Baristaville Open Houses: Sunday, July 17

Open houses are down from their summer peak a few weeks ago, but strong nonetheless with just over 100 properties showing. This week is characterized by many reductions and some appealing new listings. About 17 properties are listed at $299,000 and under, while Millburn dominates the upper end of the market.

21 Lewis Dr., Maplewood
List Price: $1,075,000
Taxes: $22,204
Lot Size: 0.24 Acres
5BR/3.2BA

A new listing, this 12-room Center Hall Colonial is ready for summer with an in-ground pool, large deck, patio, outdoor speakers and fenced-in backyard. The house, on a corner lot that borders South Mountain Reservation, was renovated in 2009 to feature a new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom cabinetry as well as an upgraded master suite with built-ins, a tray ceiling and a top-of-the-line master bathroom. Other house attributes include hardwood floors, central air, high ceilings, a wood burning fireplace in the living room and thermal windows and doors. There is a full, finished walkout basement and two car attached garage.  Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

541 Grove Terr., South Orange
List Price: $525,000
Taxes: $15,250
Lot Size: 0.28 Acres
3BR/2.2BA

Built in 1983 in the Montrose section, this nine-room Colonial is on the market for the first time. The house stands out due to its post and beam construction, lending it a rustic feel. The updated kitchen has granite countertops. In addition, there is central air, cathedral ceilings and a level landscaped backyard. The  finished basement has a bedroom/office;  the one car detached garage, which has a separate entrance, features a loft and studio. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

52 Fowler Dr., West Orange
List Price: $325,500
Taxes: $11,538
Association Fee: $345
3BR/2.1BA

The price of this eight-room Townhouse, an end unit in the Muirfield complex, was just reduced again, this time by $6,000. The circa 1994 loft-style unit has central air, a fireplace in the living room and a deck. Located on the first floor, the large master bedroom boasts a walk-in closet. The property has a partially-finished basement and one car attached garage.  The complex boasts a pool. The seller is said to be very motivated. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

275 Hobart Ave., Millburn
List Price: $3,195,000
Taxes: $50,870
Lot Size: 1.0 Acres
6BR/4.1BA

Far and away the most expensive listing in Baristaville this weekend is this 12-room 6,500-sq. ft. Colonial. Even a recent $255,000 reduction keeps this property at almost a million dollars more than the second most costly listing. The house has every attribute one would expect. Among them: a master suite with a private terrace, Brazilian cherry wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room, custom crown moldings, numerous fireplaces, high ceilings, state-of-the-art kitchen and landscape lighting. Constructed in 2000, an addition was added and the house was renovated in 2009. There is a finished basement and three car attached garage. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Just reduced: The price of 237 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair, was just lowered by $104,000. Now listed at $1,095,000, the 16-room Victorian is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Also, 32 Collinwood Rd., Maplewood, featured in the June 26 roundup, was just lowered by $21,000 to $429,000. Open house 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, 53 Bromley Pl., Bloomfield, is now $369,000 – down $6,000. The seven-room updated Cape Cod is pictured at left. Open house 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Also in town, 355 W. Passaic Ave., Bloomfield, was recently reduced to $335,000 – the latest of many price reductions. The eight-room Colonial was listed at just under $400,000 in fall 2010 when it was featured in the Sept. 26 roundup. Open house 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.