Tucked Behind the Hill
Most residents of Rochester's Eastern neighborhoods have become accustomed to the iconic views of Cobbs Hill's western face, with it's tree-covered slope, extensive urban park, and Lake Riley. It is here where the masses play softball, walk their dogs, and hike up to the reservoir. A different setting presents itself adjacent to the Eastern slope of the hill, however, for it is here that the quiet and scenic Cobbs Hill neighborhood is located. This is a leafy, undulating area that includes often-overlooked treasures such as historic Nunda Boulevard and Washington Grove, the "Forest in the City."
179 Cobbs Hill Drive, built in 1929, is situated right in the heart of this neighborhood. Perching on the crest of a gentle slope, this dark green Colonial Revival intermingles well with the landscape and the varied architecture of the surrounding residences. The center-entrance front door, framed by two long, slender windows, opens to a bright foyer. The simple floor plan has the living room/great room on the left, and the dining room and kitchen to the right. The great room runs the length of the house and has a gas fireplace as its centerpiece. Currently painted a dramatic red, this room also benefits from detailed crown molding, leaded glass windows, and corner-patterned hardwood floors. The size and character of this room make it ideal for all forms of entertaining.
The dining room shares the beautiful floors, windows, and crown molding, and has the added bonus of a built-in corner cabinet for dishes and heirlooms to be displayed in. Behind the dining room, the kitchen has ample counter and storage space available. A large peninsula juts out to separate the kitchen proper from the breakfast nook. This cozy area is surrounded by two large windows that let in lots of light and offer up unobstructed views of the backyard. A powder room is also located in this area.
A wide center staircase with one landing leads to the upstairs. The master bedroom is on the left side of the house, directly over the great room. This bedroom mimics the size of the room it was built over, so there is more than enough space for the usual furniture, in addition to a pair of overstuffed chairs or a desk. An added decorative touch is the two matching closets flanking a sunken window on the back wall. The two other bedrooms on the second floor are reasonably sized and both have good closet space. All the bedrooms are equipped with ceiling fans and plenty of windows to help move the air on those stuffy summer nights. A full bath is centrally located on this floor.
The third floor is truly an original feature and a highlight of this house. What might normally be an oversized attic storage space in similar homes is a fully furnished living area here. White walls and cream carpeting combine with massive skylights and strategically placed track lighting to create a wonderfully open and bright area. It would be ideal for an artist’s studio, but also is ready-made for a media or play room. 179 Cobbs Hill Drive has 2,278 sq. ft. of available space and is priced at $179,900 with taxes of $5,767. It includes a two-car garage and a backyard with a wood privacy fence and a brick patio. Contact Richard Sarkis or Micheal Faucher of Nothnagle Realtors at (585) 256-9211 for more information on 179 Cobbs Hill Drive.
by Peter Smith
Peter Smith lives and works in Rochester and is a Landmark Society volunteer.
