Dear Future Homeowner,

We hope you'll love this house as much as we have.

The first thing you'll notice is the gas lamp out front. It's one of the original historic gas lamps in South Orange, and coming home to see it glowing never stopped feeling special. Inside, the high ceilings, original details, and diagonal wood floors in the living and dining rooms give the house a warmth that newer homes simply don't have.

Because the house faces south, there's sunshine in every room throughout the day. Our favorite ritual has been coffee in the living room as the sun comes up. It's a small thing, but those quiet mornings are what we'll remember most.

When we first moved in, we planted the Kwanzan cherry tree in the front yard. Every spring it seems to be the first cherry tree on the block to bloom, and watching it grow has been one of the great pleasures of living here. Out back, we gradually turned the yard into a small oasis of native plants around a fire pit. Some of our best evenings have been spent there, especially in the fall. We've left you a booklet on everything planted in the yard so you'll know what you have and can watch it change with the seasons.

One of the things we've appreciated most is how easy it is to have both a neighborhood life and access to everything else. The train to New York City is a short walk, and we've taken it for museums, dinners, and shows more times than we can count. Downtown South Orange is just as close: Three Daughters Bakery and Sonny's became our regular stops for coffee, pastries, and bagels, and when friends and family stay over, walking into town together for brunch the next morning is one of our favorite things to do. Ivy Hill Park, with its walking paths and recently upgraded tennis courts, was part of our daily routine. There's even a USPS mailbox directly across the street — one of those small conveniences you will come to appreciate.

Most of all, we've been lucky in our neighbors. There are lots of children and dogs, and you'll start recognizing people within your first few walks around the block. Every September there's a block party that has become a real tradition, and it's what makes this feel like a community rather than a collection of houses.

We hope you make many happy memories here. You will enjoy the sunny mornings, the evenings by the fire, and the cherry tree in bloom. Most of all, you will enjoy seeing the gas lamp and knowing you are home.

Warmly,
Ashley & Adam