It doesn’t get much cuter than this! Character and charm are in abundance at 233 Ward Place from the moment you step on the lemonade front porch. The front living room features a decorative fireplace, flanked by original bookshelves and flows seamlessly into the dining room. The dining room connects directly to a beautiful back deck with built-in planters, an additional entertaining space on the brick patio, yard with room to garden, and one car garage. Back inside, the charming kitchen features subway tile backsplash, solid wood cabinetry, and large pantry. The partially finished basement provides plenty of space for both TV/gaming and yoga or play.  The laundry room and convenient powder room finish off the space. Heading to the second floor you’ll find three bedrooms plus a full bath with classic white hex tile, marble topped vanity, tub with glass sliders, plus smart niche for storage. All three bedrooms were recently carpeted and feature hardwood floors beneath. The larger back bedroom boasts an Elfa closet system for easy organization. Finally the finished third floor is an incredible option that could be used as office or bedroom. Updates include newer windows throughout and recently redone driveway. This move-in-ready home is conveniently located just over a half mile from the Midtown Direct train to NYC, and the shops and restaurants of South Orange.

233 Ward List of Improvements

2019-2025

• Front & back exterior improvements (walkway and patio renovation, deck, garden, etc)

2023

• Driveway Repaved
• Refridgerator & Dishwasher replaced

2022

•  Exterior of House Painted
  • Top/cedar shake shingles: SW 6172 Hardware
  • Bottom/planks: SW 7542 Naturel
  • Trim (white): SW 7042 Shoji white
  • Trim below windows/shutters/front door/front porch floor: SW2802 Rookwood red

2019

• New flooring installed throughout 1st floor
  • Armstrong, American Scrape, Maple, Hardwood
• Kitchen renovated
  • Countertop: Quartz, MSI Cashemere Carrara (Tri State Stone)
• Basement: Sump Pump installed, new drywall in rec room

2018

• Fireplace liner installed
  • As part of furnace replacement. With the installation of the liner and thereby bringing it up to code, we were told by Thoren Resotration, who inspected and cleaned the chimney in 2020, that we should no longer burn a fire due to space limitations in the chimnney http://www.thorenrestorations.com
• Furnace replaced
• Water heater replaced

Dear future owners,

We would like to share our story of 233 Ward Place, a house that has been our home for nearly two decades and the setting for countless memories.

The welcoming front porch first caught our attention when we discovered this house, and it remains one of our favorite features. Living here has offered the perfect balance – a peaceful home in South Orange with the convenience of an easy Manhattan commute on the Midtown Direct train just a short walk away. Inside, there are spacious rooms with abundant natural light; we’ve always loved the way the afternoon sun illuminates the back of the housee. The beautiful stained glass windows, designed by the previous owners, add unique charm and character.

During our time here, we’ve made many improvements. We installed new hardwood floors on the first floor, renovated the second-floor bathroom and kitchen, and re-finished part of the basement to create additional living space. We’ve also updated essential systems including the furnace, water heater, and kitchen appliances. The custom radiator covers crafted by a local carpenter blend functionality with the home’s aesthetic.

The backyard transformation has been particularly rewarding. What was once part asphalt and part mulch pile is now a vibrant garden with a brick patio and refurbished deck. The kitchen window serves as a convenient pass-through to the outdoor dining area. The back garden blooms with pink, magenta and white peonies in mid-May, features an oak leaf hydrangea at the center (it should really bloom this summer, it’s 3rd year) and a climbing hydrangea on the garage trellis. In the front, we’ve trained a climbing ‘New Dawn’ rose to grow up in front of the porch along wires – the flowers bloom twice and smell lovely. At the center stands a majestic rhododendron that’s at least 25 years old and continues to produce gorgeous purple flowers each season. Throughout the year, you’ll enjoy daffodils, tulips, and many other plantings in the front and back that provide continuous interest.

There’s a poignant story in our garden’s history too. Beside the garage stood a magnificent and towering Elm tree – a rare specimen in today’s world. One summer, unfortunately, Henry (as our daughter named it) died. Part of Henry’s trunk still stands as a reminder of the natural history of this property.

South Orange offers a wonderful community. We’ve been blessed with caring neighbors who care and have watched our daughter grow up. The town center is within walking distance, with excellent restaurants like Bistro d’Azur, breakfast at The Order, and Sonny’s outstanding bagels. The town attracts many artistic residents and offers amenities from yoga studios like Three Birds to bakeries like Three Daughters.

Our daughter thrived in the local schools from elementary through Columbia High School, and is now pursuing studies in neuroscience – a testament to the quality education provided here. One of the many benefits of this location is that she could walk to all her schools, fostering her independence from an early age.

This is a good house (we often comment on its “good bones”), full of love, that has evolved with us over 20 years. The rooms have adapted to our changing needs while always providingcomfort. We trust it will be the same for you.

Wishing you many happy years ahead,
The Current Homeowners

PS.. We have left an envelope with pictures from ca. 1945 of a previous owner, and included some of the old wall paper we found while renovating the kitchen. The SO Library is a wonderful source to discover more about the history of the house.