I have always had a soft spot for Oakhurst. It’s an in-town enclave on the National Register of Historic Places. And why not? There is so much to love. Platted in 1927 by Harvard-educated landscape designer Herbert Hare, it was conceived with winding contours and sylvan green spaces offering natural screens and sound buffers that maximize Oakhurst’s scenic high bluff location.
Not so long ago, like six years ago, you could find a romantic cottage in Oakhurst for under $200K. Development of the adjacent area including proximity to the Panther Island project were all harbingers of rising values with prices up $50K per year until we find ourselves in 2023 at 1409 Bluebonnet Drive, priced at more than $500K.
The median price for “lots of potential” (read: needs work) properties is now running at about $335K. The Bluebonnet Drive bungalow is, however, truly move-in ready and at nearly 1,900 square feet with four bedrooms and two baths — about 500 square feet larger than most Oakhurst abodes — is justification for the premium price.
The exterior exudes the classic Yankee-esque charm of a secluded Connecticut cottage. Inside, the floor plan is open, bright, and contemporary. Pass through a small vestibule and experience the spacious open living area. Brand-new white oak floors run throughout the house. The fireplace is old-fashioned wood burning. The residence benefits greatly from the owners’ playful sense of style
The kitchen is small-ish, but like the two baths, has undergone a thorough renovation. Pink Spanish subway tiles play off gray cabinets. The stove has induction burners but the house has gas hook-ups.
Immediately off the kitchen is what is described as a “flex room,” which seems to be found space from an enclosed porch. The space is wrapped on three sides by walls of windows creating a cheerful solarium.
Another major fillip of the 1940 property is the completely restored and replaced windows, which add greatly to the allure of this cottage.
Just off of the primary bath. The small space is deftly organized to include a vanity with twin sinks and a large shower stall. Evidently, the owners have a thing for on-trend pink, which makes another appearance in the bath.
An old-fashioned passageway leads to the remaining bedrooms. Check out the phone niche with a pink rotary phone.
The back is a verdant urban oasis with old-growth trees. The two-car garage at the front is cleverly disguised by siding matching the structure’s exterior.
Joseph Berkes of Williams Trew Real Estate has priced 1409 Bluebonnet Drive at $525,000.
