As a general rule, I do not write in first-person in marketing. Nor do I touch on the personal. But as a native of the town Somerset (Somerset Elementary class of ’66) and having known this family for decades, I am compelled to make an exception to both. It goes without saying this neighborhood is near and dear to me. So, it is particularly special and seems only appropriate that I represent for sale one of the few remaining original owner homes. *This was Florence’s house. It was built in 1955 and has been hers ever since. A classic mid-century charmer, there are 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, a tablespace kitchen and a daylight walkout lower level with a vast family room and bonus space. There is mature landscaping including the backyard azaleas of Somerset legend. *In 2018, it made sense for Florence to move to a senior living community. The home was obviously lovingly maintained over the years. However, to position the home for its maximum value for potential tenants, substantial updates were carried out – not least of which included a new kitchen (new cabinets, quartz counters, new appliances), refinished hardwood floors and freshly painted thru-out. There was primarily one tenant until 2023. Before the next [short term] tenant moved in, the interior was completely painted again, LVP flooring installed in the lower level and the rear deck rebuilt. The roof was replaced in June 2021. The HVAC, while not new, has been under a service contract for years. There are period details intact thru-out – a hall bath with madmen chic blue tub and matching sink, cool ‘60s light fixtures, original wood paneled living room wall… you get the idea.
The home is indeed in excellent original condition and opportunities are endless. Perfectly livable as-is to figure out a plan, update as you go, do everything at once, add on or, as sweet as it is, take it down and start over (sad face). You simply cannot over-improve in this neighborhood. *And what a wonderful neighborhood it is! Where do I begin. In no particular order, but since it’s May how about the community pool, a no-cost amenity for residents with modest guest fees for non-resident friends. (Beware of an influx of new “friends”!) It is a particularly beautiful facility and a hub of activities from Memorial Day through Labor Day including the Summer Kick-Off Party, the Newcomers Welcome Party, the Nonagenarians & Juniors Ice Cream Social and - how cool is this - the Dog Swim at the end of summer! *As an incorporated township with its own mayor and council. Town hall is a circa 1902 converted home with the mayor’s office, administrative offices, a meeting room for town meetings and space for the town's art shows. And residents can rent the space for private events. On either side of the town hall are town tennis courts and a private park with a basketball court. *And what about Somerset Elementary School? Glad you asked. Yes, Montgomery County has a highly ranked school system. But each community creates its own character. I can attest to the special environment I experienced at Somerset Elementary, and Somerset in general. I have several friends from that time that I am in regular contact with – some several times a week. In fact, we are having a class of ‘66 reunion this fall with potentially 40 former classmates! Children cannot be luckier than to grow up in Somerset. I am so thankful. *I take for granted the location but itis worth mentioning that Somerset is less than 2 miles to Bethesda Row and even closer to Friends Heights (and Metro). It would take an episode of Rick Stieves to chronicle all that is offer - needless to say, every possible shopping need is minutes away. *Do you believe houses have souls? Florence gave this home soul until the age of 103, a true matriarch of a home that extended to kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Now it’s your opportunity to build a soulful generational legacy for your family.