Lake Forest Subdivision is one of the hottest selling residential communities on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay and we are proud to be bringing one of the best deals going to the Daphne real estate market this week at 103 Ivy Circle. This home is as attractive as it is affordable, with vaulted ceilings, ceramic tile floors throughout and a traditional fireplace that really brings the living room to life. In addition to price, I think this is a great buy for 2 reasons. First, it’s in an incredibly convenient Daphne location, as well as being nestled among tall Alabama pine trees at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, just a few miles from the entrance to the subdivision. Second, the home has been well maintained over the years and the new owners won’t be inheriting a project, which is a very big deal if this will be their first home purchase. So, enough about what I think! I am going to turn the blog over to our seller and let folks out there who are in the market to buy a home in Daphne get her unique perspective on living on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Why Lake Forest?
- I had been looking in the Lake Forest subdivision for a home but hadn’t found anything that was right for me – the houses were too big, too expensive or needed too much work. I drove past 103 Ivy Circle on the way to visit some friends when I saw the newly posted “For Sale” sign. Somehow, driving by, I knew that it would be the house that I would buy – you could say that it spoke to me. The home was a comfortable size for a single, first time homebuyer and needed no improvements in order to move in. I really liked that it was on a cul-de-sac and in the subdivision I really wanted to live in – it allowed me a sub-20 minute commute to work in Fairhope, but some separation between me and my job. I had a puppy at the time and liked the idea of a yard and a fenced in area to let her run.
What sold you on 103 Ivy Circle?
- I really love that it is a communal home. There is separation of the main living area (living room and kitchen) from the rest of the house, but the way it is set up, it really encourages people to be in the common area and spending time together. Having the fireplace going in the winter always added a warm, homey feeling.
What were your favorite living spaces?
- I really love the kitchen and the back yard. I had friends who were tenants throughout my ownership of the house and we spent a lot of time cooking and listening to each other’s stories at the kitchen table. I could always tell when people were walking up the driveway and to the back door (we are back door people) due to the windows and the glass back doors. I also have great memories of sitting on the back porch in the spring and fall, eating breakfast, reading, or sharing a drink at the end of the work day.
Have you added any updates to the home?
- 2009 – gutters around the house
- April 2013 – new heating/air conditioning unit
- July 2013 – new hot water heater
- November 2013 – painting of main living area/hallway, new ceiling fan, new bedroom doors
What are your favorite stores in the area?
- Publix was super close and, going at similar times allowed me to become familiar with the staff, which always made it fun to go. Allegri’s was always my favorite place to get fresh, seasonal produce.
What are your favorite places to dine out?
- Moe’s BBQ down on Bayfront Road in Daphne, Panini Pete’s and Dragonfly Café in Fairhope are by far my favorite places to eat around town.
Can you give us a glimpse into how you spend your leisure time in the community?
- I did a lot of walking with my dog – there is a great alligator viewing area about 1.5 miles away. I also spent a lot of time at Bayfront Park and at Blakeley State Park up in Spanish Fort for great hiking.
Do you know your average utility costs?
- Water is steady at about $50 throughout the year
- Electricity is in the $35 – 50 range during the winter and $100 during the summer. It has gotten better with the new system.
What do you miss most about life at 103 Ivy Circle?
- I love this house and, if possible, would pick it up and take it with me wherever I went. No matter how long I was away, I always felt like I was coming home. I will definitely miss the feel of family – we hosted a number of gatherings around holidays and just for fun and the house always felt full and special as people came to gather and eat and hang out.
Did you like living in Lake Forest?
- I really enjoyed my neighbors and getting to know them as I was in and out of the house. My path crossed with a number of people according to our walking/driving schedules and it was always enjoyable to get to know them and see them on a frequent basis. I will miss the Mobile Bay and Gulf of Mexico sunsets, living around the corner from great friends, and the southerners who adopted this northerner even though I was frequently told that “you don’t sound like you’re from here.”
Find affordable Homes For Sale in Lake Forest Subdivision Daphne AL with the Jason Will Real Estate at 251-866-6464.