The house at 180 Oleander Way in John’s Island exudes abundant charm from the moment you step into its quaint, well-clipped garden and then enter the two-story French-inspired country retreat designed by the late architect James Gibson. Exquisite woodwork, arches and other architectural details help make this the dreamiest of homes, with a fairytale cottage feel reminiscent of houses featured in Grimm’s or a Shakespeare play.
For example, the handsome carved wood staircase leading from the downstairs to the upper level positions you high above the 17-foot by 25-foot living room and large dining room, auspicious for the stationing of Juliet outside her balcony or the long, golden haired-Princess Rapunzel looking down from her perch.
Indeed, the 4-bedroom, 5-bath house contains unsurpassed romantic features, including architectural detailing, custom built-ins, a sunlit kitchen with cupboards and tiles, floor-to-ceiling windows and a fireplace in the voluminous living room. Entering several rooms through beautifully designed arches triggers an anticipation of what’s to be found on the other side, in the room one is entering.
“The whole house is filled with charm,” said owner Louise Garfield.
“It’s an unusual house for (Gibson) to have done,” she added, referring to the renowned Vero Beach architect, who designed many of island’s finest homes. “This a very non-conforming Georgian.”
Gibson, who was best known for designing handsome Georgian houses, must have loved the property, Garfield mused, and was most likely inspired by the location when he designed the house.
Garfield, who bought the house 14 years ago, was also inspired by the location and design.
“It’s very different; I didn’t want the typical Georgian house. I also love the privacy. It’s at the end of a cul de sac.”
The 4,200 gross square foot house is listed with John’s Island Real Estate Company for $2,450,000.
Garfield, who loves to sew and is a gourmet cook, has enjoyed the many nooks and crannies of the home, and the overall spaciousness of it. There’s a bonus office, a game room, large bedrooms – one of which she converted into a sewing room – desirable southern exposure, 2-car garage and a 20-foot by 16.6-foot upper level master suite with spectacular tree-top views of the sixth fairway of the South Course. There is also a spacious library.
The porch with automated screens and sprawling poolside patio are also good places to nestle, read, entertain or just take in the breezes and views.
The cozy kitchen is nothing but idyllic to the truly talented culinary artist who can put his or her hands on just about anything needed within a step or two. The lovely bright-colored tiles and cupboards are reminiscent of a countryside home in New York or Connecticut. There’s also a 20-foot by 10.6-foot breakfast area.
“The kitchen is small … it is for someone who is a cook; it’s so convenient,” said Garfield.
David Garfield added: “The best chefs can cook in the smallest kitchens. It’s efficient.” One of the couple’s favorite restaurants in New Jersey has a kitchen like theirs, he pointed out. The chef only has to move two or three steps in either direction to access the pots, pans, burners and other appliances.
Built on a half-acre lot, the house overlooking a lake and fairway has under gone major updates in recent years. “We’ve kept chipping away at it,” David Garfield said, explaining that the back end of the house was extended, a large pool was put in and a patio extension was done.
Louise Garfield, who has travelled the world multiple times, has enjoyed furnishing the house with items large and small, to add to the charm of the house.
“It feels very French country-inspired,” said John’s Island Real Estate agent Jeannette Mahaney. “The garden flows, and the property makes you feel happy.”