I love seeing all the work that has gone into it - with everyone helping! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Posted by: Claudia | September 16, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Susan, This is one of the best doll houses that I have ever seen. The details are amazing!
♥, Susan
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | September 16, 2009 at 08:36 AM
That little house is wonderful! I love every little detail!
Hugs,
Jill
Posted by: Jill | September 15, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Oh I just love it!
Hugs, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | September 15, 2009 at 08:44 PM
Akkkkkk, that is the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I LOVE it xoxox Clarice
Posted by: clarice | September 15, 2009 at 10:28 AM