thank you, Sophie. I am doing this as well, even though my current lead is a long drive. Still, if the piece is right, I'll do it.

Antique secretaries are readily available for under $1000 in many areas because there's not much demand for them since the recession hit. It's worth a trip to an area with antique stores. Some antique stores have excellent photos of their stock online.

Price range ?

http://www.whereibuyit.com/small-secretary-desk/

Genevieve asked about price range. I'm worried about going too low and settling for a basic piece with questionable durability/quality. A Winsome product would be great in a utility room or less visible area. My area is a great room so I would see this piece everyday as the eye naturally takes in the whole room, nothing is hidden. So the piece needs some charm and style. But it also needs to functional. Beauty and Function.

I, too, am needing something along this scale. Have you had any lucky finding anything you like and affordable? Thanks!

I don't know where you live, but on the East coast there are several auction houses that carry secretary desks. I got one on Craigs list and I am planning to update it,..it was about $150