Page 34 of The Catcher
Natalie Ashford’sproperty was everything he had come to expect from her family. It was grandeur on another level — extravagant and impressive. Some might have even called it eye candy. But in Bono’s words, a house didn’t make a home.
Located on Brewster Point off the Peninsular Road, it backed onto the southernmost area of High Peaks Lake. On the outside, it resembled an Adirondack grand lodge, a structure that might have been best suited for a campground that would house handfuls of teens over the summer months, not a single woman.
But that was the Ashfords to a tee.
They wanted people to know they were wealthy, especially since they had their hands in the real estate market. And what better way to draw in clients than by living in one of their properties and being the talk of the town?
Noah’s Bronco rumbled along the winding road leading to the lodge home on High Peaks Lake. As he approached the entrance gate, its imposing presence hinted at the luxury that awaited within. The gates swung open effortlessly before he could even reach for the button.
Driving through, Noah’s gaze swept over the manicured grounds, illuminated by soft lights that dotted the landscape. To his left, he caught a glimpse of tennis courts bathed in a gentle glow, starkly contrasting with the natural darkness surrounding them. The property exuded an air of tranquility, nestled within the serene beauty of the trees.
Parking his Bronco in the circular driveway, Noah took a moment to admire the architectural masterpiece before him. The two-story lodge boasted a harmonious blend of logs and stone.
Stepping out of his vehicle, Noah was greeted by Natalie herself, who stood at the entrance, casual in her bohemian attire. Her long, dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, a stark departure from the businesslike demeanor.
“Glad to see you made it,” Natalie greeted him with a warm smile.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Noah quipped, returning her grin as he approached.
Natalie gestured with a wave of the hand, inviting him inside.
As Noah stepped into the foyer, he was immediately struck by its sheer grandeur. The interior exuded warmthand sophistication, a testament to the unsurpassed craftsmanship that had gone into its creation.
A massive stone fireplace adorned the wall, its flickering flames casting dancing shadows across the expanse of the room. The specialty custom log work, meticulously crafted, added an element of rustic charm that perfectly complemented the lodge’s majestic surroundings.
Natalie led him through the great room, its soaring two-story ceiling creating an inviting, airy ambiance. The room was bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, highlighting the intricate details of the furnishings and decor.
As they passed through the family room, Noah couldn’t help but admire the seamless blend of luxury. With its state-of-the-art appliances and gleaming countertops, the chef’s kitchen beckoned with the promise of culinary delights.
They made their way to the adjoining screened dining porch, where the crisp evening air mingled with the tantalizing aroma of a prepared meal. From here, Noah could catch glimpses of the expansive grounds beyond, where the in-ground pool shimmered invitingly in the moonlight.
Beyond that, he could see the lake.
“I didn’t realize you were on the same lake as me.”
“Hard to pass up views like this,” she said, sidling beside him. Noah caught the aroma of her perfume. She saw him glance at her.
He cleared his throat. “It’s a little big for one person, don’t you think?”
“Maybe. Though I like the space.”
“It’s nice.”
Natalie smiled at his compliment. “I’m glad you like it,” she replied. “There’s so much more to see. I’ll give you a tour. You want a drink?” she asked, wandering into the kitchen. “I’ve got beer, bourbon, and non-alcoholic beverages.” She paused as if she knew his background.
“A beer is fine.”
One wouldn’t harm anyone; besides, it would take the edge off.
She returned, holding two. She twisted the cap off and gave him a bottle.
“Follow me,” she said.
And with that, she led him deeper into the heart of her extraordinary home, where secrets lurked behind every door, waiting to be uncovered.
“The place used to belong to a Wall Street broker from the Big Apple. It was his summer cottage for more than 28 years. Every year, he would travel up with his wife and kids for two months and then rent it out for the rest of the year. My father’s company bought out the place that was dealing with rentals. He offered the owner a price he couldn’t refuse, and that’s how we ended up with it.” She glanced at him as if gauging his reaction before continuing to lead the way, talking as if she was looking to sell him on the place. “All custom log work. Built here in High Peaks. Multiple stone fireplaces, seven bedrooms, eight baths with a gorgeous two-story great room. There’s an elevator to get to the floor above,” she said, pointing to it with her beer bottle.” They reached an area that offered a clear view of the rear property. “There’s a two-bedroom guest house outthere, a five-slip boat house with an entertainment area above it — the pool, of course, and a multi-vehicle garage.”
“Extravagant. Twenty acres?”
