29 Bradford Avenue

Dear Future Homeowner,

To be completely honest, it is with mixed emotions that we pass the torch on to you, the new owners of 29 Bradford Ave. While we are thrilled to welcome new stewards to the one-of-a-kind ranch we affectionately call “Yellow Door,” we are also not quite ready to say goodbye.

This home has been so special for us - and the site of so many firsts: Our first venture to the ‘burbs. Our first stand-alone house. Our son Oliver’s first words and his first time first sleeping in a “big boy” bed.

It’s also been the site of many incredible joys: Countless dinners with family - nuclear and extended. Backyard barbecues. Fort building. Neighborhood gatherings. Lego creations. Birthday celebrations. Play Doh. Family dance parties. Future dreaming and planning.

And it’s not just what’s happened within the walls that make 29 Bradford Ave special; it’s the walls themselves. This home is truly unique: It’s old enough to have character and the kind of small details you just don’t find in newer homes, but refreshed enough to feel current and comfortable for a modern family. It’s open enough to feel airy and easily traversed, but has enough defined spaces that it never feels overwhelming. The interior is so inviting that we’ve never minded being indoors, but the backyard is so private and serene that we’ve been equally pulled outdoors - for grilling, family play, throwing balls with our dog Chloe and catching nighttime views of the Manhattan skyline.

We’ve done our best to honor the uniqueness of this house while taking steps to ensure it’s fully taken care of. We’ve done a bunch of the “sexy” stuff - updating the appliances (e.g. oven, washer, dryer), refinishing the floors, overhauling the primary bathroom, but haven’t neglected the less sexy stuff (e.g. electrical service and panel upgrade, garage wall reinforcement, regular HVAC maintenance). We’ve also made countless improvements to boost the home’s energy efficiency and maximize affordability.

Finally, a big part of what makes this house unique is the special place where it’s located. The Gregory neighborhood is an idyllic part of West Orange with a distinct and welcoming community. Indeed, we’ve made so many friends in the neighborhood that a quick peek out of our front window at almost any time of day and we’re almost certain to spot one - riding a bike, taking a stroll, walking the dog, etc.

This home has brought us so much joy and we hope that it will bring you just as much. We’re sad to say “goodbye,” but couldn’t be happier that you get to say “hello”. Welcome home!

Sincerely,
The Current Homeowners of 29 Bradford Avenue