realty round up: brattleboro, vt

image via Wikipedia

Key Information:

What: Brattleboro is the oldest town in Vermont known for its vibrant arts community. A free thinking community that has made national news for what one writer describes for its "Berkeleyesque" politics. It is a hilly town with lots of activities available for the outdoor enthusiast - hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking etc. 

When: 1753

Where: The Southeastern corner of Vermont along the border with New Hampshire and on the Connecticut River at the mouth of the West River. 

Why: White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie so I wanted to feature Vermont. However seeing as though there is no such place as Pine Tree, Vermont I selected Brattleboro; as it has been voted by numerous polls and publications as one of the best places to live. I especially liked this editorial from National Geographic. 

How many: 12,049 (2010)

Local Attractions:
- Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe - looks like the perfect place for some amazing baked goods and a good cup of coffee.
- Fireworks Restaurant - the place to go for wood oven pizza and a nice dining environment.
- Top of the Hill Grill - an authentic bbq place where else but at the top of the hill.

House #1: $199,000

information and images via Zillow

A charming tucked away cottage that is still walking distance to town. I like the front porch, wooded lot and all the original detailing.

House #2: $229,000

images and information via Zillow

This in town house has lots of curb appeal and lots of potential. The inside needs quite a bit of updating but it has good light and space planning. 

House #3: $389,000

information and images via Zillow

This 1856 has great history and has been beautifully updated. I especially love the open kitchen and wide plank original floors. 

House #4: $398,500

images and information via Zillow

This house is amazingly sited on a hillside overlooking the river. I love the porches and decks and the way the entry is nestled below the road. 

Have a good weekend everyone! I will be back Monday with a final holiday themed post before shutting down for a week of r&r. 

realty round up: holland, mi

Key Information

What: Holland is a town of roughly 33,000 people situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. Founded by Dutch Calvinist separatists in 1847, the area has maintained its strong Dutch connection by hosting Tulip Time Festival and being home to many Dutch themed attractions. The area is also known as the "city of churches" with hundreds of churches and two religiously affiliated colleges - Hope and Calvin. Finally, Holland was ranked as the 2nd healthiest/happiest town in the United States by the Well-being index (2010).

When: 1847

Why: My future sister-in-law lives there and is starting her own house hunt after the holidays (hi Kristen!).

How many: 33,051 (2010)

Local Attractions:
- New Holland Brewing - a micro-brewery that looks to have a lot to offer 
- Deboer Bakkerij & Dutch Brothers Restaurant - when in Rome or rather Holland eat as the Dutch do
- JP's Coffee - a classic coffeehouse in downtown Holland

House #1:  $159,900

information and images via Zillow

Definitely a fixer upper but it has good clean lines, lots of original wood work, five bedrooms and two bathrooms. Also it seems very centrally located.

House #2: $369,900

information and images via Zillow

I really like this house or shall I saw cottage. It is a classic Michigan lake house but has been updated and meticulously maintained. It also has Lake Macatawa access and sits on 0.75 acres.

House #3: $398,900

information and images via Zillow

This cottage has lots of charm and apparently was owned by the same family for 50 years. I like it for its screened in porch, lots of windows and light and bead board through out. 

House #4: $772,500

information and images via Zillow

This LEED certified dream home is brand new construction and is part of an association that has Lake Michigan beach access, swimming pool, tennis courts, community amphitheater and theater. It features an open floor plan and great wooded lot.

Have a good weekend everyone!

realty round up: clayton, mo

Key Information:

What: Named for Ralph Clayton, who donated his land to be used for the city's courthouse, Clayton is a municipality of roughly 16,000 people located in the county of St.Louis. The area is recognized for its high rise business district as well as its prestigious public schools. Several large companies are headquartered in Clayton including Brown Shoe owner of Famous Footwear and Shoes.com. 

When: 1877

Where: Just outside of St.Louis city.

Why: Its a prominent area in St.Louis and home to some of my favorite restaurants in the area.

How many: 15,989 (2010)

Local Attractions:
- Companion Bakery - one of best in St.Louis
- Pastaria and Niche - Gerard Craft, a James Beard nominee, two amazing restaurants
- I Fratellini - my favorite Italian restaurant in St. Louis

House #1: $194,500

information and images via Zillow

This two bedroom apartment is located in the very cute neighborhood of Demun. It is across from Washington U. in St.Louis intramural fields and backs up to Concordia Seminary. It is also a short walk to Kaldi's coffee (a St.Louis staple) and several bars. I like that the apartment is bright and open with hardwood floors.

House #2: $358,500 

information and images via Zillow

This property also located in Demun and just down the street from the first seems like a great investment opportunity. The price is for the whole building which includes two two bedroom duplexes. The property has great bones and location just seems to need some updating.

House #3: $539,000

information and images via Zillow

This property is great because it has lots of curb appeal and is located super close to downtown Clayton. One drawback is that it is one a busy street but with so much charm it might be worth it. 

House #4: $850,000

information and images via Zillow

This house is located in the Moorlands neighborhood - a very cute and close neighborhood to downtown Clayton. It is conveniently located near local shops, a school and a park. It needs some updating but would make a great family home.

Have a good weekend everyone!