

Durham, NC

FEATURES
$1,499,000
3403 square feet
NICE TO HAVES
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combined double lot
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detached 2-car garage
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concrete pool with hot tub
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upper and lower stone patios​
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walk-in attic
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walk-in basement (waterproofing courtesy of Shamrock Waterproofing)
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new shingled roof 2022
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electric driveway gate
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meticulously restored original windows
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new storm windows/screens
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spray foam insulation in attic
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heated floors in primary bath​
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updated kitchen and baths
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updated electrical throughout
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​endless hot water system
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wood-stove fireplace insert
THIS OR THAT
The home offers incredible versatility in its layout, easily adapting to your lifestyle. What is now the sitting room was the original dining room, and what is now the TV room was the formal living room. A spacious sunroom at the back of the house has become our game room and dining room-perfect for hosting large dinner parties (we've hosted 25 in there!). Upstairs, a mirrored gym originally served as a children's playroom, with removable mirrors revealing built-in shelves ideal for toy storage. The downstairs office also functions beautifully as a guest room, with convenient access to the nearby full bath. Even the garage has become our COVID outdoor living room. There's plenty of flexibility here to accommodate your rhythm, your needs, and your stage in life.
DON'T MISS
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​secret closet passageway between bedrooms
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attic meditation room
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attic dress-up nook
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basement craft zone ​
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laundry chute on floors 1 & 2​
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extensive landscape lighting
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thoughtfully designed landscaping that offers year-round blooms
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berry bushes, peach trees, plum trees, & apple trees
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treehouse sanctuary
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chicken coop
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garden with compost area​

ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Tucked on one of the premier lots in Forest Hills, 1603 Hermitage offers an extraordinary blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Built in ~1930 this 2-story Colonial Revival is rich with original character - fanlight entry, weatherboard siding, and a graceful pedimented porch. Set on a rare combined double lot, the home unfolds with mature, thoughtfully designed landscaping that blooms year-round (berries, apples, plums, and peaches!), a treehouse sanctuary and large garden area. Outdoor living takes center stage with a concrete pool and hot tub, upper and lower stone patios, extensive landscape lighting, and detached 2-car garage.
Inside, the home is equally impressive (and colorful!) with updated kitchen and baths woven seamlessly into a layout full of charm and surprises. Hidden gems such as a laundry chute on both floors, a secret closet passageway, and an attic meditation room add a sense of whimsy, while smart upgrades such as heated floors in the primary bath, an endless hot water system, updated electrical, and restored windows make daily living effortless. The layout is as flexible as it is functional: the sunroom serves as a dining / game room (we’ve hosted 25 there!), and the third-floor gym easily converts to a playroom. It’s a home that grows with you - and one of the best around for hosting gatherings, both inside and out.
