The upscale North of Montana neighborhood of Santa Monica is best known for it affluent lifestyle, fine dining, upscale shopping and mini-mansions that encompass entire lots - this 1920s bungalow complex is nestled at the tip on the Montana Avenue shopping district and has been known to attract curious onlookers because there simply is nothing like it anymore.Walking through the white picket fence, you will find yourself on to the last double lot north of Montana with original California bungalows, six in total including with a main house, built when Santa Monica was still mostly just orange groves. Trees line the perimeter of the property and leave you with the impression that you are some how back in time - the trees miraculously drown out the urban street sounds of the busy shopping district... had I not just had coffee at the Starbucks 2 blocks away, I could believe that I had went through a time warp.
The garden is inviting, with Adirondack chairs sprinkled throughout, fruit trees bearing the biggest, juiciest oranges you CAN'T buy at your local grocery store. As I sat on one of the white, shabby-chic benches, several groups of tourist peaked their heads in to glimpse the property's old world charm... but don't be fooled - the bungalows are nothing to "dis."
At the time of the open house, I was only able to visit two bungalows. I was told that they are all largely similar: hardwood floors, original ceramic tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, vaulted high ceilings, built-in wall reliefs and cabinetry, not to mention the bay windows in all garden facing rooms.
The downside is the price. The owners are asking 7.2 million. While the North of Montana neighborhood is pricey in general, this income property is pushing the bar in terms of comparables. Granted that this unique property is hard pressed to find anything like it to compare it to, it still begs the question: is the additional 1 million over comparables justified? After being hypnotized by the humming birds and wind chime, and assuming I could afford it, the answer is: YES!
The garden is inviting, with Adirondack chairs sprinkled throughout, fruit trees bearing the biggest, juiciest oranges you CAN'T buy at your local grocery store. As I sat on one of the white, shabby-chic benches, several groups of tourist peaked their heads in to glimpse the property's old world charm... but don't be fooled - the bungalows are nothing to "dis."
At the time of the open house, I was only able to visit two bungalows. I was told that they are all largely similar: hardwood floors, original ceramic tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, vaulted high ceilings, built-in wall reliefs and cabinetry, not to mention the bay windows in all garden facing rooms.
The downside is the price. The owners are asking 7.2 million. While the North of Montana neighborhood is pricey in general, this income property is pushing the bar in terms of comparables. Granted that this unique property is hard pressed to find anything like it to compare it to, it still begs the question: is the additional 1 million over comparables justified? After being hypnotized by the humming birds and wind chime, and assuming I could afford it, the answer is: YES!
