Country comfort: Take it easy in Happy Valley

Address: 83 Happy Valley Road 
Neighborhood: Keswick Glen, Louisa        
Asking: $309,900        
Assessment: $284,700 
Year Built: 1999
Size: 2600 fin. sq. ft.
Land: 1.51 acres
Agent: Beau Dickerson  Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate III 434-977-3033      
Curb Appeal:  7 out of 10

The owners of this Happy Valley Road property looked everywhere outside Charlottesville for a home in the country. When they compared the tax rates in Albemarle, Greene, and Louisa, they decided to put down roots in Louisa County— which has the lowest tax rate of the three at $0.62 per $100 of assessed value. They had to accommodate a family of five and found they could get a bigger bang for their buck in Keswick Glen.

Located on 1.5 level acres and surrounded by a black rail fence, the house was the perfect place for the novice gardeners and pet lovers. It’s a short pleasant ride in the country to the little development, and even though the lots are large, one doesn’t feel isolated thanks to the proximity of other houses. The design is a modern farmhouse style with front porch and with an integrated two-car garage below grade to prevent detraction from the landscaped entrance. The open yard has mature trees and lots of room for two- and four-legged play.

Through the foyer, a visitor can see the backyard though French doors leading to a large deck. The formal living room to the left of the entryway is currently used as a study. Mahogany bookcases line a wall, and an executive desk fits perfectly in the corner. Across the hall, the dining room and adjacent kitchen have ample space for cooking and serving a growing family. The owners removed dated wallpaper in these rooms and rejuvenated them with neutral paint.

The family room and kitchen, with breakfast nook tucked behind, round out the sunny back of this level. A gas fireplace looks ready for winter, and a long bar separating the kitchen area makes the space ready for a party. Blue-checkered vinyl flooring and white cabinets lend country charm to the kitchen. But buyers may want to continue the upgrade begun with new stainless-steel appliances by topping off the cabinets with granite. A half bath on this floor has been updated with a splash of deep red paint and a pedestal sink.

Up on the second floor, the master bedroom has a unique en suite room that can be used for a small nursery or study. The room has his-and-her closets and a spacious bathroom with jetted tub, double-sink vanity, and separate shower. Three remaining bedrooms are decorated in keeping with each child’s personality. They share a full bathroom in the hall.

The owners expanded the living area by finishing the walkout basement as an entertainment room. A new full bathroom (with laundry facilities) and a kitchenette area provide guests with private quarters. An electric fireplace and engineered wood flooring warm the area, and a southwestern color palette warms the walls.

It’s a convenient 13 miles to Pantops or 7 miles to Zion Crossroads to find good restaurants or stores— from big box to quaint. The nearby Spring Creek Golf Course is picturesque and open to the public. Zion Crossroads also has a variety of health-care professionals— including veterinary care for furry family members. Folks tired of fighting ubiquitous maddening development can take a little country comfort in Louisa.
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