Interview: Settling In A Bainbridge Community

Melissa King didn’t want to stray far from her memories when it was time to downsize from the 5 acres where she raised her two children in Chagrin Falls. So she moved to nearby Bainbridge Township’s Tanglewood Lake Community last September, where her three-bedroom townhouse offers picturesque views and a sense of seclusion.

Living in Chagrin Falls for so long, you can always spot the tourists. They get their ice cream cones at the [Chagrin Falls] Popcorn Shop, and sit and watch the
waterfall. 

 We lived on 5 acres of land. Most of it was wooded and a little stream ran through. There’s a rustic cabin built in the ‘40s. 

 Our kids had parties back there. You know how high school kids are. 

 It was a lot of upkeep and yardwork. Now I don’t have to take care of anything outdoors.

 I didn’t necessarily set out to find a townhouse. I looked at apartments and small houses and condos. My realtor said, “This is the first place I’ve taken you that I saw a smile on your face when you walked in.“

 When I got here, I felt like I wasn’t a small fish in a big sea. 

 When I turn down my little street, I see a vista, people running on the path, people walking their dogs. I get a much more single-family home feeling here. 

 Coming from a house with 5 acres, I like that bit of privacy but still having a feeling of openness. 

 There’s a lake within our development. I just moved here in the fall, but I can’t wait to relax by the beach in the summer. 

 I used to spend an hour mowing the grass. Now that there’s less maintenance to worry about, I have time to redo the landscaping around my house. 

 My favorite room is a little one to the right when you walk in the front door. I keep my family heirloom furniture there. 

 I’m a bargain shopper, so easy access to [U.S.] Route 422 makes it easy to get to places like Beachwood [Place] and Chagrin Boulevard. I’m glad I don’t live right along a freeway, but it feels like I can hop right on.

 I’m still close enough to go to the Blossom Time Festival [held in Chagrin Falls]. It’s an extravaganza. We used to live on the route, and people would come and put their blankets down to watch the parade. This year, I’ll get to be one of the spectators.