House Lust: An Art-Filled Cabin with Tree House Vibes for Less Than $300K
The North Smithfield property is nestled amongst conservation land and a lake filled with native trout.
Friends, let me tell you about 9 Bridge Walk in North Smithfield.
This is not merely a house with walls, floors and windows — oh, the glorious stained glass windows! It is not solely a vessel for life’s accumulation. It is not inert. This place has been tended to and nurtured and valued over a lifetime — an artistic one, at that. This place, simply put, is a home.
In 1972, artist Paul Edward Leeming and his wife, Susan, purchased what was then a tiny single-story cottage nestled amid the pines. The Leemings were drawn to the setting; blue heron, wild turkeys, deer and river otter gather here and, in spring, spawning fish make use of the backyard brook, which leads to Lake Bel Air. And so the couple considered the landscape when they redesigned the place in 1979, adding two additional floors to the existing footprint. They installed massive picture windows to frame the trees, and built in stained glass to lend an ethereal quality to the interior light.
Through the seasons of their lives, they amended the property to suit their needs. When their son was old enough, they built him a BMX track and clay basketball court out back, then reclaimed the space as gardens and a fire pit when he went away to college. For years, the second and third floors served as contained master suite complete with a lofted office and a glassed-in porch that, during rainstorms, feels just like sitting beneath a waterfall. Every bit of the place was touched by the late Leeming, whose paintings adorn the walls (many are for sale, for those who are interested; contact the seller’s agent for more information).
This place is not for everyone. Not everybody appreciates spiral staircases and cork-like paneling and blue Formica countertops. I certainly do. And I know there are others for which this property will fit like a glove they sewed themselves.
The only downside here is the price point: $299,000, which is low enough to garner lots of attention. (Mott and Chace Sotheby’s Kim Marion, who represents the seller, says showings are this Wednesday and Thursday.) To whoever snags this gem of a place: I’m so very happy for you. Enjoy the fireflies.
Here’s your House Lust:
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9 Bridge Walk in North Smithfield is on the market for $299,000. It has two beds and two baths over 1,408 square feet. The enclosed area in front houses a small sitting area and grill. (Photos by Michael David Spirito for Mott and Chace Sotheby's)
9 Bridge Walk in North Smithfield is on the market for $299,000. It has two beds and two baths over 1,408 square feet. The enclosed area in front houses a small sitting area and grill. (Photos by Michael David Spirito for Mott and Chace Sotheby's)
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The entryway features a painting by the late homeowner and artist, Paul Edward Leeming. His art studio was in the home for many years, where he lived with his wife and son. The spiral staircase leads to the two-level master suite.
The entryway features a painting by the late homeowner and artist, Paul Edward Leeming. His art studio was in the home for many years, where he lived with his wife and son. The spiral staircase leads to the two-level master suite.
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A view down a hallway towards the kitchen.
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The kitchen is open to a small sitting area overlooking the property.
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The kitchen was the site of many gatherings and parties over the years.
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Another view of the kitchen, which boasts an abundance of natural light from above, as well as a built-in stained glass window.
Another view of the kitchen, which boasts an abundance of natural light from above, as well as a built-in stained glass window.
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A fireplace keeps the space cozy on chilly nights.
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The first-floor bedroom also affords views of the property.
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Another view of the first-floor bedroom with pocket doors.
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A view of the first-floor bathroom.
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A view of the second-level landing and glassed-in porch.
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The second story served as a master suite for years, but the homeowner recently repurposed it as a sitting area.
The second story served as a master suite for years, but the homeowner recently repurposed it as a sitting area.
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The second level features an enclosed porch overlooking the property.
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A dressing area leads to the second-level bathroom.
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A view from the second level toward the spiral staircase leading to the lofted third floor.
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The lofted third-floor space serves as an office.
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The home, built in 1965 and redesigned in 1979, sits on a little more than an acre. A brook runs through the backyard and leads to Lake Bel Air, and walking trails are also accessible from the property.
The home, built in 1965 and redesigned in 1979, sits on a little more than an acre. A brook runs through the backyard and leads to Lake Bel Air, and walking trails are also accessible from the property.
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The fire pit area once served as a basketball court for the owners' son.
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A view of the backyard brook.
For more information, contact Mott and Chace Sotheby’s Kim Marion at 401-692-1644 or visit kimmarionrealty.com.
