Can we BUY This Historic House?…Part 2 WalkThru!
In a Nutshell
The couple is seriously considering buying the historic Dodge House next to their Montello Theater to reunite the two properties once owned by Frank Dodge. The owners are offering the fully furnished house—including its commercial kitchen and established Airbnb income—before listing it publicly. They see the purchase as a major financial risk but a meaningful chance to preserve history, host events, and expand their business.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Four years ago when they took over the movie theater, it had been closed for an extended period and they were starting from scratch. They were concerned that movies might be done and people might not want to come. They now own the world famous Montello Theater and are considering purchasing the Dodge House next door.
Frank Dodge owned the theater when it was Dodge's opera house in the 1800s. He literally lived in the house and walked over to manage the theater. The Dodge House is across from the granite quarry with a view of the waterfall.
Levi and Angela, the current owners and good friends, approached them before listing with a real estate agent. They gave them the lock box code first.
"I want to make it perfectly clear that we're offering this to you and Jen first because we want you guys to take it over because we want you guys to reunite the Dodge House and the Opera House, which is now the Montello Theater. We want that history to come back together. We know you guys are going to preserve it. You know, you guys could do tours and all of that."
They are including everything in the offer - all furniture and furnishings that Levi and Angela meticulously sourced from estate sales and antique stores to find period-appropriate pieces.
The tour begins in the commercial kitchen, formerly home to a restaurant called Stone Cutter. The speaker recalls visiting the previous owners, Jean and Steve, bringing popcorn and shoveling their walkway. Jean would make bread and offer some to share.
The space has beautiful untouched woodwork and large gorgeous windows. They are unsure what they will do with the commercial kitchen space.
The original door is described as gorgeous. Outside seating includes 18 chairs and tables that were handmade by a viewer's husband. The mail slot is noted as a cool feature.
The guest book is customized with "Dodge House" branding. The view opens to the waterfalls. The front door area features a space to put belongings, and there is history behind the door that can be shown from the other side.
The floors are believed to be original. All pictures, furniture, and decor were sourced from flea markets and antique stores by previous owners Gan and Steve and their family.
The living room features a radio, chair, light fixture, chandelier, carpeting, and leaded glass above the entryway. The view shows the waterfalls and the movie theater through the window.
"In a hundred years, we're maybe going to be the only ones besides the Dodge family to own this house and the Dodge opera house, which is now the Montello Theater."
There is a bathroom on the main floor. The wraparound porch is visible from inside. The Dodge family connection is evident throughout the property.
The solid staircase leads to three bedrooms upstairs. The sitting area is described as possibly a parlor or a fourth living room. The speaker plans to bring their Victrola from the movie theater to this space.
The first bedroom has an American theme with a cool bed, gloves, perfume, and a beautiful window view. There is a built-in feature and a heater vent that allowed heat to rise naturally from the fireplace below.
The second room features a closet area with a mirror and a view outside. The courtyard is visible from upstairs windows.
The outdoor seating needs some touchup but is rock solid. There is a four-seater, a little island with a two-seater under a tree with an outlet for Christmas lights, and additional seating bringing the total to approximately 10-12 seats.
The property would be the biggest financial decision they have ever made. They would be taking out the biggest loan of their life. They do not invest in the stock market or have a 401k, instead choosing to invest savings in themselves and their businesses.
They have done this with their Airbnb on their property and with the movie theater. This Dodge House is an established Airbnb already making money, though it is young and carries risk. They have other ideas for the property if they acquire it.
The town has a population of 1,400, which limits business opportunities. Prior to carnivore, the speaker would have made decisions out of fear regarding the economy, risk, expense, and maintenance of an old building.
"There's no suffering. There's only strengthening. If this turns into a big failure, it's not a failure. It's a life lesson. It's all part of a plan."
Possible uses discussed include history tours and VIP small group carnivore meetups. With the commercial kitchen available, they could have cooking demos, make Jen's world famous meatballs with various toppings, or do make-your-own brats with different ingredients.
The decision goes beyond money. Reuniting the house and theater that both belonged to Frank Dodge, preserved in the same condition as when he was there, is a significant motivation.
They decided to write an offer for the Dodge House. Their realtor is John Mus of First Weber, who sold them their home 11 years ago. He can be reached by visiting the movie theater and going three doors down, as they would be neighbors across from the waterfalls.
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