Modern Updates Add Glamor to This Ridglea Midcentury Ranch

Ridglea is young, happening, and hotter than ever. The median age of homeowners is 36. Compare that to 60 for Westover. What’s the draw?

Ridglea has a rich inventory of increasingly popular Midcentury ranch-style houses on large lots with mature trees —often with hilltop siting. I hesitate to use the word ” inventory” with 13 out of 19 current listings under contract.

Only one day old, this week’s listing embodies so much of what draws buyers into this popular Westside neighborhood. Midcentury glamor is made loveable and livable in Ridglea.

This particular 2,061-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath house was built in 1961 and has been updated and reconfigured into move-in ready perfection.

The rework begins at the curb with the hardscape walk of concrete slabs floating in gray gravel that leads to the porch. Details like the cedar post supporting the porch, modern street numbers, and a modern door in addition to the whitewashed brick façade contribute to a fresh, modern, and relevant appearance.

Inside, the ambiance is bright, open, and airy. Many of these smaller Ridglea ranches have been given over to open concept reconfigurations. Here, the dining area is at the front with a bay window view of the front yard.

Six-inch white oak laminate flooring adds a flowing continuity to the floor plan. The off-center wood-burning fireplace has been given increased dramatic emphasis with a surrounding stone chimney wall.

The kitchen has been completely updated with the waterfall quartz island/bar as the stunning standout feature.

Floating cedar shelves take the place of upper cabinets. The gleaming white subway tile goes all of the way to the ceiling.

The largest bedroom has an ensuite bath. Barn doors are a trend that was already on the way out a few years ago but their space-saving character makes this, at least, a practical choice here. The bath has a massive shower stall with herringbone tile. The bath is kitted out in the same black and white scheme sustained throughout the house.

A long walkway mirroring the walkway in front leads to a sitting area with a fire pit. Also at back are two garage spaces.

I couldn’t resist showing you this shot from Google Maps because everybody likes a “before” photo, right? I was trying to determine if this listing was on a corner lot and it is. But I really had to look twice to realize this was the same house.

Altogether this listing is a nice textbook example of how a few strategic changes can significantly upgrade a property. You are invited to take in all of these upgrades at an open house on Saturday, January 15th, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Jonathan Bell of Bell Realty Company has priced 6521 Genoa Road at $448,833.