Jamaica Plain pondside homes are elegant
Willowbank Vistas on Jamaica Pond is phase two of a multi-million-dollar development of a cluster of townhomes across from Jamaica Pond.
The first phase on the three-acre site, called Willowbank on Jamaica Pond, comprises nine residences in four buildings – two stand-alone homes and two others with either three or four condominiums.
Completed in 2006, that phase was sold out at the end of last year. It has addresses on Burroughs Street.
Willowbank Vistas comprises five homes in two separate buildings with Pond Street addresses. The beautiful Classical Revival brick mansion at 80 Pond St. has been completely gutted and is being transformed into three sophisticated condominiums. Many elaborate original details like crown molding, wood mantels and leaded glass have been preserved. Those condos are reserved.
The remaining condos at 70 and 72 Pond St. are new. They are within one building, constructed behind the 1924 brick mansion and nestled among towering oaks and a flowering cherry tree. Janet Deegan and Constance Cervone of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are marketing these homes, priced at $1.2 million and $1.15 million.
Pondside Development Company LLC is the developer of these stunning townhomes, designed by the architectural firm of Melton-Ferre Associates LLC. Maple Hurst Builders, headed by developer Chris DeSisto, is also the general contractor; the engineering firm is H.W. Moore Associates Inc.
A long driveway from Pond Street wends its way onto the site before reaching this Arts and Crafts-style gabled building. Although the interiors nearly mirror each other, the exteriors are slightly different.
No. 70 has a three-window bay in the living room and master bedroom suite above and a private brick patio off the dining room.
No. 72 has an oversized porthole-like window on the second floor with a glimpse of Jamaica Pond.
The open white balustrade is topped with a cherry railing and newel post.
DeSisto has been meticulous about quality and craftsmanship, as evidenced in previous developments in Jamaica Plain and elsewhere, and has paid attention to homebuyers’ demands for ecologically compatible products.
For instance, he has used Hardy Plank clapboards and Hardy Board panels on the exterior of the building, which require minimum maintenance.
Inside each living room is a gas fireplace with a stained concrete mantel and surround. No. 70’s is a rich mahogany color; No. 72’s probably will be a green/gray creation, judging from the various samples.
The powder room near the front door has a sculpted concrete vanity sink; No. 70’s sink has been stained a muted seafoam color, while No. 72’s is more of a soft plum tone.
The entry foyer has multi-hued beige limestone flooring. Two columned half walls in the open living area help define the space between the reception hall and the main room, which easily flows into the dining room. Oak flooring and simple, elegant crown molding unify these rooms.
Next to the dining room is a large and open gourmet kitchen with abundant cabinetry. No. 70 has custom-built cherry cabinets, while those in No. 72 are white. A pair of pendant lights will illuminate a granite-topped peninsula/breakfast bar, which also will hold the sink.
In front of the peninsula are two separate cupboards, with doors accessible from either the kitchen or the dining room. These will be topped with stone as well. Among the high-end stainless steel appliances will be a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Wolf gas range with a stainless steel hood, a microwave and a Bosch dishwasher.
Also on the first level, beyond the kitchen and dining room, is a large, light-filled bedroom with an en suite bath with a white cast iron tub and a marble-topped vanity.
The oak staircase to the second floor is a beautiful architectural element as well. The open white balustrade is topped with a cherry railing, which terminates in an almost Mission-style cherry newel post. “The developer really appreciates fine wood,” says Deegan.
At the top of the staircase is a large sitting area that could be outfitted as a study or a den. Adjacent to it is a huge master bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and a large walk-in closet that has custom-made shelves, drawers and chrome hanging rods. Next to it is a linen closet.
The en suite master bath features an air-jet soaking tub, a separate marble-tiled shower, a walnut vanity (in No. 70) and a limestone-tiled floor. The vanity includes two washbasins.
At the back of the townhouse on the second floor is a large laundry closet with shelving. It has been plumbed for either a gas or an electric dryer and an adjacent front-loading washer.
The upper hall continues to another full bath with a tub and a large bedroom with a big closet. Between the bath and the bedroom is another linen closet.
The energy-efficient mechanical systems are tucked away in the full basement to allow for optimum use of this space, which has a 7-foot-high ceiling. Both condos have central air conditioning and two-zoned hydronic heating, plus a central vacuum system.
A nearby detached four-car garage has a deeded parking space for each condo. The units also have an assigned outdoor space.
A frog atop the weathervane on the cupola adds a touch of whimsy to the garage.
These homes have fine craftsmanship, a fabulous location to Downtown and great outdoor space, says Deegan. The spring-fed pond across the street offers sailing or boating and fishing and is an integral part of the Emerald Necklace. The townhomes will be ready for occupancy before the end of the year.
DETAILS
Address: Willowbank Vistas on Jamaica Pond, 70-78 Pond St., Jamaica Plain
Unit L: 70 Pond St., 2,250 square feet, three-plus bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, $1.2 million.
Unit M: 72 Pond St., 2,250 square feet, three-plus bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, $1.15 million.
Age: 2007-2008
Taxes: To be determined
Condo fee: Between $300 and $500 per month, depending on whether condo association engages a management company
Features of units: Arts and Crafts-inspired attached townhomes with first floor en suite bedroom; open floor plan with gas fireplace in living room; custom-designed kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances including a wine cooler; cherry cabinetry at 70 Pond St., white cabinetry at 72 Pond St.; each nearly mirrors the other except for different color palettes and stonework; full basement; detached garage with one deeded space plus one outdoor space; pet friendly.
Close by: Jamaica Pond and Boathouse, Arnold Arboretum, restaurants and shops along Centre Street; easy access MBTA bus, Jamaicaway and Route 203.
Contact: Janet Deegan and Constance Cervone, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 713 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Phones: 617-522-4600 (office), 617-524-0047 (for Willowbank Vistas), 617-835-0674 (Deegan cell) or 617-429-2349 (Cervone cell). Web site: www.WillowbankBoston.com.
