If you had a wish list for a new house, which most of us do when we set out to find one, what would your list include? Mine would definitely include 2+ baths, 2 car garage, bright spaces, more than 1 acre with privacy, full basement (don't you need the storage?), 3+ bedrooms (the more the merrier - love the upstairs den for competing TV programs, not to mention a guest room).
My second tier list would include quality details such as hardwood floors, a fireplace for both ambiance and an alternative heating source, and a large kitchen (a lot happens in this room). I would also favor a place that I could make my own. The perfect house would be completely livable, but I could change things over time. I have a friend who bought a beautiful new home, but she hated the kitchen and ultimately tore out the high end cabinets AND the granite and replaced them. It killed her to do this, but high end doesn't necessarily mean attractive. So why not buy something, live in it for awhile, and remodel a kitchen or a bathroom to reflect your vision of beautiful.
With more than 2200 sq ft in a desirable area of Durham, this 4 bedroom Colonial home on Haddam Quarter is just right in so many ways. There are great spaces around every corner from the traditional dining room; screened-in porch; and living room with fireplace, wide-plank pine floors and beams. The large family room off the LARGE kitchen provides a place for the whole family to settle in next to the gas fireplace and enjoy windowed views of the outdoors, cathedral ceilings and built-ins. The endless features include lovely front-entry foyer, mudroom, 2.5 baths and full basement. And with 4 bedrooms upstairs (all with hardwood floors), you can put one to work as a guest room, home office, sitting room or craft space. The spectacular 2 acre lot is like living in your own private tree-house, with gorgeous gardens featuring lush hydrangeas and Black-Eyed Susans. For me (a mother of two boys), I really like the fact that the mature, landscaped level yard backs up against acres of wooded privacy - ripe for adventures.
Although the list of what I like about this house is long, my imagination gets some exercise as well. I especially love the entry foyer with its slate floor, and turned staircase, lending a roomy and gracious air to the space. And I've always wanted a sunporch. I picture the large kitchen being transformed with an island, and adding color to the otherwise tan palate. I immediately see the great room and kitchen functioning seamlessly as one fantastic family gathering place. And if the price didn't suit me, I might make an offer anyway, just to get the ball rolling. With this house, my wish list is covered and then some. Want to see more, click here.
