1618 Franklin Street

Description

This magnificent 4-level 1946 Georgian Colonial is situated on a gently raised corner lot within walking distance of the university, restaurants, parks, the canal path, & shopping. As you enter this unique property by Franklin Street you're greeted by beautiful landscaping that encourages you to meander up to the stately front door. Hardwood floors & high ceilings are enhanced by dentil molding & traditional features, while offering an updated living space in the back of the house. The gourmet kitchen & adjoining family/sunroom offer ample space for entertaining & gathering at home. Featuring gourmet appliances, light & spacious cabinets, a sunny window, & granite counters, you'll enjoy preparing meals in this well-designed kitchen. Tile floors enhance the open space in the kitchen & adjoining rooms, & lead to a walk-in pantry & 3 exterior doors. Screened windows in this airy addition can be opened to allow fresh breezes to drift through the house & the coffered ceilings are stunning. Flanking the sunny foyer are formal living & dining rooms. The dining room features the original 1940's chandelier, & a large bay window opposite the entrance into the kitchen. A home office adjacent to the dining room features windows on 3 sides & has built-in bookshelves, plus a floor to ceiling cabinet for stowing treasures. The formal living room showcases a lovely gas fireplace, with brick mantel & chimney, & has the twin bay window facing the front of the home. A side door leads out to the tiled screened porch & accesses the backyard. This will become one of your favorite places to relax in the shade, with cross breezes coming down Madison Street. This home & garden were featured in the Garden Club of Virginia's prestigious 2017 Historic Garden Tour. The backyard has a formal garden with boxwood-lined brick walkways, a fountain, pergolas, flowers & mature trees, plus a working vegetable garden. A private nook for the hot tub is an added bonus & the brick patio has ample room for dining al fresco. The owners have chosen plants that attract birds & butterflies. With beautiful hardwood floors throughout, the house has a welcoming feel. Upstairs, you'll find 3 spacious bedrooms, all with large closets - unusual for a home of this age. The 2nd floor hallway leads to all 3 bedrooms, a full hall bath, & a sunny window overlooking the stunning backyard. The owner's bedroom offers 2 spacious closets plus a full bath with shower, built-in shelves, & a wide vanity with storage beneath. The top level of the house offers a game-room/artist's studio , with eyebrow windows to welcome in the sun & fresh air. A cedar walk-in closet & under-eaves storage areas provide space to tuck away luggage or out-of-season belongings. On the lowest level you'll find a wonderful area in which to relax, play music, watch tv & movies, or simply get away. A built-in Murphy bed offers additional sleeping space & the full bath is perfect for guests. Built-in bookshelves line the back wall & offer desk space, too. The unfinished utility room houses the washer & dryer, a utility sink, the furnace, & space for storage. The bonus room at the end of the basement offers sunny windows & is finished with drywall but retains cement flooring for utility space, art space, or whatever you wish. From this space, a private stairway leads up to the backyard.. The Buckingham slate roof & box gutters help retain the home's original character. The detached 2-car brick garage has ample space for storage above the parking area & lots of room to prepare for gardening, as well. Gate & garage access are at Madison Street. New windows for the main portion of the house have been ordered & will be installed as soon as they are in stock. All original windows are being replaced with the exception of the eyebrow windows in the attic & the newer windows in the kitchen, sunroom addition, & original windows in garage. Schedule your tour today and prepare to fall in love with this exceptional home.