The ‘Robert Lafaye House’ @ Stratford Is For Sale

Over the years we’ve marketed hundreds of properties across the Midlands of South Carolina. Some are affordable, some are exquisite and expensive. Rarely, however, does a Columbia, SC, flagship property become available in a historical neighborhood. With that, we proudly welcome you to 2630 Stratford Rd.

As you can see, the front facade of this Spanish-style home is pretty spectacular. Step inside a few paces, and the interior does not disappoint. Sporting over 4,000 sq/ft, 5 bedrooms, and 5 baths, 2630 Stratford Rd. has it all and then some.

This Forest Hills beauty includes, but is not limited to, hardwood floors, archways, built-ins, updated kitchen and baths, sitting areas, a “fountain room”, a huge modern-style family room, hobby/work room with private bath, pool, pool (or in law) suite, and an absolutely stellar bird’s eye like view of the homes and streets below. If you enjoy entertaining family/friends, or hosting political events: BOOM.

As far as my description of “Landmark” and “Flagship” is concerned, the next paragraph will link you to the Forest Hills website, where you will find the full history and description.

Robert S. Lafaye House: 2630 Stratford Road (ca. 1928) and the Architectural Legacy of Lafaye & Lafaye–
Overlooking the largest wooded reserve in Forest Hills is the home of noted Columbia architect Robert S. Lafaye, a principal with his brother George E. Lafaye in the firm of Lafaye & Lafaye.  According to firm commission records, Lafaye designed his residence between May 4 and June 22, 1927.  The 1925 plat of Forest Hills included with the house plan suggests that he chose the Stratford site over the southwest corner of Canterbury and Wellington which overlooked the second largest wooded reserve in the new development.  This dwelling with its stucco exterior, arched openings, low-pitched clay tile roof, and original wrought-iron gate is an exceptional example of Mission/Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture in Forest Hills.  The house was also among the earliest homes to be constructed in what was then Columbia’s newest suburb and is among as many as 29 known Lafaye-designed homes in Forest Hills.

As you can tell from the link, this is a prize property of one of Columbia’s banner neighborhoods.

I’m not sure I can do 2630 Stratford Road justice from the vantage point of a simple laptop keyboard. That said, I invite you to do a “drive by,” and click the photos on the links. I don’t want to over do it, but if you’re an enthusiast of fine, landmark properties, this Forest Hills property may be the perfect fit.

Please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com if you’d like more information or interested in a private showing. This home is a pleasure to show and only minutes from our office or anywhere we may be during the day.

Thank you!

FJ

PS:  Forest Hills is zoned for popular Satchel Ford Elementary School.

The other night I blogged about whether Governor Romney and the GOP could/would try to change/solidify the Republican Party’s brand.  As good as Senator Marco Rubio and Governor Romney’s speeches were, I think the answer is, “No.”

I’m not being critical, but once again, Gov. Romney wants to be the head of the United States government, so he can create 12 million jobs.  This is difficult to explain, but what he’s saying doesn’t seem to fit in with what he’s trying to say.

A little further, we heard a five point plan, none of which contained anything new.  This kinda bummed me out.  For instance, he wants to take advantage of God given American resources.  I don’t blame him, by the way, but it’s nothing new.  More to the point, Keystone XL would be at very least a quasi government project.  See where I’m coming from?

For the last few days I’ve been wondering if Governor Romney would bring up the ole’, “Are you better off than you were four years ago.”   This tagline is a political winner, but if anyone actually performs the personal math on this, the answer is actually, “Yes.”

Consider this.  Four years ago is when everyone’s pensions were dropping to 50% their previous value.  Remember Lehman Bros. and AIG, and when the DOW plunged 700 points? President Bush signed the $700ish billion dollar TARP and the auto bailout because the U.S. economy was going you no where…fast.  Anyway, given the actual picture, I’m kinda surprised Gov. Romney injected the four year metric in tonight’s speech.

Some other irony is when he began his inspiring story, by once being inspired.  Here’re the text; “When President Kennedy challenged Americans to go to the moon, the question wasn’t whether we’d get there, it was only when we’d get there.

The soles of Neil Armstrong’s boots on the moon made permanent impressions on OUR souls and in our national psyche. Ann and I watched those steps together on her parent’s sofa. Like all Americans we went to bed that night knowing we lived in the greatest country in the history of the world.

God bless Neil Armstrong.

Tonight that American flag is still there on the moon. And I don’t doubt for a second that Neil Armstrong’s spirit is still with us: that unique blend of optimism, humility and the utter confidence that when the world needs someone to do the really big stuff, you need an American.

That’s how I was brought up.”  Inspirational and awesome imagery by Governor Romney!  Government program…The whole thing.

I get that D’s and R’s, during the general election, have to lean towards the center of the political spectrum.  That said, this speech (and convention as a whole) may have sent a confusing message at best, and lack of thereof at worst.

Thinking further, this may all be a Jedi mind trick.  Who knows?!   The pros are paid big bucks to get candidates elected, and I’m not one of those.

Apparently, while I was watching the Gamecocks play football on another channel, Clint Eastwood had an odd performance.  From what I’m seeing on Twitter and Facebook, “morning after” talk will be about Clint talking to an empty chair.

In other news:  Gamecocks gave us some drama, but pulled in the WIN!

If you know me, you’re aware I’m a little more than casual when it comes to politics. While I’m more familiar with Palmetto State happenings, I’m also a fan of the politics and policy dynamics on our national stage.

As I watched the Republican National Convention tonight, my brain involuntarily started churning about some hits and misses regarding the GOP’s message and brand.

Disclaimer:  This post is not to side with either party, or push any personal political leanings on anyone. Remember, the Democratic National Convention is next week, and I’ll type the same type post during that event.

I know tomorrow is the big night, but given there were a lot of speeches tonight by many GOP leaders, and since we already know where both factions stand, tomorrow night is rather predictable.

Here’s a quick rundown of what the GOP is fighting against its own brand:

-Fiscal Stuff:  The GOP has successfully branded Obama as a socialist and big spender to the “hard right.” I have MANY friends that won’t buy a GM vehicle because they’ve associated Obama with “Government Motors.” Well, there’s this:  “I didn’t want there to be 21 percent unemployment. Sometimes circumstances get in the way of philosophy. I said, ‘No depression.’” – President George W. Bush.

Remember TARP? Same thing. Folks peg this on D’s, but it’s actually GOP executive lore.

The auto bailout and TARP are masterful examples of branding and “defining your opponent, before they define you.”  However, as time has passed, the educated public sees through it, which is a problem for any Republican nominee.

-Fiscal Stuff: The”U.S. Debt” clock in the back of the arena is very nice and brings some drama. Problem is that clock has been ticking up since I was in grade school. That’s 20 years of Republican executive leadership, and 12 Democrat. Clock is still ticking = clock is meaningless, and close to damaging.

-More Fiscal Stuff:  “Conservative” and recent history. Obama takes massive heat from everywhere on issues of taxes and debt ceilings. Well, our iconic President Reagan raised taxes and raised the debt ceiling. President George H.W. Bush raised taxes and President G.W. Bush raised taxes, bailed out the auto industry and the big banks. Governor Romney has to convince us otherwise, even with Rep. Ryan’s vote for the $700 billion bank bailout (before he voted against it). Remember John Kerry’s fatal last line?

-Freedom/Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (Declaration of Independence)/The First Amendment: As a “one-liner” this is a killer message. This is an example of where perfect/imperfect language meets message and doesn’t check out. Ask anyone that’s for “choice,” or a person attempting to marry another of the same sex, therefore enjoying the benefits of other Americans. This can come off as “Freedom, Freedom, Freedom!”  Hold up, bring it on back… not this much freedom.

-Gas Prices: I don’t pretend to know the complex world of OPEC as it relates to U.S. oil markets. That said, I have to think firing missiles at oil producing regions of the globe for years has something to do with oil prices. Again, not weighing in… just thinking out loud as it pertains to a message.

-Jobs/Jobs/Jobs: “I want to be President, so I can create jobs!”  Well, this is confusing because we’re to think government doesn’t create jobs.  Pipelines, military, infrastructure, tax incentives, welfare reform, workfare, trickle up, trickle down, or whatever… this creates an instant mixed message for the GOP brand.

-Modern American Snapshot: It will be very interesting to see a camera’s snapshot of the GOP’s convention compared to the DNC’s, and how it translates into actual votes. Breaking it down into a state by state, electoral college system of America’s electorate, this has to be a huge hill for Governor Romney to climb.

-“We Built It”:  I completely get the tag line, and that it’s a direct response to Obama’s “…you didn’t build that.”  Nice slogan, to be sure, but for every small business person, mortgage broker, or Realtor (whatever industry) that’s built a business in the Tampa hall tonight, there’s 1,000’s that have actually skillfully connected a widget to another to build something. After all, isn’t that what we’re all yearning for? “Made In America.”

I’m well aware of the difference. Obama was talking about how business folks didn’t build their businesses. As clever as the “We Built It” slogan may be, there simply aren’t enough small business folks out there to out-vote the laborers who actually piece American products together. The convention slogan is good, but can only appeal to so many voters.

I thought of a few other tidbits (ObamaCare/RomneyCare) but it’s getting kinda late.

Don’t get me wrong with some thoughts in this post. The GOP has energy and some good messages. I’m simply picking at some of the challenges Governor Romney faces in the next few weeks. I think he’s a good man, and has what’s best for America at heart. After all, he doesn’t need the job… AT ALL. This could be a good thing.

Further thinking, I wonder if the national mantra is still  “Are you better off now than you were four years ago.” Hmm. Some folks may want to do that math, some may not.

Disclaimer:  See disclaimer above. I’m not taking sides. I’m simply typing a few fleeting thoughts about the challenges any GOP nominee would face given all that’s going on.

I’ll do the same when the DNC hits Charlotte, NC!

Late last week I was asked to represent the property at 2 Huspah in King’s Grant.  As you can imagine, I gladly took the owner up on the opportunity.

As we were in the house taking pics and whatnot, I had a fleeting thought:  It’s not often a property hits the market in King’s Grant in the mid $400’s, on a street that begins with anything before the letter “M.”

Many readers may not be aware, but the streets in King’s Grant are in alphabetical order.  Airy Hall, Bolen, Castle Hall, Cotton Hope, Davant, Fenwick, Fish Haul, Foot Point, Hobonny, Huspah.  I may have omitted a few, but you get the idea.

Huspah is one of the quietest streets in all of King’s Grant.  It’s a short street that connects North King’s Grant Dr., and nestled between the two Foot Point “loop” entry points.

The floor plan here will be ideal for many sets of buyers.  It’s a split, semi-open floor plan, with almost all of the living on the first level.   The FROG (bonus room) is large, separated from the reste of the home, and enjoys it’s own private bath.  In short, the floor plan will speak to a lot of buyer’s needs.

In a few days 2 Huspah will be staged.  We’re bringing in some slammin’ furniture, and will “Pottery Barn” things up a bit, complete with a couple of chairs and a large planter to add some pop to the front.   Ideally, someone will appreciate the opportunity to be in this section of King’s Grant in the mid $400’s before the stagers have time to set everything up!

If you or anyone you know would like to preview this King’s Grant home, please call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com .

Thank you!

FJ

Well, hey there! Sorry for the (huge, I’m still learning how to drive this WordPress thing) profile style pic, but given the subject matter, I couldn’t think of anything else to put up there.

If all goes as planned, tonight will be my last post on the Blogger product.  If my project manager pulls this post to the new site, it’ll also be the first post you see on the new blog.

To be honest, like a buyer to a new home, this is a bittersweet move. This was one of the first real estate blogs in Columbia, and may be the oldest as most Realtors have long since terminated theirs. Further, it’s given me an outlet to expand on thoughts about whatever I could think of from midnight until around 2AM, three days a week since 2007.

I’ve typed about everything from local and national politics, USC/Clemson, The Junior League of Columbia, TV shows, holidays, the invention of sweet tea elixers, beach trips, clever stuff, dumb crap, Columbia neighborhoods, my wife, my daughter, my late wife, and all things in between.

As time consuming as a blog can be, I’m 100% certain it’s produced results. Further, it’s provided a major platform to develop our brand of real estate.

While I hate for this post to seem dramatic, I can’t tell you how many hours have gone into this thing. Typing, moving commas, choosing pictures, changing pictures, setting up links, proofreading, and on and on. Thinking on it a minute, the blog may be the most time consuming part of my entire business. Hmmm..

As I’ve typed before, the new platform will provide more tech options and provide a Google boost.

So, with that, here goes. If you’ve been visiting via www.franklinjonesrealteam.blogspot.com or have this as part of your “favorites,” I first need to, “Thank You!”  Second, if you’d like to keep on reading about what we’re doing, it’s time to go directly to www.TeamFranklin.com .

Hopefully this will be a smooth transition. We switched the URL feed on GoDaddy.com earlier this afternoon. Either way, whether you’re a regular reader or occasionally find us on Google, I’ll see you on the other side.

Thank you!

Franklin Jones
Your Realtor

P.S.  If you’re confused about the context of this post, I typed this as a farewell from my former Blogger site and pulled it over to this one.

If we’re friends on Facebook you may have noticed that I’m kinda involved in our daughter’s “Day School” enrollment process. For example, every year since Jennifer was pregnant with Finley, I’ve sat and written a check to Eastminister Day School when I was told. No problem. That’s just the process.

If you haven’t caught on, there’s a big market for downtown Columbia child care/schooling. Finley has been on lists all over town, all this time. That’s a whole ‘nother blog post.

Tonight’s post is about the sheer awesomeness of Incarnation Lutheran’s Child Development Center on Byron Rd. I think many people know it as, “Incarnation @ Byron Rd.” That’s what I call it, anyway.

OK, here’s the thing. Incarnation @ Byron Rd rocks. You may not have ever noticed the cute little building behind the VA hospital. Truth told, we’ve sold many houses in this neighborhood and I’ve been to Hammond many times and never noticed this little school.

As we were on lists in downtown Columbia, Finley “got in” to Incarnation. Naturally, Jennifer was curious/probing about the school. After all, FJ is our first child and we hadn’t heard anything about it. Well, after finding out some of our best friend’s/client’s kids were enrolled, we became more comfy.

We can’t say enough about this little place. Everyone knows Finley, and Finley knows everyone. It’s easy in, easy out. Our girl has made some awesome friends here, and on many levels we’re sad to leave. Further, I know we’ll continue to use some of the teachers as babysitters.

If you’ve made it this far into the post, I’m sure you’re asking, “Why are you leaving Incarnation?” Answer 1: Geography.

Given we live 2 block from 5 Points, and both work three blocks from the State House, we travel exactly backwards twice a day to get to her little school house. I mean, we drive by five or six schools on the way to ours. Her new school is MUCH closer.

Don’t get me wrong. We are THRILLED to be at Eastminster Day School. I have to admit, however, that we were so happy at Incarnation that the decision became difficult. After all, I’ve learned, “Don’t mess with happy.”

The reason for this post isn’t to debate schools. Our girl is going moving schools and we’re all excited. That said, now that friends are now in our former situation, I thought it might help to write a diddy about our experience with this fine place.

Here’s my thought. Incarnation Lutheran @ Byron Rd. gets any and absolute full endorsement from Jennifer, Finley, and me. Over the last three years this smile factory couldn’t have served our family any better.

To sum up, my kid was anxious going in, safe while there, and happy at the end of the day. Well done, and Thank
You, Incarnation Day School @ Byron Road.

Finley and her parents will miss you.

Today you may have read the article in The State Newspaper entitled, “Home Sales Gain Strength In S.C.”  The piece is a welcome collection of good news, and I was happy to discuss some thoughts with the reporter.  That said, my comments were taken out of context and I need to correct it.

Part of the article reads, “Jones and his team partner, Amanda Payne, are being honored by their company for closing on 100 homes in 213 days this year already. That includes 23 closings in the last year in Kings Grant, where homes list between $350,000 to about $1 million.”

Although we’re proud of our sales record in this downtown neighborhood, we have not closed 23 homes in King’s Grant since Jan. 1, 2012.  

Here’s the rub. During the interview the reporter and I spoke, at length, about many specific areas in downtown Columbia, SC. Because I had the stats right in front of me, I touted, “For example, King’s Grant is selling. In the last 12 months King’s Grant has enjoyed 23 closings, has X Pending Contracts, and X Active Listings. King’s Grant is selling.”  

The stats I rattled off included every KG sale by all real estate sales professionals in the last full 12 month period. This has nothing to do with sales by Amanda and me since Jan. 1, 2012 (seven months). As you can imagine, the two are wildly different. Even so, the reporter hooked the stats to the 100 sales we’ve had year to date @2012. Again, they are not related.

At the time I gave the KG numbers, we weren’t talking about Team F, Amanda and me, or our team’s closings. We were speaking about what was happening in the market, where I thought it was going, and why, which was the reason for the conversation.

In all, it was a positive and fine article of which I was flattered to be included. I do, however, feel compelled to set the record straight. Taking it a notch further, I’ve requested that The State print a retraction.

Thank you! 

FJ

If you follow this blog, you’re well aware that I’ve posted about hundreds of cool properties around downtown Columbia, SC. Amanda and I take pride in representing more than our fair share of premiere Columbia real estate. That said, while there are many sharp and polished homes out there, “statement” properties don’t often hit Columbia’s market for sale.

In the next few days the home in the pic above will officially be for sale. At first glance, some of you won’t know the house. Truth told, many longtime Columbia residents won’t recognize it at all. After all, 2630 Stratford Rd. has a crazy air of privacy. While the privacy is bada**, the vantage point provides a spectacular bird’s eye view of the historical Forest Hills neighborhood. #Win/Win..

2630 Stratford Rd. is history, charm, and character personified, but meets the needs and amenities expected in today’s world. Pool included… BOOM.

Over the years, friends and visitors of this blog may remember me talking about “magic streets” in Columbia, SC; Heathwood Circle, Wateree Ave, and Abelia Rd come to mind. In short, people just love them. Like the “magic streets,” there are a few homes that dot Columbia’s landscape that excite more than others. Enter 2630 Stratford Rd.

If you or a friend would like a preview of this Forest Hills beauty, call or email fjones@cbunited.com or amandaqpayne@live.com. 

Stay tuned for more info and pics of this intown classic. 

P.S. – This downtown stunner feeds into popular Satchel Ford Elementary.  😉