House Snooping: 78 Lakeside Avenue

In Provence, it’s not uncommon to find houses tucked into hillsides that have as much outdoor living space as indoor.

Now no one would mistake Verona for the south of France–there are no olive groves and wineries here (well, commercial ones at least). But a charming house has come on the market just across from Verona Park that could make you believe that you are there.

Like the south of France, you begin on a winding path, in this case a sloped, twisting driveway that could fit two standard-sized cars, though maybe not an SUV. You could sip a glass of wine from a comfortable chair on the terraced front lawn while you take in the boaters on Verona Park Lake. And even though the house fronts on busy Lakeside Avenue, its construction and windows are substantial enough that you hear none of the traffic.

The current owners have embraced French provincial style in the sunken living room and remodeled, eat-in kitchen. But the house’s biggest surprise lies outside the French doors that open from the kitchen: an enormous patio with three separate seating and dining areas that could hold quite a lovely wine-tasting party. Though two of the house’s three bedrooms clearly belong to children (and one is just right for a French princess), the patio makes the living space feel quite grown up. I could easily imagine a sophisticated couple here, or maybe empty nesters if they were comfortable with stairs. The house is on the market for $579,000.

Quibbles? Yes, because I’m always going to try to see the house through a potential buyer’s eyes. The stone walkway in front may need some work, as will the roof over the small garage that is wedged into the front of the property. The listing belongs to the Fallivene Agency in West Caldwell, though the best place to see the house online is here.