The Most Beautiful Setting on Lakewood Blvd — With a $1 Million Price Improvement

When this Bertram C. Hill Spanish Eclectic estate home hit the market last spring, it was for the first time in over 25 years. The unique Lakewood private estate was built by Dines & Kraft, making it not only one of the most exciting homes on the market, but also one of the most, if not the most architecturally significant.

Now, 6840 Lakewood Boulevard is back on the market with a notable change — an almost $1 million price improvement. For all these reasons, this architectural gem is our Highlight Home of the Week, sponsored by Lisa Peters, Senior Loan Officer with First Horizon.

The grounds alone are worth the price of admission. The terraced landscaping gives a sense of romance with paths, ponds, and low walls amid mature trees, gorgeous greenery, and colorful flowers. The magnificent colored tile of both the loggia and the pool mimics the multi-colored Ludowici tile roof.

“There are many beautiful and well-loved homes in Lakewood, however, no home on Lakewood Blvd has the matchless combination of setting and architectural design found here,” said David Griffin of David Griffin & Company Realtors, the listing agent on this estate.

This time around, the home has brilliant staging by George Bass Stage and Design. That’s particularly evident in the living room, where the grand hammered metal fireplace takes center stage, and French doors open to the terrace. What Bass’ staging also does, which I think is often important for potential buyers in a historical home, is to allow us to picture ourselves living there. His staging simultaneously brings out the finer points of the room and allows one to envision one’s own design within it.

“Am I going to have to put nothing but priceless antiques in this historic home?” Of course not! Bass says.

Likewise, in the dining room, the original mural shines with more understated staging surrounding it. It is easy to imagine grand events being held here, from family celebrations to elegant parties with a hundred of your closest friends. The first floor flows perfectly for this kind of entertaining (or for the perfect hide-and-seek house) with each space open to the next, all with large windows or doors opening to the magical outdoor areas.

This cozy family room has a spectacular set of French doors leading to the pool, a second fireplace, and a picturesque stairway leading to one of the upstairs bedrooms. This room has so much charm — it would be delightful to spend time just relaxing here, enjoying the view and the beauty of the space. A perfect family room. And yet it’s also incredible for entertaining — a charming sitting area just inside the pool for guests to linger and chat.

The kitchen has everything an active family could need, from plenty of elbow room to the oversized island with terrazzo finishes, and French-made LaCanche range and oven.

With four bedrooms, including two primary suites, the home is well-suited for families, even a multigenerational situation. With homes of this provenance, it can be easy to make the mistake of envisioning them almost as museums. But the beauty of a home that has been as well-loved and cared for as this one is that it is meant to be lived in, and loved some more.

I hope someone will fall in love with this Lakewood estate and care for it as much as its current owner has, and create new and wonderful memories there for many years to come.

David Griffin of David Griffin & Company Real Estate has 6840 Lakewood Blvd listed for $2.895 million.