Chapter 530: Eastwell
Wednesday, February 22nd, Morning
He pulled into the driveway through the two native stone pillars. The driveway was a twisting affair, typical in design to make the property seem larger. The last bit of the drive was open, straight, and had a few trees line the drive. He could see another car at the end of the drive.
He was looking through the windshield he took in the house. It certainly looked smaller than what he thought. It had at least antebellum stylings. From his vantage point, he swore it was cut stone, but there were building technics that would fake the perception. He would have to see.
He parked next to the other car and got out. The Newcomer looked over the house and removed his sunglasses. The sounds of the ocean could be heard nearby. Nodding and smiling, he walked up to the front door and knocked.
The door opened, and his realtor greeted him.
"Hello and welcome to Eastwell," the realtor said.
"I expected it to be bigger," the Newcomer said.
"That's the thing with these vintage antebellum mansions, which isn't as big as modern homes," the relator said.
"I'm surprised someone hasn't snatched it up to make a McMansion," the Newcomer said.
"Not for lack of trying; I believe there is a movement to get it registered as a historical location," the realtor said.
"General Johnston took a dump here?" the Newcomer asked.
"Something like that," the realtor said.
"So, tell me about this place," the Newcomer said.
"The first floor has the foyer, a parlor room, kitchen, formal dining room, conservatory, den, and library," the realtor said.
They walked through the first floor, looking at each room. The formal dining room probably could comfortably seat about a dozen, no more than sixteen, and was connected to the kitchen. Behind some french doors was the conservatory; to the Newcomer's eyes, it looked newer and probably added for entertaining purposes.
The realtor led him into the kitchen next. The kitchen was big enough to be an eat-in kitchen. What the realtor didn't mention was there was a powder room off the kitchen. The Newcomer had one clear idea about the kitchen; it needed some updating, not the worst thing in the world.
Opposite the formal dining room were actually two rooms. The first was the library, lined with built-in bookshelves, which showed loving usage and care. The Newcomer knew he would have to put in an internet line, just another thing. The parlor was next, and there wasn't much to say about the room in the front of the house, Both rooms connected to the den, which seemed to be intended as a less formal space to relax and entertain.
The realtor led the Newcomer to the foyer. They ascended the formal staircase. They stood in a hall and looked around. The hall kept the same wall coverings from the first floor. The Newcomer wondered which craftsman made the paneling. It was also something to question, especially with specific dates in the house's history.
"The second floor has four bedrooms, two shared bathrooms, and the master suite," the realtor said.
On closer inspection, the second floor had been modernized at some point. Each of the bedrooms was small by modern standard and had no closets. The bathrooms were a jack and jill affair, each with an old clawfoot tub, an add-on shower, a commode, and a sink. Like the kitchen, the bathrooms would need updating.
The master suite was not much better. It looked like the remodeler combined two bedrooms to make the master suite. While the room was large, it was still small by modern standards. Again, there were no closets. The master bath quite clearly has been carved out of one of the old bedrooms. It was much the same setup and fittings as the other two bathrooms.
Yeah, there would be a lot of work to update the place. Not just the kitchen, but the bathrooms, three and a half so far, but running hardwired internet connections. The main electrical wiring probably needs to be redone across the whole house. Maybe some new windows.
Money isn't the issue since he sold his business. Even with all the money and time he spent to get the immigration stuff squared away, there's more than enough. But is there a better place than this?
There is potential in the master bathroom, the Newcomer reflected. A jacuzzi tub would be an excellent addition if the floor could support the weight. Maybe his brother would know a good contractor to remodel this place if it's worth it.
"Is this all?" the Newcomer said.
"The attic has some old disused servant rooms; they're off a servant's stairway in the back," the relator said.
"Okay," the Newcomer said.
"Follow me; I'll show you the best part," the realtor said.
"Sure," the Newcomer said.
The realtor led him out to a set of french doors. These led out to a balcony. The property was mostly exposed to them. The realtor led him to the rail.
"There is the swimming pool just over there," the realtor said.
"Very nice," the Newcomer said. Now there was another experience, getting the pool looked after and serviced.
"You also have a semi-private beach; there is no right of way on this property," the realtor said.
"That's good," the Newcomer said, "How about the neighborhood?"
"There are only five houses on this road. All are exclusive; this is the oldest," the realtor said.
"Are we nearing the Murphy Estate?" the Newcomer asked.
"I believe the very extreme end of Murphy Land abuts the backside of the landside properties," the realtor said, "Murphy Land is riverside property."
"It's really that big?" the Newcomer asked.
"Yes, and we all wish for it to be sub-divided," the relator said.
"Who is the current owner of it?" the Newcomer asked.
"Kelly McMichael is the Mistress of Murphy House," the realtor said.
"Umhmm," the Newcomer said.
"Anything else?" the relator asked.
The Newcomer walked to another rail. He saw the tip of the roof of the neighboring mansion. The only one he could see from the rail. "Who is my closest neighbor?" the Newcomer asked.
"That would be Jamlyn," the realtor said.
"Jamlyn?" the Newcomer asked.
"James Scott's estate, you know, the professional basketball player," the realtor said.
"Okay," the Newcomer said and nodded.
"So, what do you think?" the realtor asked.
The Newcomer nodded and did some factoring in. Finally, he turned to look at the realtor.
"I'd look to put in an offer," the Newcomer said.
The realtor smiled, "That's good; let's head to the kitchen to do the paperwork," the realtor said, and they left the balcony.
