JP condo offers mix of old, new
When Stan Furash and his wife moved into 15 May St. in Jamaica Plain about five years ago, the condo had the best of both worlds.
“My wife is a nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital — she's a city person,” said Furash, while working on his laptop in the first-floor home's sunny kitchen this week. “I'm a suburban person.”
Located on a leafy side street lined with modest homes, the condo — which is inside a two-family Colonial — feels like it's in the suburbs. The address is quiet, near sprawling hiking parks, such as Allandale Woods and the Arboretum, and it's a short drive to Dedham. But the place is also within walking distance from bustling Centre Street shops in Jamaica Plain's shopping and dining district, and a quick trip to downtown.
It wasn't only the location, however, that drew Furash's family to the home, which is now listed for $589,000. His wife was attracted to the gum wood mill work found throughout — the wood paneling, the built-in china cabinet and the window frames and trim. The size, with three bedrooms, was also fitting.
Since moving in, Furash made several renovations to the home, which was originally built in 1935. The blue and white kitchen was updated with dark granite countertops and stainless steel range, dishwasher and fridge, and the bathroom was remodeled with marble floors and tiles.
The roof was also recently replaced and the fireplace converted to gas from wood-burning.
Despite the renovations, the place appears less modern than traditional, however, and even some of the new work is a throwback to the past, such as the pull-down Murphy bed in a small bedroom that hides itself behind a wall of white built-in shelves.
Much of the home has a handsome, old fashioned — even squarish — look to it. The layout also lacks the open design commonly seen today, with clearly defined rooms. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, as the rooms have privacy, and the design, efficiency. In addition, the space is bright and clean, and the sun room in the back helps make it feel larger than its 1,274 square feet.