555 Laramie Blvd. Boulder
Dakota Ridge End Unit with Stunning Views
Listed: $1,195,000 Sold: $1,330,000 | October 2021
The number of properties in Boulder, west of Broadway, with unobstructed views of the Flatirons, are surprisingly limited. This rare Dakota Ridge end unit townhome is one that notably makes this illustrious list. Facing south, over a public park and green space, the Flatirons are the most prominent feature of the magnificent and unobstructed views, while the views of nearby surrounding Foothills and acres of open space to the north and west, play a huge supporting role.
Boasting a functional floor plan, more square footage than similar units, and 3 en suite bedrooms, all with private balconies, this home provides spacious and comfortable living. All the bedrooms offer a sense of privacy from each other and flexibility in how they are used. Regardless of whether the room is used as a bedroom or office/studio, the views and light are fantastic. A finished basement, with tall ceilings and full bathroom, is a potential 4th bedroom, and offers a tremendous bonus, adding to the flexible options on how to live/work/play in this remarkable property.
Entering the property, past the lovely fenced front garden, filled with low-maintenance shrubs and flowers, and the welcoming front porch, one enters an open main living area comprised of living, dining and kitchen areas. The rare corner location offers views and light streaming in from the west and south. A gas fireplace, bay window sitting area, hardwood floors, pendant lighting and desk nook provide nice accents to this lovely, open room. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, wood cabinets, neutral grey-hued granite tile countertops and large peninsula that serves for food prep and bar for 3 stool casual dining. En route to the attached 2 car garage is the discreetly located powder room and hall mudroom space. Built-in shelving in the garage offers additional storage.
Up a short flight of stairs, one encounters the northwest facing bedroom, with rear balcony and views of surrounding foothills and open space. With no building blocking it, this large shaded balcony offers expansive views and privacy. This bedroom is well-proportioned and has an ensuite full bathroom, with tub and shower. It makes a fine bedroom and would also work well as an in-home office or study space.
Another short flight of stairs brings one to the spacious master bedroom, facing south, across the park and providing stellar views of the Flatirons. This bedroom offers lots of flexible space, including sitting room, work space and/or yoga/exercise space. Two open alcoves can be further customized for a variety of uses, such as built-in desk, shelving or additional closet/storage space. The sitting area nook is set in the bay of windows, facing south and west, accessing the surrounding views and bringing in abundant light. The private balcony off the master bedroom, takes these views to yet another level. The master luxury bath features a glass euro shower, separate soaking tub, and double vanity, clad in soothing, neutral travertine tile with white porcelain fixtures. A large master closet with customized shelving completes this well appointed master suite.
The top floor of this home can best be described as celestial. With windows facing south and west, and jaw dropping views, this room is filled with light from roof skylights and windows. While the space is plenty large for multiple beds, desks and dressers, the room has a cozy, treehouse feeling. The adjoining private balcony provides a birds-eye orientation that makes one’s heart soar. With yet another ensuite bathroom, including shower and tub, this bedroom completes the remarkably versatile and private bedroom spaces offered in this home. While currently used as a bedroom, one can easily consider this amazing space to inspiring studio or office, yoga/mediation or fitness space.
The basement is an open room with tall 9’ ceilings and large egress window facing south, making it an ideal space for media room, recreation room, teen hangout space, office, studio or playroom. It also has the potential to be a 4th bedroom, given the adjoining bathroom. A large laundry room with abundant counters and cabinets, plus storage in this room as well as under the stairs, complete this flexible space. The property has central heating and air conditioning. There are ceiling fans in all bedrooms and in the basement.
Prized for its access to miles and miles of open space trails, Dakota Ridge Village is the northwesterly most neighborhood in the City of Boulder. It is literally surrounded on 2 sides by City and County of Boulder open space and trails. In other words, one can walk or bike from one’s home onto open space mere blocks away, and spend hours on a connecting network of trails that travel west into the Foothills, south to more open space and parks across Lee Hill Drive (and the neighborhoods that border them), north to Heil Valley Ranch and beyond, and east to Boulder Valley Ranch and Boulder Valley Reservoir. Hugging the foothills, and traveling along a combination of open space trails and designated bike routes, one can easily access downtown Boulder, roughly 4 miles to the south.
The Dakota Ridge Village is coveted for not only its unsurpassed access to open space and trails, but it’s neighborly vibe. It truly feels like a village within the City of Boulder. In addition to multiple green space parks for gatherings, the neighborhood now has a recently added clubhouse that can be booked for events. It is common knowledge that Dakota Ridge residents often move within the neighborhood, starting in condos, and then single family homes (or visa versa) rather than leave the neighborhood they love. The neighborhood is also easy walking, biking, driving distance to neighborhood shops and popular restaurants. The nearby NOBO arts district, along with restaurants and shops too numerous to list, are just a few blocks away. The Lucky’s shopping area is within a mile and can be accessed entirely along open space trails and neighborhood roads without riding on Broadway. Yet the convenience of Broadway, a major artery in Boulder, cannot be overstated, with the SKIP bus running downtown and beyond. The homeowners dues includes a free ECO PASS (City of Boulder bus pass) for all members of the household. School age children can often be seen gathering near the park to ride on district school buses to their respective neighborhood schools: Foothill Elementary, Centennial Middle School and Boulder High School.
