Tree house: Offers river access, room for expansion

Address: 27 River Ridge Drive
Neighborhood: Lake Monticello in Fluvanna County
Asking: $189,000
Assessment: $274,900
Year Built: 2004
Size: 1,724 finished sq. ft., 840 unfinished
Land: 1.015 acres
Curb Appeal: 7 out of 10
Listing Agent:  Shannon Harrington, RE/MAX Commonwealth, 804-484-0367

It’s hard to say what a prospective buyer will notice first about 27 River Ridge Drive – the hush of the surroundings or the significant slope of the lot. 

Situated well off the main road at the end of a cul-de-sac and flanked by a neighboring home on one side and a vacant lot on the other, the two-story house sits on just over an acre. Though the front yard is open, the house is mostly surrounded by woods, and the quiet is absolute. 

As for the slope, it’s obvious. It’s also not all that unusual, even if the topography of Lake Monticello is rather flatter than, say, that of Whitehall. But the owners have installed a drainage system to handle heavy rains, and the cul-de-sac offers a convenient parking alternative in the event that ice slickens the paved drive.

The home is wonderfully maintained, and bold paint choices help enliven and personalize the living spaces. Wood floors, ceiling fans, and a gas-burning fireplace lend a cozy air to the commodious living room. A cased opening leads to a large eat-in area, separated from the rest of the kitchen by a high counter, and large windows flood the room with natural light. The kitchen, comfortable and adequate if perhaps a bit too tight to satisfy avid culinary enthusiasts, is well situated for entertaining. A framed opening over the sink allows for a full view of the living room with a sunroom just a few steps away.

This sunroom, which currently doubles as a playroom, is the most striking and inviting spot in the house. Fully climatized and ringed by multiple windows that afford fantastic views of the woods, this room feels like an upscale version of the Swiss Family Robinson's treehouse. It’s easy to imagine easing into your day with a mug of coffee and a bit of birdwatching here or perhaps curling up on the couch to catch a late-afternoon snooze in the sunshine.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is spacious and bright and features an attached bath and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and a second bath round out the sleeping quarters, though there’s plenty of room to add a guest room, a home office, or a family room in the full basement, which is already roughed-in to accommodate another bathroom. Sliding doors afford some natural light and give access to a small deck that’s nicely screened from the house next door and enjoys views of the woods beyond. 

Though the home is ideally located for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts with access to the Rivanna River mere steps from the back door, the house itself is shy on outdoor living space. The addition of a deck off the dining area could easily remedy this situation, providing a great venue for grilling out in the summer while continuing the tree-house theme.

Lake Monticello with its beach, clubhouse, and tennis courts lies nearby. Charlottesville, however, is a good 20-minute drive away, and the prospect of such a daily commute could deter some buyers. A greater concern, however, may be the current state of the Fluvanna County real estate market, which– like many others– has seen increasing inventory and decreasing sales activity over the past few months. Prospective purchasers would do well to weigh the importance of access to community amenities against market performance when considering an investment of such magnitude.
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