HOME PROFILE: A beautiful home for watching the sea – Wicked Local Boxford

ADDRESS: 321 Ocean Ave., Marblehead

BEDROOMS: 4

BATHROOMS: 4 full; 2 half

LIVING SPACE: 4,331 sq. ft.

PRICE: $2,995,000

In this seaside villa, the focus in almost every room including bathrooms is the incredible ocean views. Built in 1920 on over an acre of oceanfront property, this timeless beauty is a private oasis amidst sprawling manicured grounds with handsome masonry walkways and brick terraces. In addition to state-of-the-art systems, this magnificently restored home retains its original architectural detail throughout.

Approaching the house is, well, delightful. Enjoy coastline rose gardens on the way to the front entrance with an extra-wide arched door (and a wooden storm door). A floor-to-ceiling wardrobe-like closet is easily overlooked given the extra-wide staircase in the foyer leading down to the main living level this has another entrance and a split staircase up to an open gallery and the bedrooms. But thats getting ahead of the story.

On the main level

Arched French doors from a massive side terrace open to a gigantic eat-in chefs kitchen where radiant heated porcelain tile flooring is one of many, many highlights. In this cookery the emphasis is on function and beauty: an abundance of cabinetry (including a walk-in pantry) accented with a tumbled tile backsplash, a six-burner gas Viking stove (with a griddle), SubZero refrigerator with integrated panels, and a massive center island with a round hammered copper sink. Granite countertops showcase the honed granite farmers sink.

The breakfast nook is unforgettable. This large bump out is surrounded by almost floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. Wherever your gaze falls the huge brick paver patio, lush grounds that lead directly to lounging rocks and the beach via a private gate or the ocean itself the views are compelling and especially so when Mother Nature decides to show off.

A laundry room with a sink and cupboards is on the way to a spacious family room. In addition to views of the beautifully landscaped front yard, this room has amazing ocean vistas and arched door access to the terrace. By the way, 12-pane windows in this room, of which there are six, are positively gorgeous. So is a striking arched window with leaded stained-glass panes. In fact, this is one of several stained-glass windows that add dashes of color in unexpected places.

A half bathroom and access to the oversized two-car garage are bonuses.

And then

The more formal spaces (living, dining and sitting rooms) are astounding.

In the grand-sized dining room, double crown molding accents exposed and detailed ceiling beams. Lighted china cabinets are nods to the past along with the huge limestone fireplace with a gas insert. Still an atrium-like and fully open space is captivating.

This indoor space lives like an outdoor haven albeit, a sophisticated one. In addition to three sets of multi-glass pane arched windows the better to enjoy the views the sunroom has tumbled tile flooring and French doors to the terraces.

The massive living room also has a beamed ceiling plus two multi-glass paned doors to the patio/terrace. An extraordinarily wide bay (with a matching ledge) ensures up-close-and-personal views all year long. Detailed casings on the windows and doorways arched or not add character and charm but an inglenook fireplace is the scene stealer.

Also known as a chimney corner, this fireplace with a decorative tile surround is tucked into its own nook and has built-in seating (with storage) on both sides. The nook has a beamed ceiling just like the one in the living room.

Two arched entrances lead to a fabulous sunroom with tumbled tile flooring and more arched windows overlooking the water.

A nearby half bath has wide bead board wainscoting, fir flooring, deep bump boards, and another colorful stained-glass window. This one is round.

Second story treasures

The master suite/wing at one end of this level is memorable. In the huge sleeping chamber, a fireplace with a wood stove insert and a marble mantel has bookcases on both sides. His n hers lighted, cedar lined walk-in closets have custom inserts.

The views are exceptional. With two exposures that include four sets of multi-pane casement windows that are practically floor-to-ceiling, this space feels like a ship on the ocean. It isnt, but the effect is magical.

Two linen closets are on the way to the en suite bathroom that has similar views from the jetted tub and the step-in steam shower in a glass enclosure. For privacy and personal space, the commode has its own room and the L-shaped vanity has a sink in each leg.

Views are only one highlight in another bedroom suite with three exposures and a wood-burning fireplace with beautiful figurines and delicate mantel carvings. Built-ins along the window wall include a credenza-like piece with eight drawers, three cupboards and corner bookcases. Decorative crown molding and gleaming hardwood flooring are additional features.

Wide bead board wainscoting anchored by a chair rail with decorative trim and a built-in cupboard add character in the en suite bathroom with a tub/shower ensemble.

While the third bedroom suite is as charming as the other two, the office it also makes excellent guest quarters might easily become the favorite room. First, this massive space has cork flooring, a built-in desk surrounded by open shelving and, wait for it, a built-in, step-up day bed with 12 drawers underneath. This ship-shape space no pun intended has a huge en suite bathroom with a step-in shower with a frameless glass door and wide bead board wainscoting.

One final note. The attic has spray foam insulation but is unfinished. Aah, the potential

Contact Steven White of William Raveis Real Estate at 781-690-6433 or 781-631-1199 or by email: steven.White1@comcast.net.

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HOME PROFILE: A beautiful home for watching the sea - Wicked Local Boxford