This Bluffview Mediterranean is a Study in Modern Updates

When you purchase a home, the first step is making it your own. I had little doubt when I wrote about this Bluffview Mediterranean estate in 2017 that a new buyer would make significant changes to the San Miguel aesthetic. They did, and wow, what a transformation!

The house is magnificent to begin with, which always makes a great starting point for personal style decisions. With 7,141 square feet, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a powder bath, prep kitchen, and a guest casita, no significant interior architectural feats had to be performed. No, only purely cosmetic choices were made, and the house looks decidedly fresh now.

Like Before, But Better

I loved the original look of this Bluffview Mediterranean, and I love the updated version.

Thankfully, the features that make the home spectacular remain unchanged. The exterior still features the turret, courtyards, and beautiful stained glass windows.

I’m thrilled the tree that blocked a good bit of those windows was removed. Why do people always conceal gorgeous architectural elements with overgrown vegetation? Trees and shrubs that cover windows are past their sell-by date and need to be removed, so kudos to the new owners for recognizing this.

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about painting the courtyard walls, but in fact, it’s a fresh look, and in keeping with the façade, so it makes sense.

Adding Warmth With Wood Floors

One of the excellent updates made to this Bluffview Mediterranean is the wood floors running from the entry straight through to the family room. Just check out the before and after shots. It’s a seamless look now, and it feels much warmer.

The kitchen, dining, and family room were transformed with two simple elements, white paint, and new light fixtures. The kitchen makeover is profound, and it’s a perfect example of what every single stager suggests. There is nothing that updates a kitchen or a dining room faster or more economically than a coat of white paint and modern light fixtures. While I got a kick out of the original margarita green kitchen island, I’m sure it would have worn thin at some point.

The most dramatic change is in the family room, where the fireplace was completely redone. That’s another game-changer for a space that’s relatively straightforward, although a lot more expensive.

A Primary Suite That Sells The House

When it comes to features that sell a house, we know the main bathroom is essential.

Frankly, I was never that on board with the original look here. In particular, bathrooms suffer from the stained wood look, so white paint to the rescue again. It makes that focal window pop, and you notice the chandelier a lot more. The shower was also completely updated. That’s a big lift, but the result is always worthwhile.

The home also features a full basement with a media room, exercise room, full bath, wet bar, and a 2,000 bottle wine room. I’m seldom impressed with makeovers, but this one was well-thought-out, entirely on point, and ideal for today’s buyer.

Briggs Freeman listing agent Sylvia Scott has this beautiful updated live-in ready Bluffview Mediterranean at 4618 Cherokee Trail listed for $5.5 million.