Last week I reviewed the same Santa Maria Residence 1 Model of Stonegate at 202 Kempton and this week I will be comparing why this property is justified asking for a slightly higher asking price. Unlike 202 Kempton, this home did not have any scent and was very clean.    I appreciate that this listing was appropriately listed as a 2 bedroom + den, unlike 202 Kempton trying to pass the property off as a 3 bedroom.  The main living area is up a flight of stairs, while the garage and indoor laundry closet are found on ground level. One unit is below this unit, but only one wall is shared on the side. Parking for guests is off the street and one should be aware that this home is in the middle of a row of homes line up down a single sidewalk.  Stonegate is currently slated for Stonegate Elementary School and Jeffrey Trails Middle School.

Asking Price:    $659,888
Bedrooms:        2 + Den
Bathrooms:       2
Square Footage: 1,378
$/Sq Ft:             $478
Property Type: Condominium
Year Built:        2012
Community:       Stonegate
HOA Fees:       $318
Mello Roos       Yes

Through the outer door is a narrow walkway with no roof cover which leads to the home’s front door.  I am not sure what purpose the enclosed walkway serves apart from the building’s curbside aesthetics and just the shape of the unit with respect to the neighboring units.

Upon entry, you enter into an entryway with dark hardwood floors and a carpeted staircase to the left.  There are three doors in the area; to the right is a closet for a stackable washer and dryer, in the middle is the garage entry, and to the left is a coat closet.  There is also space for a piece of furnitures or shoe rack in the entryway.

The staircase has a clean, neutral color carpet.  Once upstairs, you enter into a large rectangular room consisting of a living room and an open kitchen.  The floors have the same dark hardwood apart from the carpeted bedrooms and tile bathrooms.  With high ceilings and plenty of windows, plus a small sliding glass door to the balcony, there is an abundance of natural light.

The kitchen is to the left and has space for a dining table.   I have seen this model with an island, which provides the extra storage, but limits the space from having a larger dining table.  The kitchen boasts plenty of cabinetry for storage with its white cabinets and pantry.  The kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, decorative tile backsplash and a couple of cabinets with a glass front. The back counter space has an area for a chair and can serve as a small desk area, however I would prefer the full set of cabinets and to use the den as an office.

Next to the counter space is the sliding glass door that opens up to a small square balcony which has space for a few chairs and a bar-b-que.  Unlike Kempton, the home does not back to a street.  It is more quiet in this location.

The living room is a nice size with plenty of large windows bringing in light.  The high ceilings and multiple windows creates a nice, open feel to the space.

The hallway and den have the same wood floors as the great room while the bedrooms are carpeted and bathrooms are tiled.  On the right hand side of the hallway is the shared bathroom and secondary bedroom.  The bathroom has a single sink with a light countertop, white cabinetry and large tub/shower combo. It is in excellent condition.

The bedroom is a regular size with one smaller window and a sliding two-door closet.

The master bedroom is at the end of the hallway.  It is a good size with a roomy walk-in closet.  The bedroom has a nice privacy door into the bathroom, which will keep light and noise out of the sleeping quarters.  The bathroom has dual sinks, a roomy shower with a bench and a separate toilet. The overall condition of the bathroom was excellent while the bathroom on Kempton had a worn shower.

The last room in the home is a den, which would serve well as an office or playroom. The room is open although I have reviewed other models that boasts built-in double sliding doors to provide total privacy in the room.

223 Overbrook has a nice layout if the homeowner does not mind going up the initial flight of stairs to the main living area.  There are many upgrades, such as the hardwood floors and granite backsplash in the kitchen. The den provides extra space and is a good feature of the home.  I think the slightly higher price of $659,000 versus Kempton’s $639,000 is justified.  While both prices seem high for a 2 bedroom, I like the location and upgrades of this property.