This handsomely designed traditional home, located at 1637 Grand Avenue, represents a style often associated with Piedmont. Its timeless appeal is obvious, and its architecture is classic for an era, yet it moves seamlessly into today's living. Ideally located close to the in demand shops and restaurants of Montclair, Rockridge and Piedmont Avenue, it offers 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms in a comfortable 2053 +/- sf of living space, with off street parking.
The curb appeal here is exemplary. Carefully trimmed plants and hedges and imaginative front steps, lead to a dramatic front porch with matching pair of impressive entry columns
As guests reach the top of the stairs and arrive at the front porch, they are offered this delightful hillside view towards Montclair, which can also viewed from the front rooms of the residence.
The entryway is spacious, and reveals much of the early charm of the home. Handsome stairs lead to the second floor straight ahead, the richly colored hardwood floors combine beautifully with the wooden trim that will be seen around much of the doors, entryways and walls. Folding glass pane French doors open onto the dining room, and can close for added privacy.
A turn to the left at the front door reveals the inviting living room that features a sizeable picture window that offers dramatic hillside views. Be sure to note the quality of craftsmanship reflected by the rich wooden trim around windows, doors, baseboards and crown molding.
A full view of the living room reveals its handsome and spacious fireplace, around which various design options can be created. While the room easily accommodates two sofas and a large coffee table, another option might be creative placement of graceful wing or arm chairs, and selected central and side tables.
Up a step from the central living room is this delightful extension, which could quite properly be called a "sun room". Gleaming light flows in from the overhead skylight, and the large trio of windows reveal the outside gardens. Two of the doors open to the backyard, and can be left open for a pleasant afternoon, allowing guests to move freely into the patio area.
To the left of the front door, is this warm and welcoming dining room. Its dark honey colored walls provide a rich backdrop to the table and chairs, and the impressive window with views to the trees and hillside completes the scene. As indicated earlier, and seen better here, a set of glass pane French doors close and open as the need arises.
A view towards the living room reveals how easily guests can adjourn to the dining room once dinner is being served. One of the unique features of this space is the inset wall that provides a perfect location for a serving and storage buffet piece, while creating a generous wall space for displaying paintings or drawings.
Adjacent to the dining room is this gleaming kitchen with cheerful white tiles along, and above, the counter space. Light can come streaming in, adding cheer to every corner of this space, and most especially when preparing food. A picture window opens to the outside gardens, and a cozy eat-in kitchen adds just a bit more charm. Amenities included are a dishwasher, gas range/cooktop, refrigerator, and pantry.
An inviting set of stairs lead to the second floor which offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a plus room. The four bedrooms and the plus room will be shown below for your consideration.
The first bedroom provides plentiful floor space for placement of a roomy bed and other furnishings, and features the quality amenities that will be seen in all the bedroom spaces shown below--hardwood floors, rich trim around the windows and doors, and crown moulding and baseboard.
The second bedroom exhibits a suggested floor plan where twin beds might be preferred, but still allow an unobstructed hillside views.
This cheerful third bedroom is aglow from light flowing in from a pair of windows that slide open to allow in both air and views of the outside greenery.
One of the advantage of having four bedrooms is that when one may not be needed as a bedroom, it can be easily converted into an office or den as seen here, or returned to its original purpose as desired. This space is well suited to either option, and provides an added benefit by featuring generous hillside views.
This room, currently being used as a nursery, is actually a small bonus room whose future use as flexible as needs arise.
The backyard provides this delightful retreat complete with a vine covered pergola, and a sturdy shade tree standing nearby. Just off the rear of the home and kitchen, this is an ideal spot for a quiet luncheon, or a barbecue with friends on a pleasant afternoon.
This wider perspective of the backyard reveals what is currently in place, but also what might be possible, if other concepts were to develop. The upstairs brick terrace area is equally pleasant, with partial views to the hills.
If this pleasant home with its graceful presence, and well placed location, or another home, has caught your attention, please call me with your questions and interests at (510) 517-6280. It is being offered for sale for $1,550,000. I look forward to working with you.
(Listing Courtesy of Dana S. Cohen, The Grubb Company)
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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