Eric Gudmestad’s home sits just four houses down from the corner of Maryland Avenue and Hanley Road, a major selling point when he purchased it in 2012. Being in walking distance to the area’s countless restaurants and shops—not to mention the post office and library—is the perfect set-up, he says.
A father of three, he recognizes the need for living in a quality school district and credits Clayton for offering a community that supports academics, athletics and the performing arts in both its private and public schools. And while the benefits of living in the city are numerous, Gudmestad says the house provides a nice, quiet retreat. “It’s a calming home,” he says. “When you’re inside, you’re home, and you’re not assaulted by city sounds.”
His favorite area is the great room, which offers views of the sunset and neighborhood through its large bay window. “Everywhere you go, sunlight is pouring in,” he says. “There are skylights on the second level, so even the upstairs gets fantastic light.” Other favorite features include the upstairs library and separate den, the hot tub that sits just steps away from the master bedroom on the main floor, and the overall layout of the home, which offers plenty of space to spread out for entertaining.
Gudmestad attributes the home’s zen-like atmosphere to its distinctive characteristics, like the indoor courtyard, which he landscaped after he moved in. “I love the uniqueness of the space. Guests stare at the courtyard when they first walk in, so it offers a very natural welcome with its large tree and meditation bench,” he says. He also redid the floors and, for the most part, was the main decision-maker when picking out furniture and decor. “I already had accumulated a lot of furniture before I moved in that fit perfectly into the space,” he explains. “I have a friend who is an architect and interior designer who was great to bounce ideas off. It was a fun process.”
The modern space also lends itself to expansion and customization through color. “There is a lot of opportunity to tailor the house to what you want it to be,” he notes. Since Gudmestad’s children are not all living at home anymore, he is looking for a smaller space. “I definitely want to stay in the same area, though,” he says.
listing price | $1,069,500
listing agent | dave and sabrina robb, robb partners, dielmann sotheby’s international realty
Photos by Triple R Photography
