437 18th St., Boulder
Modern Farmhouse Lower Chautauqua
$2,597,000 | May 2014
Rarely does a property this magnificent also feel so much like home. A recently constructed 5,000+ square foot modern farmhouse in a premier neighborhood, 437 18th wows not only with its spacious, comfortable design and distinctive details, but also with its warm and welcoming feel. A functional and flexible floor plan, abundant light and remarkably thoughtful appointments create a home that is at once timeless AND quintessentially Boulder – and perfect for today’s family.
Sitting on a generous ¼+ acre corner lot with a large backyard, this gorgeous property is found in one of Boulder’s best kept secrets – a quiet, community-oriented neighborhood below the glorious Flatiron Mountains and near historic Chautauqua Park, with miles of open space and trails galore. A quick bike ride to downtown, a brisk walk to CU and an easy commute to Denver. The East Boulder County communities of Louisville, Lafayette and Erie are a close drive.
With fantastic curb appeal lush with mature trees and greenery, the inviting wrap-around porch and charming farmhouse design give the first clue that this home offers a lifestyle of gracious comfort. As you enter the grand, double-height foyer plush with dark-wood floors and flooded with light from ceiling-high windows, your eye travels to the sweeping custom-crafted staircase. A cozy living room sits to the north and a family-sized dining room to the south. The foyer flows into a spacious open kitchen and family area that faces southwest through a bank of windows and two sets of French doors leading to the brick-clad patio and the large-sized, fenced yard. Don’t miss the zip line leading to one of the most charming custom-built tree houses in Boulder!
A chef’s dream, the kitchen features an 8-burner Wolf stove and double ovens, two sinks, Subzero refrigerator and Bosch dishwasher. All is laid out to optimize efficiency and yet is intimate enough for engaging conversation at the island, making it ideal for entertaining. The family room also brings a fine balance of spaciousness and intimacy with windows on all sides and a stone-clad hearth at its center. Off the family room, separated by glass doors, is an appealing and inspiring bonus space, flanked by French doors leading to outdoor gardens and wraparound porch with northern facing windows admitting soft natural light. This room is perfect as an office or art studio and is currently used as the family’s home schoolroom. A tucked-in powder room, large kitchen pantry, butler’s pantry, and well-appointed mudroom directing to the backyard complete the lower level.
On the second floor, up the sweeping staircase, through double doors is the stunning master suite. Continuing the theme of abundant windows and generous light-filled spaces, this bedroom is at once elegant, intimate and private, with French doors to a south-facing covered balcony, taking in views of the nearby Flatiron Mountains. The handsome master bath showcases clean lines of walnut and neutral-colored honed stone accents, with a large soaking tub and glassed-in shower. The well-organized master closet boasts abundant shelving, built-in drawers and hanging rods, plus hidden storage behind a mirrored door.
Two light-filled bedrooms are also found on the second floor, as well as two bathrooms, both with tasteful yet whimsical colored glass-tiled tub/showers. PLUS you’ll find an entire suite containing a bedroom, a sitting room and a white-tiled spa-style bathroom that can either be incorporated into the main house OR can stand alone as a guest apartment. Complete with large south-facing balcony, kitchenette and separate entrance this is a wonderfully versatile space, perfect for visiting guests, an au pair, caretaker or older child. The laundry room is also conveniently located on this floor and is bathed in natural light, as if EVERY room in this beautiful home.
The most remarkable space in this home is on the 3rd floor. Equally functional as an office, fifth bedroom, or family rec room (or a combination thereof) this room is truly extraordinary, not only for its very existence (how many homes in Boulder have a 3rd floor?) but also for its beauty. With yet another balcony, looking straight west at the majestic Flatirons, a full bath and storage space, this room is the crowning delight of an amazing home.
The neighborhood is spectacular. A vibrant community in a phenomenal location, it is not unusual for the neighbors to spontaneously block off the street for kids to skateboard or play ball. One and one half blocks from the property is the little known Four Pines trailhead at King/17th. While the Chautauqua trails are known and loved, this trail is virtually deserted and leads to Kohler Mesa and with easy access west to Royal Arch and as far south as Bear Creek, NCAR and Eldorado. Chautauqua Park’s offerings are endless. All it takes to be a grateful fan is to attend a summer concert in the turn-of-the-century Concert Hall, or a supper picnic on the Village Green with local kid’s entertainer and park ranger Jeff Kagan, or a silent film in the Community House, or a lecture by one of Boulder’s Nobel laureates or lunch at the Dining Hall. Not to mention, the tennis courts and a terrific playground. For more information about Chautauqua visit http://www.chautauqua.com
Although luxurious in its space, quality and craftsmanship, the true luxury of this property derives from the rare combination of comfortable, gracious living in a setting of striking natural beauty surrounded by a community of fun, engaging neighbors. This is a home to be shared and enjoyed. Welcome home.
