Open Hearts,
Open House
HOME
This spacious Victorian has room
to spare during the holidays.
WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE-MARIE CARUSO
I
n 2001, when Wendy and
Andrew Lacey were planning
a move from New York City to
Montclair, the housing market
was “crazy,” recalls Wendy.
“We lost lots of bids.” The good
news: Their dream house, which
wasn’t available when they started their
search, finally went on sale, and they
grabbed it. Fifteen years later, they’ve
filled it with four children, frequent
visitors and a giant fluffy dog, all of
whom celebrate Thanksgiving together.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD TREE
Of the spectacularly lit tree near the Laceys’ front curb, Wendy says, “From Day
One, I hated it. It was too close to the road and another tree, so it got less sun
than it needs.” Watching the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting one year, she decided to hire Smitty’s Landscaping in Cedar Grove for their tree-decorating services.
She recalls driving home after a nighttime meeting and seeing it aglow for the
first time. “I was stunned that the tree I disliked could look so warm and full of
holiday spirit,” she says. “Andrew and I decided that lighting it would be
our Christmas present to each other every year.” ➤
HOLIDAY 2016
MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE
25