realty round up: central west end, st. louis, mo

The Central West End is a great urban neighborhood just ten minutes from downtown St. Louis. On the western edge of the neighborhood is Forest Park, a 1,371 acre park that contains the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum and Science Center. On the eastern edge is St. Louis University and on its southern boundary Barnes Jewish Hospital, one of the nation's most premiere medical facilities. The Central West End is also home to amazing residential architecture, interesting shops and some great restaurants. Some of my favorite local spots are:
- Brasserie by Niche - Gerard Craft's french bistro that is one of my favorite restaurants in St. Louis.
- Pi Pizzeria - awarding winning pizza deep dish and then crust pizza
- Gringo - a fun mexican restaurant that is great for a night out
- Bowood Farms and Cafe Osage - a beautifully done neighborhood garden store and cafe
- Rasoi - my favorite Indian restaurant in St. Louis

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow 

This two story end unit townhouse features newer hardwoods, a renovated kitchen, updated HVAC system and fresh paint.The thing I really like about it is the exposed brick walls and the deck. 

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

There is a lot to love about this garden unit condo. Its location is fantastic as it is right in the heart of the Central West End. It has an awesome communal pool and garden space. And it has three bathrooms which is pretty hard to come by in historic buildings like this one. The only big downside is that it needs a new kitchen.  

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This meticulously maintained home is located on a large corner lot just a short distance from the main shopping and dining area of the Central West End. It features 6 fireplaces (!), a custom kitchen complete with a huge viking stove and a large master closet. 

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

This large home features not only 7 bedrooms and 4.5 baths but a separate carriage house complete with its own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Other notables include crown molding and hardwoods throughout, original custom cabinetry and a spacious lot.  

Happy Friday! 

realty round up: german village, columbus, oh

I was recently talking to a friend who is considering moving to Columbus, Ohio so I thought I would make it this week's realty round up pick. Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in Ohio. It is headquarters for several large corporations and institutions including Ohio State University, which is the nation's largest campus. I selected German Village to feature as it has a close proximity to downtown, a large park and lots of historic charm. The area was originally settled by German immigrants in the early 1800s. During the Great Depression, the area fell into disrepair for several decades until the 1960s and 1970s when the area began to be revitalized. In 1975, the Village was put on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the area is known for its architecture, unique shops, bookstores, restaurants and bakeries. Some local finds include:

- G. Michael's Bistro and Bar - a neighborhood fine dining restaurant that serves fresh fish and locally grown produce.
- Lindey's Restaurant & Bar - a historic bistro open since 1981
- Schmidt's Restaurant und Sausage Haus - definitely need a good German restaurant in German Village and this looks like just the spot!

House #1: $0-$250,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is a converted carriage house and has lots of unique charm. I like the wood ceilings and beams and its close proximity to the park.

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

This house has a ton of curb appeal. Its main attributes include a large master suite with an outdoor deck, beautiful landscaping and a finished basement.

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

I like the stateliness of this home's exterior. It also has a great location that provides views into the park. Its main plus though is its huge backyard! 

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is a show stopper and is clearly the home of a designer or at a minimum a design enthusiast. The stairwell is the home's main feature although the whole renovation is pretty spectacular. I even think I recognize a few of the images from Pinterest. I would recommend following the link to check it out further. 

Have a good weekend everyone!

realty round up: belfast, maine

It is going to be 97 degrees in St. Louis today so I am dreaming of getting away to someplace north and much cooler.  A place like Belfast, Maine sounds just about perfect on a day like to day. Roughly a two hour drive from Portland, Belfast is located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River estuary on Penobscot Bay. According to the 2010 census, the city's population was 6,668 and is known for being a quiet town even during the busy summer tourism months. Local finds include:
- Chase's Daily - known for its delicious breakfast items, vegetarian options and its baked goods - it also sells fresh produce from their local farm.
-Three Tides - looks like a good place to sample the beers of local microbreweries.
- Art Galleries - the town has 18 galleries in its small downtown. 
- Young's Lobster Pound - the best fresh lobster in town according to David Lyon, a native of Belfast and a Boston Globe correspondent. 

House #1: $0 - $250,000

information and images via Zillow

This home is in need of some work but nothing too involved. Its main features include high ceilings, a light filled three seasons room and lots of space both inside and out. 

House #2: $250,000 - $500,000

information and images via Zillow

This Georgian Revival home has been beautifully maintained with refinished hardwoods, updated systems and fresh paint. It is also located just a short walk to the downtown area. 

House #3: $500,000 - $750,000

information and images via Zillow

This farm property sits on over 64 acres with a 16 room main house, large barn and workshop. It also has a stream on property as well as organic fields. 

House #4: $750,000 - $1,000,000

information and images via Zillow

The main selling point of this home is its south-facing views of Penobscot Bay. It also sits on a large lot and has easy beach access.

Have a great labor day weekend everyone and stay cool! Be back Tuesday!