Choo Choo-sy buyers: High Green offers privacy, lake view and trainspotting

8352 Faber Road
Area:  
Faber (Nelson County)
Year built:  
1992
Square footage:
 4591 finished, 1161 unfinshed
Acreage:  
25.0
Assessment: 
$662,300
Asking Price:
 $709,000
Curb Appeal:
8 out 10
Listing agents: Martha de Jarnette, Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates, 434-981-3957

In the real estate world it’s not uncommon for owners to design their homes to reflect their interests, such as collecting and displaying art or appreciating nature and entertaining outdoors. But finding a home designed to reflect a love of railroads and sited specifically to provide opportunities for trainspotting is unusual. Add a sense of whimsy and fun to the mix and the situation becomes downright unique, which is one word, albeit a woefully inadequate one, to describe High Green.

Taking its name from the railroad signal that means all clear, High Green is nestled between Faber Road and a private lake with the railroad lying just beyond. Since neither car nor rail traffic is prolific, the location is incredibly quiet and the view over the lake is lovely. 

Originally a two-bedroom, two-bath country retreat, the home was expanded by an architect-designed addition that increased the living space and gave the owners an opportunity to express their personalities.

The light-filled entryway is highlighted by intricate custom trim that incorporates designs based on train signals. To the left of the entry is a large living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a brick fireplace and an angled bay that provides both visual interest and a prime site for soaking in the outdoor scenery. But it’s the adjacent porch, ringed by transom windows, that offers the most spectacular vantage for watching the passing trains. 

To the right of the entry is a study, which features a wet bar along with another fireplace and built-in shelves. Hardwood floors and bright white trim accentuate the natural light that floods the rooms, and high ceilings enhance the feeling of spaciousness.

A staircase leads up to a wide landing and large doors that open onto a covered balcony at the front of the house. There are two bedrooms, both with numerous windows, ceiling fans, walk-in closets and attached baths. Another angled bay, twin to the one in the living room below, affords the master bedroom a fantastic view of the lake and the tracks.

Down in the basement, a sizeable room with built-in shelves, a woodstove and a brick floor offers numerous possibilities while a large unfinished area furnishes ample storage space. Plenty of windows and doors make the basement light and bright.

The eat-in kitchen that sits at the back of the house is large enough to accommodate both a breakfast bar and a dining area. There’s a good amount of counter space and plenty of cabinet space, and though the room lacks the glamour of granite and stainless, a cupola over the table and a custom paint job on the floor in the cooking area add a touch of fun. Exterior doors lead to flower gardens on one side and to a deck on the other, and a screened porch overlooks the inground pool. 

Contained in the basement below the kitchen are two tidy and serviceable bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a laundry area. With tile floors and easy access to the swimming pool, this space could easily serve as a rec room or comfortably house visiting guests.

Though the overall High Green vibe is one of humor and fun, attention to detail is evident in the quality of the finishes - from the custom trim to the copper roof to the floor plan that allows for the addition of an elevator. 

As to limiting factors, there are the obvious ones of price ($709,000 is well beyond the reach of many buyers) and location (the property began as a weekend get-away, remember), as well as some more subtle ones. The layout, for instance. Having only one bedroom in the same wing as the master may not be comfortable for some families, though those with teen-agers may love it. And two of the top money areas— the master bath and the kitchen— lack the over-the-top glitz that many of today’s buyers seek. Those who are willing to cross the tracks and swap glitz for character, however, won’t be disappointed. 

Correction: The original version of this article misstated the assessed and asking prices. They have been corrected.—ed

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