Cherry Hill renovation preserves vintage atmosphere

Nostalgic Polsonites may be happy to hear that the historic Cherry Hill Motel will live on, renamed as Cherry Hill Cabins.

Cherry Hill Motel opened in 1946, part of the post-war boom in family automobile vacationing.

With gazebos and two acres of lawn overlooking Flathead Lake, it is still a perfect representation of the relaxed, timeless “motor inn.”

The iconic motel is receiving a loving makeover by its new owners, C-M Properties, a partnership of David and Janet Caselli, and David and Sharon Murphy. The 10-year friendship between the couples is the heart of the project, they said, with each bringing a different skill. David Murphy brings years as a general contractor and building inspector, leading much of the construction work. He credits Sharon and Janet with the decorating skill, and David Caselli with his computer skills and connections. This is their second project, after successfully renovating what is now a 21-unit apartment building, Mountain View Lodge, in Hot Springs.

The partners purchased the site in March and immediately dove into renovations so they could open for the tourist season this month. They purchased locally as many of their supplies and decorations as they could, from Harbor Light Furniture to thrift stores and estate sales.

“We wanted to restore it but keep it kind of nostalgic, that iconic feel to it,” he said.

Each unit is unique but charming, down to the exquisite little painted cherries on the room number signs. The cabins have been refreshed with new curtains, flooring, beds and TVs. But anyone who has ever stayed there or in similar resorts of the era will recognize original kitchen sinks and appliances, and the warm honey-maple knotty pine tongue-and-groove walls, which they have worked hard to match with finish on newer pieces.

“I love the knotty pine. It’s old and it’s real,” David Caselli said.

Some embellishments they have added include small decks on the cabins overlooking the lawn (with a new underground watering system), barbeque grills in the gazebos, and a professional trimming of the property’s trees.

Caselli said he has had several people and museums offer to buy the classic neon sign near the highway, but they plan to have it restored.

“It’s not easy,” he said. “There are not too many people who restore the old neon signs. I really want to restore it and light it up at night.”

Well aware of the local shortage of affordable housing, the partners set up four units as long-term apartment rentals, which are already let.

“We’re trying to help out,” Caselli said.

Nine other units are offered as vacation rentals on AirBnb. Each cabin is named for a cherry variety, such as Bing, Rainier, Lambert and Sweet Ruby. Bookings, maintenance and cleaning are being managed by Monica Lloyd of Custom Property Services in Polson.

In the winter, Caselli said, they may have space available for traveling medical professionals and other needs.

“I want the community to benefit from this.”

The building that served as motel office and home for previous owners is open, bright and deceptively large inside. With four bedrooms and a large kitchen and dining room, it will accommodate 10 visitors comfortably for family reunions and other group occasions. It includes a recreation room, a bar/game room and deck with a view of Flathead Lake.

Though the property has always been a residence as well as a commercial site, it was zoned as Highway Commercial (HCZD), which does not include residence.

Caselli, on behalf of C-M Properties, is requesting a zone change to Resort Zoning (RZD) for the property, which would be the same category as properties across Highway 93.

“We want to work with the city, and do it all right,” he said.

Caselli’s mother lived in Hot Springs, which is what first brought him to the area. He moved to the lake about 10 years ago, intending to retire. But, as happens to so many with skills in demand, retirement didn’t happen, and he is fully involved with the community. He still works as a full-time clinical orthopedic manual therapist (deep tissue massage) with a clientele that includes professional and amateur athletes. He continues to work in real estate investment and plays music with six different area bands, regularly seen at such venues as The Shoe and Finley Point Grill.

With all that going on, though, Caselli’s enthusiasm for the Cherry Hill Cabins project still brings a sparkle to his eye.

“We are very, very excited about this,” he said. “It’s a little gem.”

For more information or bookings, look for Cherry Hill on Airbnb.com or visit cherryhillcabinsmt.com, which will go online soon.