It's that time again - welcome to the eighth edition of our favorite local real estate series, or as I lovingly nicknamed it years ago on my old blog, 'house in the hood. It may be no shocker to you that I am obsessed with real estate and will literally brake in the middle of the street to scroll a new listing that I see pop up. If you didn't catch the last HITH, feel free to catch up here.
Today's installment is a new modern build made for the consummate entertainer! You'll see what I mean in a second...
This home was built in 2020, on an almost 10,000 square foot lot, which is a pretty penny and getting hard to find here in our small city within a city. The house itself stands at 6,500 square feet - and like I said, this a great house for entertaining!
I had to start in the backyard, since there's so much more back here than most properties within the loop. It definitely has a resort type atmosphere outside, with multiple separate conversation and dining spaces plus the built-in kitchen along one side, and still more lawn space after that!
Back inside, let's start in the front of the house. This office is right off the entry, with a solid glass, metal enclosed door to keep home and work life separated. I love, love, love the offset striped rug. The built-in shelves may not be my first choice, but I appreciate taking a chance and making a statement in the details.
It's also very smart of builders to prioritize building ensuite bathrooms downstairs off of the intended front studies, as the homeowners can later sell it as a possible bedroom. People, myself included, are now finding themselves becoming caregivers for their elderly parents, and having this downstairs ensuite option is so helpful.
Across from the office is the dining room...
I know. I'm mouth and eyes wide open too. Now this is a stunning dining room - all white, the coffered ceiling, the punch of the asymmetrical wood dining table, the divine fireplace. I'm not quite sure about the light above the fireplace though but again I love thinking outside the box. If I lived here I don't think I'd pay attention to the light anyway because I'd be staring at that wine cellar. It's a piece of art in and of itself! I'm sure wine connoisseurs would appreciate the number of bottles this cellar can hold too!
I'm assuming they opted for no chandelier in this room so as not to block the view of the wine cellar but I'd be interested in revisiting if given the opportunity.
Now this is definitely an entertaining kitchen! It's a grand space with lots of seating. I love the backsplash as a statement rising from the range oven and behind the hood, but the full treatment feels a bit busy. I prefer more room for my eyes to rest visually, but it would definitely appeal to a maximalist design lover.
I also love the multiple double doors leading out into the backyard, and the space that will allow for a big dining table (note these dining chairs with arms that won't allow pushing chairs all the way underneath...something to pay attention to when space planning since a different choice will allow additional seating).
Turning toward the living room area, its a very soothing and relaxed space. I love the neutrality of the soft off white paint and the warmth of the wood tones of the flooring. Both marry well with limestone fireplace surround.
I'm perfectly happy with that backsplash in the butler's pantry with the counter however! In here its simple, gorgeous, interesting, and just enough. Just a note for anyone in the middle of a new built or reno project, consider hiding outlets on the underside of the cabinets when possible (or there's faux painting as an option and custom outlet covers as well).
The proximity of the bar to the front entry has me thinking that this house is really meant to function more to entertain, rather than prioritizing day to day life in the case of young family with small kids. Even with older kids, I would prefer the bar to be tucked into a corner, not quite so prominent, but that's me and my opinion! I can see how convenient that would be for very large or very frequent gatherings.
This is a simple but gorgeous powder bath. I love the interior door hardware very much! I might have gone a smidge higher on the backsplash to minimize the look of a builder grade treatment and moved the toilet paper holder to the side of the vanity out of view. #itsthelittledetailsthatmatter
I was not expecting this after seeing the light and bright spaces downstairs! The all gray feels dated, as this look has been on a downward trend for a few years now. The small flush mount pendant also confuses me for such a large space.
The shiplap ceiling is the expected touch of farmhouse that sadly still takes hold of new builds around here. The shiplap continues through into the owner's morning bar...
While I appreciate the size of this bathroom, it does feel a bit heavy handed in terms of material choice. Note that the oversized tile floor is also carried up onto the walls, then coupled with the patterned tile in the shower and the ceiling inset.
The inset cabinetry detail is incredible but it does create a visual gap that reads like a black outline around each door and drawer. I always point this detail out to clients when we're discussing cabinetry for new builds and renovations, especially if a client shares any OCD tendencies like I have, so that we can politely steer them away to a different style.
If I lived here, I would love to soften the harshness of the black finishes and bring in either nickel or even more gold/brass. I'd also switch out the mosaic tile in the shower and ceiling and get new mirrors, especially for the longer vanity to better accommodate that space.
Now this room I can get on board with! Even though they did go with all gray again, the natural light from those windows helps a lot with the brightness of the space!
I'm much more of a fan of this secondary bathroom than the primary one! The linen textured floor tile mixed with the subway tile and the geometric textured vanity wall tile is lovely. I might change the wall sconces or at least the lightbulbs, but otherwise, a high five for this bathroom!
This secondary bathroom downstairs also has access to the backyard and could serve a future potential pool (there's room!). I really like the textured vanity tile and the mixed metals throughout (see how soft nickel and gold are compared to the harshness of black fixtures). The door hardware again makes an appearance. If someone were using this bathroom on a regular basis, I would have opted for side wall sconces, but as a pool bathroom, the overhead sconce is perfectly acceptable.
All four secondary bedrooms have ensuite baths.
Who can't appreciate a fully tiled laundry room? Or a separate mudroom...
As I mentioned earlier, the listing also says there is room to install a pool, but I personally wouldn't. I would instead set up a garden back here and be quite content!
Houses can fit all types of personalities and I do love seeing what's out there around here. Even if a house isn't all my cup of tea, I always consider how I would make it my own. This is a great example of a maximalist, modern home, and an amazing home for entertaining. If that's what you're looking for, then this the perfect house for you! I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to seeing what comes up next in the neighborhood! Stay tuned!