Playhouse in search of the perfect yard
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — A playhouse that was supposed to be auctioned to raise money for the American Cancer Society is still on the market awaiting that perfect location in some lucky child's yard.
Advertiser library photo
The sale of the building nearly closed for $16,000, but Charlie Schmucker, who organized the construction of the playhouse, couldn't deliver it to the hillside property in Lanikai because the driveway was too steep.
Dianne and Charlie Schmucker are looking for new bidders for the playhouse that was to have been auctioned to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Other potential bidders for Hale O Keiki, a 336-square-foot plantation-style house, failed to meet the $13,980 minimum price for the 12-by-28-by-12-foot high structure that cost almost $16,000 to build.
"We're kind of stuck," Schmucker said, adding that he even tried to get a helicopter to lift the house to the Lanikai resident but it was too heavy for the helicopter, which could lift only 7,000 pounds.
Sam Hadar, owner of Art Flow Studio which builds playhouses and other wood furniture, agreed that $6,000 — the next highest bid — was too low for the size of the playhouse and the detail that went into the construction.
Art Flow has a 12-by-12-foot English cottage on its Web site that Hadar said he can reproduce for $20,000 without all the fine finishes. But he said he charges between $7,000 and $15,000 for most of his playhouses. A 10-by-10-foot log cabin built for a Maunawili family cost about $7,000, Hadar said.
Schmucker is looking for new bidders, people who know value and see the playhouse as an investment. The playhouse was designed by an architect and built by professionals. It is surrounded by a porch and white fence decorated with sea turtles.
"It has beauty. It has charm. It's one of a kind," he said.
To reach Schmucker and to bid on the playhouse, call 261-6834.
The dark green wood-framed building with white trim has double walls, a chimney, deck, cedar shake roof and sleeps 12 children.
To make a bid
The house was the brainchild of the Kane'ohe Yacht Club Fishing Fleet, who along with Schmucker run the Cure Cafe food booth during the annual Relay for Life in Kailua that was held at Kailua Beach Park this month. The group holds a fishing tournament and donates its catch to the relay. Members donate all proceeds to the Cancer Society.
Auctioning a playhouse was an attempt to beat the $9,100 raised last year.
Schmucker said he is only interested in serious bids.
"I don't want somebody to steal it because we're hungry," he said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
