Neighborhood Spotlights

Neighborhood Spotlight – Sunflower Village of Canton

| BAKE REAL ESTATE

6592 MarshallIf you’re looking for a neighborhood full of community spirit that just feels like home, look no further! Nestled on 70 peaceful acres along Warren Road between Beck and Canton Center, you’ll find one of Canton’s most sought after communities – Sunflower Village. A sizable yet close-knit neighborhood of 1683 homes constructed from the late 1970s through the 1990s, Sunflower Village offers colonial, ranch and split-level homes ranging in size from approximately 1400 to 2800 sq. ft. Many of the homes here enjoy private, wooded rear yards. All residents will always enjoy the serene and beautiful views of nature, as the surrounding woods and natural areas within Sunflower Village are protected by the Wayne County Forestry Act.

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Residents of Sunflower Village also enjoy two swimming pools and a kiddie pool staffed with lifeguards, tennis and basketball courts, plus two clubhouses for private events. Getting to know your neighbors is easy to do here, with so many organized activities throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt, a summer picnic, garage sales, holiday decorating contests, pool parties, a bicycle parade, book club and so much more!

Another key reason people choose Sunflower Village is for the highly acclaimed Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. Canton is also home to Plymouth Christian Academy, Canton Charter Academy and Plymouth Scholars Academy. Living in Sunflower Village, you are a just a few short miles from Summit on the Park, which is Canton’s community center featuring an indoor Aquatic facility, fitness center, aerobic & dance studios, indoor track, sauna, steam room, two banquet facilities and an outdoor splash park, offering year-round programs and activities for all ages.

Sunflower Village is also convenient for those of us who like to shop, dine, and have fun, with the nearby amenities along Ford Road, including Michigan’s only IKEA store. Its ideal location is close to Downtown Plymouth, Ann Arbor, and freeways M-14, I-96 and I-275.

When you’re looking for your Sunflower Village home, BAKE Real Estate can help! We know the neighborhood – some of our firm’s sales within Sunflower Village include:

7554 Claremont Street 4BR 2.1BATH Colonial with 2,370 sq. ft.

45996 Larchmont Drive 4BR 2.1BATH Colonial with 2,450 sq. ft.

6592 Marshall Street 3BR 2BATH Ranch with 1,587 sq. ft.

For more information, contact Sorra Scott, REALTOR, at sorra@bobbake.com or 734-664-2578.

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Royal Crown Estates of Novi

| BAKE REAL ESTATE
Royal Crown Colonial
A new BAKE Real Estate Listing Coming Soon in Royal Crown Estates.  Photo: BAKE Real Estate

If you’re looking for a friendly neighborhood community feel, look no further than Royal Crown Estates in Novi. Neighborhood activities include pumpkin carving, a chili cook off, ice cream social…and that’s just in the Fall.  For those Spring & Summer nights of fun, take the kids in your life to the annual Easter egg hunt or enjoy leisurely walks around the community, which provides sidewalks!

And if these neighborhood activities aren’t enough, Royal Crown Estates is close to historic downtown Northville where you can discover a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, events (including live music in the Town Square), and historic Mill Race Village. For heavenly baked goods, try the popular Great Harvest Bread Co. located on Main St. And for a larger scale shopping experience, Twelve Oaks Mall, Fountain Walk, and Novi Town Center are all easy to access.

Irvine in Royal Crown Estates in Novi

Located between 9 and 10 Mile Roads off Taft Road with award-winning Northville public schools, locals call the area ‘No-Ville’ because of the Novi address with Northville schools. Resident children have the option to attend Thornton Creek Elementary, Hillside Middle, and Northville High School for public schooling with many other private options nearby.  The Novi Public Library and Novi Civic Center are also very convenient.

Royal Crown Estates comprises 287 homes built in the early and late 1990’s.  Floor plans are typically Colonials and Cape Cods ranging in size from 2,300 Sq. Ft. to 3,500 Sq. Ft, with 3-5 bedrooms. Some homes enjoy walkout lower levels while other have the privacy of backing to wooded common areas.

Here are some recent sales in Royal Crown Estates…

45736 White Pines Dr.    4BR 2.1BATH    $430,000    3,062 Sq. Ft.

45704 Irvine Dr.     4BR 3.1BATH   $430,000    3,097 Sq. Ft.

22691 Foxmoor Dr.    4BR 3.1BATH    $450,000    2,845 Sq. Ft.

45787 Irvine Dr.    4BR 3.1BATH     $485,000    3,077 Sq. Ft.

Remember to look for Bake Real Estate’s listing in Royal Crown coming soon!

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Island Lake of Novi

| BAKE REAL ESTATE
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Island Lake of Novi – Photo: BAKE Real Estate

Located in Novi north of 10 Mile Road along Wixom Road, you’ll discover the neighborhood of Island Lake.  Exemplifying resort living at its finest, Island Lake is a place where you can feel like you’re “up north” all week long. This recent development by Toll Brothers offers an impressive array of amenities around a 170 acre lake. It is truly a place you need to experience in order to appreciate. Many families relocating to Southeast Michigan from out of state or even out of the country find themselves instantly at home in Island Lake with a safe, “community” feel and plenty of social activities for every age.

One of the key reasons people choose Novi are the highly acclaimed Novi Public Schools. Novi is also convenient to private school options including Catholic Central and St. Catherine’s High Schools.  There are also a number of exceptional parks nearby, such as Kensington Metropark and Maybury State Park although you never have to go far with plenty of walking trails and paths within the Island Lake community itself!

Island Lake is also convenient for those of us who like to shop, dine, and have fun with nearby Twelve Oaks Mall, Fountain Walk and Novi Town Center .

Close by medical facilities include Providence Park Medical Center and Hospital.

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Recently Sold by BAKE Real Estate! Grand Colonial with Finished Walk-Out Lower Level – Photo: BAKE Real Estate

Island Lake has more to offer than just location. Around the neighborhood, you’ll find luxury level accommodations with stately elevations, grand foyers, sun rooms, gourmet kitchens, and spa-like master suites. There are homes with walk-out finished lower levels, private pools, wine cellars, and more. While some homes offer waterfront views, others may have private, wooded rear yards or back to wide expansive common areas.  The homes range in size from approximately 3000 to 5000 sq. ft. (above grade) and comprise of both single family homes and condos.

At the center of it all you’ll find Island Lake’s “Boathouse” with amenities like a fitness center, pool, children’s pool, party room, sandy beach, volleyball court, tennis courts, day docks, and playground.

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Island Lake Boat House – Photo: BAKE Real Estate

When you’re looking for your Island Lake home, Bake Real Estate can help! Some of our firm’s sales within Island Lake of Novi include:

49733 Leyland Circle, 5BR 6.5 Bath 4837 above-grade sq. ft.

25515 Hillsdale Dr. 4BR 3.5 Bath 3,611 above-grade sq. ft.

50678 Amesburg Dr.   4BR 3.5 bath   3,734 above-grade sq. ft.

All photos are the property of BAKE Real Estate and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Coming Soon in Island Lake
Fitness Room
Boathouse Interior
Docks
Boathouse Deck
Pool
Boathouse

Plymouth’s Historic Lower Town (Old Village)

| Stephanie

Wilcox HouseIn the year 1825 the first settlers put down roots in present day Plymouth. Those original settlers bear a familiar name that was given to one of Plymouth’s main thoroughfares  – Starkweather. In March of 1825 William Starkweather purchased 240 acres of land from the United States Government. The Starkweather’s home was built at 557 North Mill Street in the heart of Historic Old Village after their only surviving son, George Anson Starkweather, bought what was then called ‘North Village’ in 1831. Plymouth’s Old Village has been known by many names over the years; today it’s also fondly referred to as Lower Town.

Plymouth was settled in 1825, was incorporated in 1867, and became a city in 1932.  George Starkweather was responsible for bringing the railroad through Plymouth to drive more commercial traffic to his dry goods store located at the corner of Liberty and Oak (now Starkweather). Although the store does not remain, the Starkweather Legacy will continue.

Starkweather School

In modern-day Lower Town there is history all around the business district and residential sections. Some of the area’s most iconic buildings line Liberty Street. Here you’ll find Liberty Street Brewing, Hermann’s Olde Town Grille, Urban Roots Salon & more in older, historic brick buildings. Some of the oldest residential structures in Plymouth exist in Lower Town as well.

A large part of Plymouth’s history involves the Daisy Manufacturing Company which produced the Daisy Air Rifle. Clarence Hamilton established the Plymouth Iron Windmill Factory in 1882 which in time began to sell more Daisy Air Rifles than windmills.

Old Village

It seems every street and house has a long standing history in Plymouth’s Old Village. To learn more about Plymouth’s long and interesting history, visit the Plymouth Historical Museum’s website or the Margaret Dunning Memorial Building which currently houses the Plymouth Historical Museum located at 155 S. Main Street in Downtown Plymouth.

The attitude in Lower Town when it comes to residential homes is unlike other areas of Plymouth – preservation & rehabilitation. The craftsmanship of the early 1900s was detailed and thorough and some of it remains in homes that are selling today. Modernization that remains true to the home’s original character merge the old world with the new in such a pleasing way; original window casements and trim, wide & welcoming front porches, and refinished original hardwood floors are just some ways the residents of Lower Town are rehabilitating their century-old dwellings to appeal to today’s homebuyers. Some recent sales indicating values are rising include:

643 Starkweather Street – This home features 1,530 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. It also has a detached 2-car garage and refinished original hardwood floors and staircase. The detailed woodwork in this home epitomizes the benefits of rehabilitating these older homes. Sold for $302,000 (listed at $289,000 and received multiple offers).

184 Caster Avenue – This home features 2,144 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. There is a detached 3-car garage with a carriage house apartment. The wood trim and floors throughout take you back to 1907 when the home was originally built in the heart of Old Village. Sold for $360,000.

Stephanie Brown, REALTOR

Neighborhood Spotlight: Plymouth’s Beacon Hill

| Stephanie

45800 Beacon HillThe Beacon Hill Neighborhood of Plymouth

  • Mostly Ranches & Colonials
  • 2,000-4,500 Square Feet
  • Built 1963-1991
  • Prices Ranging $322,000-$1,000,000+ (The higher range homes are located in the original 24 lot section off N. Territorial and on Lighthouse Court)
  • Bird Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools

Forever one of Plymouth’s most desired and sought after neighborhoods is Beacon Hill, sometimes referred to as “Beacon Estates”. There are 173 homes in total, mostly Ranch and Colonial styles that range in size from 2,000-4,500 square feet. While you’ll see a lot of brick exteriors, you’ll notice that no two homes look quite alike. The bulk of the neighborhood was built during the 1960s and 1970s with construction continuing up until 1991.

A Number of homes in the neighborhood are placed on cul-de-sacs and all have mature trees. All of the Courts and Circles in Beacon Hill provide some privacy from home to home and yard to yard. This location is valued for its easy accessibility to town and both Middle School West and Bird Elementary. Beacon Hill is nestled up against Plymouth’s Township Park on the west.

45763 Amesbury

Beacon Hill was the creation of Loren W. Gould, a highly respected man with a likeable personality who dominated the building landscape in Plymouth during the 2nd half of the 20th century. Now deceased, but born and raised in Plymouth, he was the consummate entrepreneur of his day with gifted instincts and risk-taking boldness. The first section of Beacon Hill was a 24-lot section running south off N. Territorial with a 1-acre minimum size featuring sewer & water. This, in the early 1960’s, was a high-risk speculative venture fueled by 2 or 3 Plymouth citizens who, along with Mr. Gould, climbed the economic ladder and wanted to enjoy larger custom built homes with private settings. Many of the original buyers were City of Plymouth long-time residents who, in their 50’s, desired amenities that couldn’t be added to their older homes. This was the transformational in the mid 1960’s and it took at least 10 years to build out the first phase.

All of this pre-dated the creation of the M-14 expressway and Beck Road was still unpaved. No subdivisions existed West of Sheldon Road except for “Old Woodlore” on the Southeast corner of Beck and Ann Arbor roads. Mr. & Mrs. Gould’s home at 12500 Beacon Hill Drive was featured on the front page of the Detroit Free Press when, at that time, a 2250 square foot home was considered large. In the 70’s and 80’s there were new phases to Beacon Hill as larger parcels made available by aging owners provided access to Ann Arbor Trail and the cache of the Beacon Hill name became an important moniker for the marketing of these later phases. Bob Bake says “I remember clearly in the early 80’s when interest rates were in the mid to high teens, Mr. Gould told me he had borrowed from National Bank of Detroit a million dollars for the development of the larger and final plats. This was when a million dollars was very serious money. His carrying costs of that loan would have created serious problems if the sale of the lots to 3 builders had not occurred.”

12305 Beacon Hill

Wander North, South, East or West to find entertainment, shopping, dining and events in Downtown Northville, Downtown Plymouth, Ann Arbor and Canton’s Cherry Hill Village (and theatre). Walk to downtown Plymouth down either Ann Arbor Trail or North Territorial and enjoy festivities and fun for all ages. Canton’s Village Theatre is always showcasing local talents. The proximity to these towns and central location between Ann Arbor and Detroit is another reason Beacon Hill is so popular.

Accordingly, the homes of Beacon Hill sell for premium prices. In July 2013 a 4 Bedroom, 4 ½ Bath Ranch in the 1st phase sold for the highest price recorded in the last few years in the neighborhood – $562,000! This home featured spacious rooms, main floor master bedroom, finished basement, wine cellar, expansive deck, wooded & private rear yard and an in-ground pool. The following homes sold in the past year in Beacon Estates:

  • 46354 Wesford Court for $322,000
  • 12313 Duxbury Court for $345,000
  • 45763 Amesbury Drive for $362,000
  • 45800 Beacon Hill Circle for $370,000
  • 45931 Amesbury for $415,000
  • 12600 Beacon Hill Court for $562,000

Beacon Hill is in the Plymouth-Canton school district and individual school rankings are accessible by clicking here. Children from this particular neighborhood may attend Bird Elementary and West Middle Schools, which are both on Sheldon Road and within walking distance.  All students in Plymouth-Canton’s district will go on to PCEP (Plymouth Canton Educational Park). The Park is comprised of all three high schools for the district and a lottery decides whether your child will go to Canton, Salem or Plymouth high school. There are many private and charter school in the area for you to select from.

The Bake Real Estate Group has worked with countless homeowners, both buyers and sellers, in Beacon Hill. In fact, we just recently connected with original owners on 12305 Beacon Hill Drive to sell their home. It’s currently under contract at a list price of $419,900 and you can get more information on this home and see the virtual tour by visiting our team’s website. Some other homes we’ve had the pleasure of working with include:

  • 45763 Amesbury Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial on a large private lot.
  • 45800 Beacon Hill Circle – 4 Bedroom Georgian Colonial on a Cul-de-Sac.
  • 46023 Amesbury Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial with a finished basement.
  • 12560 Lighthouse Court – 4 Bedroom Brick Colonial with a 3 car garage.
  • 13401 Beacon Hill Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial backing to woods and trails.

For more insights on homes in Beacon Hill or the surrounding area, please contact the Bake Real Estate Group. If you have a home to sell in Beacon Estates and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your goals or concerns in confidence. We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

– Stephanie Brown and Bob Bake

Neighborhood Spotlight: Trailwood in Plymouth

| Stephanie

entrancePlymouth’s Trailwood Neighborhood:

  • Colonials, Ranches and Split-Levels
  • 1,700-2,900 Square Feet
  • Built 1971-1979
  • Prices Ranging $237,500-$330,000 in 2013
  • Bird or Smith Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools

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The second largest community in Plymouth is the neighborhood of Trailwood, comprised of 26 streets and 561 homes. When you travel through Trailwood, you’ll see timeless Colonials, Ranches and Split-Level homes ranging in size from 1,700 square feet up to 2,900 square feet. Residents of Trailwood enjoy mature trees on almost all lots, sidewalks throughout the entire subdivision and close proximity to downtown Plymouth. There are 20 acres of wooded commons area in 3 separate private parks for residents to enjoy. Trailwood is nestled between Ann Arbor Rd and Ann Arbor Trail just west of Sheldon Rd., with easy access to the amenities in the Downtown area, as well as walkability to the elementary and middle schools, and Red Bell Nursery/Daycare, which has been a fixture for Plymouth kids since the 1960’s (our associate Carrie, attended Red Bell and so did her son, Oscar).

Trailwood homes are to me, one of the best values in Plymouth.  For buyers that want amenities such as an attached garage, a basement and often, a main floor laundry/mud room, as well as a nice-sized yard close to town, this neighborhood cannot be beat at today’s prices.  It’s the “not-so-big house” that has regained favor in recent years with homeowners searching for simplicity and more efficient energy costs.

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In the 1970s, when the neighborhood was being formed, the Trailwood Garden Club was established.  It used to be a private club only open to residents of Trailwood and has now expanded to include anyone who’s interested.  Every June for the past 18 years, the club has been doing a “Garden Walk”, which offers a tour of the lush and well-maintained gardens of the neighborhood and surrounding areas within Plymouth.

The interest in this particular subdivision has remained steady since construction began in 1971. Recent sales history has continued to be promising with the neighborhood’s 2013 average sales price being just above $292,000. The highest sale price currently recorded was in 2004 for a 4 bedroom colonial, which went for $375,000. In 2013 the highest sale price was $330,000.

Downtown Plymouth is one of Southeast Michigan’s most popular city centers and attracts people of all ages. There are festivities and events going on year-round and there’s plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment. Just a short distance along Ann Arbor Trail from “DTP”, Trailwood is close enough to walk, bike or drive into town. There are 2 elementary schools the neighborhood currently feeds to – Bird and Smith, both walking distance. Kids can move on to West Middle School, and eventually attend PCEP, Plymouth and Canton’s 3-high school campus. Of course there are also plenty of outstanding private schools in the area!

The Trailwood association’s website at www.trailwoodhomeowners.org, where you can view maps of the shared green spaces. On this site is also information regarding bylaws for the residents, homeowners’ meetings and much more pertaining to the community.

Since Trailwood was founded in the 1970’s, the Bake Real Estate Group has enjoyed selling dozens, if not hundreds, of homes in Trailwood.  Our group’s most recent sale in Trailwood was to a relocating family who purchased 10029 Canton Center Road in 2013.  In addition to that one, we have also sold these homes over the years:

  • 10201 Trailwood Drive – 4 Bedroom Colonial with numerous updates.
  • 10103 Creekwood Circle – 3 Bedroom Ranch on an interior park-like setting
  • 11832 N Canton Center Road – Oversized & Updated 4 Bedroom Colonial
  • 45798 Turtlehead Court – Charming 4 Bedroom Colonial on oversized lot
  • 45760 Denise Court – 3 Bedroom Ranch with numerous upgrades

For more information on homes in the neighborhood of Trailwood or the surrounding area, please contact the Bake Real Estate Group. If you have a home to sell or lease in Trailwood and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

Trailwood sales in the last 4 months:

  • 10057 Creekwood Circle – Hardwood Flooring & Private Yard – $285,000
  • 11781 Wildwing Road – Beautiful Landscaping & Potential – $287,500
  • 45206 Riveredge Drive – Updated & Plenty of Natural Light – $290,000
  • 45795 Purcell – Clean, Open & Move-In Ready – $330,000

– Stephanie Brown, REALTOR

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ridgewood Hills in Plymouth Township

| Stephanie

RWH 1Ridgewood Hills, Plymouth Township:

  • Colonials, Ranches & Cape Cods
  • 1800-3300 Square Feet
  • Built 1978-1989
  • Prices Ranging $288,000 – $374,750 in 2013
  • Bird Elementary, West Middle and PCEP High Schools

One of the largest and most sought-after neighborhoods in Plymouth Township is Ridgewood Hills. Bounded by the East side of Ridge Rd. between Ann Arbor Rd. and Powell sits this well-established subdivision containing almost 400 homes, all varying in style and size. The styles you’ll see as you drive down the streets of Ridgewood Hills are classic Colonials, refined Cape Cods (1st Floor Master bedrooms), and spacious, single floor Ranches all on generous lots surrounded by mature trees. Popular features include sizable bedrooms, finished lower levels, rear yard deck spaces, cathedral ceilings, and formal dining & living spaces.

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Back in the 1940’s before Ridgewood Hills Subdivision existed, the land was host to the Brinks Family Farm. The Farm was actually a heavily wooded expanse of land. The lots on Hillcrest Court West and Harvest Court sold for premium prices due to the fact that trees were removed sparingly for the construction of the homes we see today. Much of what’s left of the original farm and it’s woods still exist in the 6 common park areas that are available to all residents of Ridgewood Hills.

The demand for this neighborhood has been consistent. In fact, the highest sale price in Ridgewood Hills was a 4 bedroom, magnificently updated colonial for $412,000! It sold in November 2012 just before the market sprang back to life in Plymouth Township. In 2013, the average selling price in the neighborhood was just over $340,000. The first homes were built in 1978 and growth continued until the last went up in 1989.meadowct4x6

Oh, the places you’ll go! With downtown Plymouth, Northville and Ann Arbor being just minutes down the road, the residents of Ridgewood Hills are always close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Many people are drawn to Ridgewood Hills for this reason. There is plenty of space to play or walk the dog in the 6 vast parks throughout the neighborhood and even opportunities for side jobs that can be posted on the association website. Elementary-age kids going to public school will attend Bird Elementary and move on to West Middle School. The Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, or PCEP, is comprised of all 3 public high schools for the area and the school your child attends is based on a lottery. Of course there are also plenty of outstanding private schools in the area!

The neighborhood association also has an excellent website dedicated to the community and residents. If you’re looking for someone to cut your grass or shovel your snow, see the “RH Kids for Hire” tab for bios and contact info. Ordinance guidelines and common oversights are also provided as well as recommended contractors. Need to know about upcoming events or an update on a road assessment? You can find it all on the website. The link to the Ridgewood Homeowner’s Association is www.ridgewoodhills.org.48510 E Normandy Ct

In the last 5 years, the Bake Real Estate Group has sold the following homes in the neighborhood:

  • 9250 Red Maple Court
  • 9440 Hillcrest Drive
  • 48636 Chambury Court
  • 49022 Plum Tree Court
  • 48487 Meadow Court
  • 48510 Normandy Court – Sold in 2012 for $412,000 – This happens to be the highest sale in Ridgewood Hills in recent years.

For more information on homes in the Ridgewood Hills subdivision or the surrounding area, please contact the Bake Real Estate Group. If you have a home to sell in Ridgewood Hills and would like a private consultation, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs in confidence. We are specialists in the local area with the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout your home buying and selling process.

As you can see, this neighborhood is one to watch!

Ridgewood Hills Sales in the last 4 months:

  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Dated and Backing to Powell Rd. – $288,000
  • 3 Bedroom Cape Cod –  Mostly Updated & Finished Basement – $333,000
  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Southern Exposed Deck & Sunroom – $354,500
  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Interior Location  & Stately Exterior – $372,500
  • 4 Bedroom Colonial – Mostly Updated & Premium Location – $379,000