Open House Review: 14 Gillman

Single Family ‘Retro’ Home in University Park

14 Gillman St. $739,990

Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood off of Michelson in University Park, 14 Gillman has been billed by the realtor as “retro.” However you choose to define it, original or retro, this single family 3 bedroom, 2 bath single family home is nicely positioned in a corner lot with a large front yard with mature shade trees.

How its position in the market plays out will be interesting to watch. When I was there numerous neighbors were trooping through the open house, remarking on things that they had done as updates to their homes.

Significant Numbers: Brand new to the market, this three bedroom, two bath home with 1,684 square feet has HOA dues of $123 a month and no Mello Roos. The location is close to the Association pool, spa, tennis court and park. The lot size is 6,098 sq. ft. and the $/ sq. ft. is $439. The home was built in 1965 and was called “Chancellor Plan 3.”

Close-Up: Stepping into the ceramic tiled entry there is a large living room with custom draperies and mirrored fireplace to the left, followed by a formal dining room, kitchen and family room that opens to a small but well maintained patio and backyard.

The kitchen is original with breakfast bar and desk. It sits opposite the family room, which could also be used as a dining area.

To the right of the entry a doored hallway leads to the three bedrooms including a good sized master suite with walk-in closet. With the bedrooms on one side of the home and the living room and dining room areas on the other, there is a comfortable division of entertainment and family areas.

The laundry is inside and the oversized double garage includes storage cabinets.

Specifics:

Single Family Home

Bedrooms, 3

Baths, 2

Detached, no common walls

Double garage

Central heat and air

Two parking spaces

Irvine Unified School System

Association pool and spa

What will be considered here? As a single family home on a secluded corner lot in University Park with top schools, and recreational facilities, plus a regional park, the price will be compared with other properties in neighboring communities in Irvine. Projections of what would be needed to upgrade the kitchen and baths will also come up for discussion.

Who will be the next ones moving into University Park? A young active family seeking the University Park setting might choose this home. Mature couples looking for a single level home in a quiet setting in Irvine might also be attracted.

Recent listings: 4472 Elm Tree Lane, $729,000; 6 Bayfield, $750,000.

Recent sales: 15 Gillman, $732,480; 2 Norton, $740,000.