McAnsh Park is one of those desirable, established neighborhoods where families live for generations, so it’s rare when a home like the one at 2105 Cordova Avenue comes on the market, fully restored to make the most of its 1930s charm – and just reduced in price by $30,000.
For those who adore homes that have weathered the decades and witnessed the lives, the love, the laughter and the tears of the people who have stoked the embers of its fireplace and tread on its hardwood floors, this property is a must-see.
But even the person who wants everything brand-new might want to give it a look, as all the renovations make the home move-in ready. The costly projects have already been tackled. The roof is fairly new, installed in 2009. And a new builder home or cookie-cutter home in a zero lot-line development just can’t compare with a nearly 80-year-old piece of Vero history, nestled in the heart of McAnsh Park on a roomy, corner lot.
Walk through the door and the comforting aroma of wood greets you
The long, double-hung, screened windows that let the natural light stream in were designed for ventilation before the days of central air-conditioning. The house has cold air piped in now, but the oak hammock helps keep the heat away.
The HardiePlank siding reduces the maintenance on the home and the in-ground irrigation system makes it easier to keep the lush landscaping maintained and the flower garden picturesque. Paver block driveways at the side and back of the home and a matching paver walkway to the front porch not only enhance the beauty of the property, but provide a durable surface for parking.
Claudia Johnson, a Realtor with Norris & Company in Vero Beach, has the exclusive right to sell this unique property. She pointed to the distinctive character of the historic McAnsh Park neighborhood as a big selling point, as well as to a feature that gives the home tremendous curb appeal. “I just love the front porch – sitting in the swing with a lemonade. You can see mothers with their babies in strollers walking by and everyone waves hello,” she said.
White columns grace the covered front porch, and white trellis fencing adds both privacy and perk to the back patio and gardens, which are the ideal backdrop for outdoor dining, entertaining or just quiet summer evenings of conversation, or solitude. The nearby neighborhood park has a playground, benches and lots of green space for taking a stroll or having a picnic.
Back inside, the formal dining room with built-in china cabinet and decorative chandelier just waits to host a crowd for joyous holiday dinners and boisterous birthday celebrations. Dressed up with heirlooms, or dressed down in cottage style with a farmhouse table and comfy chairs or even benches, this room would be equally welcoming.
Parties could spill out into the family room with its interesting mosaic tile floor. Add a piano and you’ve got a music room. Opt for a big-screen television and some black-out draperies for the long windows, and the family room doubles as a home theater.
The galley-style kitchen is fully equipped with newer appliances and brimming with cheer, its gleaming white wooden cabinets in perfect harmony with the casual elegance of the home. In back of the kitchen is a sun porch that offers a wonderful view of the patio and garden and would be a great, sunny spot to enjoy a mug of coffee and a leisurely perusal of the newspaper.
Though the home provides ample space for a snowbird retreat, for a couple or small family, Johnson said the bonus room offers endless possibilities for expansion. It could be made into a third bedroom with bath, a home office or fitness room, or even into a private master suite, creating a split floor plan for a larger family with children.
The bedrooms are generous in size, with the master having his-and-hers closets and the guest bedroom one closet. In the hallway is a linen closet, plus a door closing off the bedrooms from the other living areas for added privacy.
Just this week, Johnson said the seller reduced the price to $359,900 to make it easier to find the next family to add their own history to this vintage residence.