Nestled between its two “sister houses,” 224 Wilson Avenue delivers looks, location, and lore in the South Park neighborhood of Morgantown, West Virginia.
Although the home’s history is a little cloudy, its owner helps peel back the layers. In the early 1900s, as the tale was told to her, a well-to-do gentleman built three grand homes in a row, one for each of his daughters.
The daughters, however, were offended by being relegated to Wilson Avenue, a quiet cross street, not the busy main thoroughfare of Grand Street. Every one of them refused to move in.
Thankfully, their father’s work didn’t go unappreciated. Soon, 224 Wilson found loving occupants more than willing to accept its “lowly” location in one of Morgantown’s finest residential neighborhoods.
Love Your Location
With the distinction of being Monongalia County’s first neighborhood on the National Register of historic places, South Park already stands out. Adjacent to downtown with easy access via two bridges, it’s one of the city’s oldest suburbs.
South Park is a lively area defined by its flagship street, Grand Street, which follows a straight line up one very steep, long hill that clearly demarcates upper and lower South Park. Home to a diverse set of residents, from local business owners and WVU faculty to students and working artists, South Park boasts myriad architecture styles, including post-Victorian, Craftsman bungalows, and colonial revival.
Zoning in South Park allows for both residential and business occupation. The sprawling Morgantown High School campus sits on the neighborhood’s north end, where young children ride bikes in the empty parking lot after school hours and residents from all parts of the city convene for Friday night football and spaghetti fundraisers. At Quantum Bean, nestled in South Park’s center, you’ll find townies deep in conversation over artisan coffee and matcha lattes. A few streets over at Madeleine Marie’s, enjoy a culinary experience crafted with love by longtime local restaurateurs Tommy and Taja. And just up the road is Gene’s, a perennial favorite for a drink with friends, as well as the city’s favorite hot dogs.
From the Outside In: A Home That’s Just Right
Historic charm melds perfectly with modern design to make this gem one you won’t want to miss. The front porch beckons with large columns and a swing ideal for soaking up the early-morning quiet or savoring a good book. The private yard is a plus in this part of the neighborhood, as is the seller’s offer to cover the cost of street parking for the next five years!
Inside, spacious rooms, a designer kitchen, and classic woodwork come together to create a contemporary home big on comfort and style. The large living area just inside the front door is flooded with natural light. It has a built-in fireplace next to a wide staircase leading to the second floor, which has two of the home’s four bedrooms and one updated bath. The third floor has two more extra-spacious bedrooms and another updated bath.
Back on the ground floor, the dining room is an open, inviting space ideal for a large table, and the room is topped off by a beautiful stained-glass window. The adjacent kitchen is sure to be a gathering spot as well. Bright and modern, it features a huge butcher’s block island, white cabinetry, and a stainless chef’s range.
With four bedrooms and four baths, plus beautiful woodwork and modern amenities, this home offers space and convenience. Given its prime location and price tag of $475,000, this gem is sure to be under contract soon.
If you’ve fallen for 224 Wilson Avenue, we can’t blame you! Call White Diamond Realty agent Julie Knight to set up a viewing and make it your own.