Author Archive
JUST LISTED – 201 Mercer Street – Institute Area
February 28, 2012 | Author Beatrice
Prepare to be amazed! This custom built 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home in the center of the Institute area is perfect for year round entertaining. The heart of this home is the large 2-story great room that lets in tons of light through both the translucent skylights and the extra-wide sliding glass doors out to both the front yard and enclosed paver-patio porch in back, which opens to the pool and yard. The great room features track lighting, surround sound, a built-in bar and gas fireplace. Easy access to the pool from the kitchen, which also has translucent skylights, Sub-Zero refrigerator and sliding windows that allow for pass-through, an entertainer’s delight! A carpeted den with gas fireplace and built in bar is perfect for relaxing. Additional bedroom with built-ins complete the first floor.
The bedrooms on the upper level can be accessed while walking along a balcony overlooking the great room! Master bedroom features gas fireplace, surrounding windows and separate patio with canopy for privacy and shade. A huge walk-in closet has tons of hanging and storage space, complete with translucent skylights and a built-in bench for dressing. The luxurious master bathroom boasts an oversized bathtub, double sink, sauna, steam shower with multiple shower heads and a panoramic view of the yard. Two additional bedrooms on the upper level are connected by a full bath.
Additional features include washer/dryer on both the main and upper levels, 4 heating units, 2 car attached garage and cedar exterior. A full, finished carpeted basement with high ceilings and a wall of mirrors complete this one-of-a-kind home. What’s even better? The home adjoins Marquand Park and beautiful Guernsey Hall and is walking distance to all that Princeton has to offer. This fabulous home is not to be missed!
Priced at $1,400,000
More photos and floorplan at www.201MercerSt.info
Posted in New Listing
JUST LISTED – 19 Littlebrook Road North – Carnegie Lake Area
June 14, 2011 | Author Beatrice
On a quiet, graceful street, this entirely and exquisitely renovated house sits back under a canopy of mature trees. Its exterior suggests, behind its pillared front porch, a traditional farm-style home. Yet to the left, a vaulting, barn-shaped second-floor room hints at much more inside. And once you pass through the rustic front door, you enter a beautifully conceived, impeccably executed series of rooms that are breathtaking, even magical, in their design, materials, airiness, and suitability for entertaining. You could float between the dark oak floors and high, beamed ceilings down to the tasteful living room and through French doors to a study. Or you might be drawn into the bright, voluminous, eat-in kitchen/great room, whose ample windows and skylights connect you to the garden and whose immense island and high-end appliances carry one fully into the 21st century. The adjacent dining room and large mahogany deck provide alternate eating sites and look out over the extensive lawn whose privacy is protected by a ring of trees and wooden fence.
A multi-purpose room and full bath complete the main-floor layout, before you climb the staircase to an elegant, chandeliered hall that takes you, over the same dark floors, to the bright and spacious master bedroom, walk-in closet, and luxurious European bath with spa features. In the other direction, you’ll find a guest suite and two children’s bedrooms on either side of their shared bath. The ceilings are high; the rooms are generous in size, their details beautifully and consistently envisioned. In addition to its unique interior design, the house, sitting on 1.3 acres, offers an abundance of amenities: a finished basement with both a playroom and a media center with surround-sound controls and screening capabilities, laundry rooms on the first and second floors, a mudroom accessed from the garage and kitchen, a pantry, recessed lights, a powder room, and, throughout, ample walk-in closets and storage. Littlebrook School and its playgrounds are a neighbor, while the Princeton Shopping Center and downtown Princeton are each a five-minute drive away.
$1,750,000
More photos and details at www.19LittlebrookRdN.info
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART II
March 18, 2011 | Author Beatrice
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART II
Home improvements are up this year, especially in the luxury home arena. Last week we talked about the green improvements that are the most popular in high end real estate.
Next on the list of favorite upgrades are kitchens and bathrooms. High end homes are expanding their culinary activities to more than one kitchen. A catering kitchen for dinner parties, a mini kitchen in the master suite for midnight snacks, and an outdoor kitchen for get-togethers by the pool are the latest additions to the traditional central family kitchen.
Luxury bathrooms are becoming full fledged spas with an emphasis on the shower. Multiple head rain and steam showers include aromatherapy, and chromotherapy (colored light therapy) features to wash away stress. Outside the shower, the sky’s the limit. Luxury bathrooms are sumptuously fitted with everything from fireplaces, air-jet tubs, multimedia entertainment centers, wireless internet, wine coolers, smart toilets, electronic massage tables, dry saunas, tanning booths, espresso stations, and towel warming drawers.
Some of these improvements may seem extravagant, but most luxury homeowners have very active lives, and it is important to have a stress-relieving refuge that can comfortably support a healthy, busy schedule.
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART I
January 30, 2011 | Author Beatrice
TRENDS IN LUXURY HOME IMPROVEMENT— PART I
Even though the current housing market in general is experiencing a readjustment, the luxury home market is still going strong. Many owners of high end properties see their homes as long term investments as well as a great place to live, and they are putting their money into improvements. Harvard University’s Housing Studies Center estimated that $160 billion was spent on home improvements last year, and much of that went for the latest in luxury upgrades.
With environmental issues so much in the forefront these days, green is at the top of the home improvement list. Energy efficient features- extra insulation, double paned windows, Energy Star appliances, and lighting using compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs, are the most popular upgrades.
But America’s top homes are also being retrofitted to tap into alternative energy sources like solar, wind and geothermal. Environmentally conscious flooring such as bamboo or cork, and chemical free paint and building materials, will help support good indoor air quality. All these improvements will save the homeowner utility costs in the long run and dramatically improve the homes energy footprint on the planet.
LUXURY LIVING
January 10, 2011 | Author Beatrice
LUXURY LIVING
Why sacrifice your ideal lifestyle for your profession? Today’s professionals are demanding more out of their homes and today’s market has the perfect solution. The luxury condominium or townhouse provides everything a professional desires but without the hassles that most associate with owning luxury real estate.
These deluxe condominiums allow for luxurious living and amenities without sacrificing the accessibility that an urban professional requires. Access to sporting and country clubs, as well as cultural and entertainment centers can now be yours without making a move to an otherwise inconvenient location. Additionally, these properties provide estate-like landscaping, beautiful views and state of the art interior design.
Beyond the comforts, these properties are perfect real estate investments. Most are in up-scale markets, which provide investment security. Often condos can be financed with low mortgage rates making them an affordable option for first time buyers looking to build equity.
Whether you desire to live in a spectacular setting, experience the benefits of an exclusive community, or make a sound investment in a new home, modern luxury condominiums can provide these essentials and much more.
JUST SOLD – 7 Leslie Court, Princeton NJ – Russell Estates
December 10, 2010 | Author Beatrice
This pristine custom home is nestled on a cul-de-sac w/in prestigious Russell Estates. The interior of this fine home offers an entry foyer, elegant side staircase and exquisite finishing details; 9 ft. ceilings, hardwood floors, specialty windows, custom millwork and an abundance of closet space.
Beautifully appointed Living/Great room with fireplace, large windows and gracious dining room with French doors leading to the bluestone patio. The spacious gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry has been enhanced with granite countertops, & state-of-the-art stove and adjacent generous sized breakfast area. 4th bed/study is designed with built-in bookshelves & access to full bath.
Upstairs you will find two bedrooms and full hall bath and the master retreat; an amazing dressing room with full wall closets, window seats, bedroom with romantic fireplace and sumptuous Italian marble enhanced bath with oversized shower & soaking tub.
Central Vac, fully finished lower level, paver walkways and lovely manicured grounds.
Sold by Beatrice Bloom – SOLD $1,100,000
Posted in Uncategorized
WHAT DO LUXURY HOME BUYERS WANT?
December 5, 2010 | Author Beatrice
WHAT DO LUXURY HOME BUYERS WANT?
An increasing number of prospective homebuyers are seeking a luxury home – specifically, a multimillion dollar residence located in a beautiful location and loaded with amenities.
This was revealed in a recent survey conducted by the research firm ICR, which showed that high-end homeowners are particularly optimistic about home values.
Key findings in the survey of the luxury market demonstrates that the typical million-dollar homeowner is invested not only in the value of their home as a current part of their portfolio, but also see long-term gains coming from this investment. The survey polled homeowners whose current primary residence is valued at over $1 million. Their average household annual income was $754,000.
“Must have” luxury amenities cited by respondents include designer kitchens, formal landscaping, water views, customized home entertainment centers, swimming pools, indoor gyms and wine cellars. In the area surrounding their property, respondents cited a variety of desired amenities including a boat dock, putting green, and tennis or basketball courts.
JUST SOLD – 77 Shadybrook Lane, Princeton NJ – Carnegie Lake Area
November 9, 2010 | Author Beatrice
Don’t miss this spectacular Littlebrook colonial that was renovated and beautifully redesigned. Offering traditional living spaces as well as fabulous entertaining areas, the floor plan is exceptional, the construction is high quality and the setting is bright and cheerful.
A blue stone walkway brings you to the front door with portico and side lights. Enter into a bright foyer with hardwood floors and marble inlay and see all elements which create this wonderful home. The center hall leads to the formal dining room displaying a fireplace with marble surround and several large windows with transoms.
Across the way is the cozy living room with French doors and ahead the gourmet kitchen and breakfast area which is surrounded by windows overlooking the garden and patio. Then you notice the great room with soaring cathedral ceiling, rustic stone fireplace and multiple doors accessing two blue stone patios and lush landscaping.
Upstairs, three bedrooms complement the enormous light-filled private master bedroom with cathedral ceiling, skylights and marble fireplace. The master bath has two sinks and an oversized tiled soaking tub. A huge walk-in closet completes the master suite, as well as the adjacent separate office/bedroom.
The lower level is organized with office/bedroom, playroom with sink and countertop, access to 2 car garage, huge laundry room and full bath with shower.
Combine all this with top schools, Princeton’s unique recreational and cultural amenities, and proximity to major travel corridors, and you have upscale living at its best!
Listed by Beatrice Bloom – SOLD $1,050,000
Posted in Sold Homes
JUST SOLD – 7 Littlebrook Road, Princeton NJ – Carnegie Lake Area
November 4, 2010 | Author Beatrice
The beauty of this impeccably maintained Colonial is in its superb details while its pleasures are in a floor plan as much at home to formal entertaining as it is to comfortable family living.
The entrance introduces gleaming oak floors, formal areas enriched with broad crown molding and paneled wainscoting, and windows throughout dressed with plantation shutters. The two-story entry, flanked by the living room and the dining room, with its distinctive coffered ceiling; the floor in each displays a broad inlaid border. The family room offering a marble fireplace,flanked by tall windows.
Cherry kitchen cabinetry and a granite-topped center island and sliding glass doors leading to the terraced patio overlooking an expanse of lawn. Off the kitchen is the laundry and door to the 3-car garage.
Adjacent to the family room are a powder room and pleasant guestroom/study with marble bath. A spacious master suite, sitting room and marble bath, 3 additional large bedrooms and 2 full baths are upstairs. A walk-out lower level, full bath and closet add living space to this fantastic home!
Sold by Beatrice Bloom – SOLD $1,593,000
Posted in Sold Homes
THE ULTIMATE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
November 3, 2010 | Author Beatrice
THE ULTIMATE REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
When you are buying high-end real estate, it is only natural to expect the process to be a memorable event. A skilled real estate broker can maximize the ease and pleasure of your purchase by handling every aspect of the luxury transaction.
Your search for a suitable property will be enjoyable when you work with a broker who has a thorough knowledge of the local inventory of homes and the characteristics of the area. If you are a ski aficionado interested in buying a multi-million-dollar home in the mountains, you will want your broker to give you a complete description of the lifestyle in a particular location so you can decide whether it meets your needs. What ski resorts are available in the area, and what is the tourist traffic like in the peak seasons? What advantages does this mountain community offer in terms of outdoor recreation, restaurants, shops and cultural activities? Your broker will show you properties that exclusively fit the architectural style, square footage, views and amenities you prefer, and preserve your privacy during the transaction.
A knowledgeable realtor will be able to offer you a taste of the lifestyle you will purchase along with your luxury home.