A common thing that we hear when someone is visiting a Devon Hill condominium is, “I didn’t even know this was here!”
Lolling between rolling hills stretching along Lake Avenue between Boys Latin and Falls Road, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking. Mature trees block views of the road, while providing shady spots for sitting on benches and chairs, it is surrounded on three sides by quiet rolling hills owned by the Josephite Brothers, who keep it well maintained and peaceful.
The community of Devon Hill was once an estate its first owners called “Idlemont.” The house was the 19th century summer home of the James O’Connor family and there were numerous employees and outbuildings integral to its upkeep.
In 1881, railroad and investment executive Joseph W. Jenkins purchased the property from the O’Connor family. By the late 1880s, he had moved his wife and children out to the country and by 1920; the additions and renovations they had made to the house coalesced into the grand mansion we recognize today.
The Boston landscape firm Olmsted Brothers (as in Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of Central Park and father of American landscape architecture) created formal English-style gardens, a pond, and gazebo in the 1890s. Maintained by the condominium board, these can still be enjoyed by tenants of Devon Hill via walking trails and open lawns.
Devon Hill, as we know it today was developed in the 1980s by Martin and Tony Azola. It’s a quality of construction rare in the world of newly built ‘custom’ homes, and the Azolas were known for their historical sensitivity as builders. Architectural details of the older building — wood paneling, moldings, trims — are incorporated into new elements of design.
Apartment C8 at 15 Devon Hill is a prime location. Located in the last building at the very end, it enjoys light from 3 sides and private views from every room, including the sun room which overlooks trees and gently sloping lawns. Because it is on the top level – reached by one set of stairs to a private landing – there is a quiet, treehouse feel to the apartment.
A recently renovated kitchen opens to the dining and living rooms, providing a wonderful flow for entertaining. Watch the seasons change from the sunroom and cozy up to the fireplace while you watch the snow fall outside.
The primary suite offers a large bedroom with windows on 3 sides, lots of closet space, and a newly renovated bath. Currently set up as a guest bedroom and home office, the two additional bedrooms share a newly renovated full bath.
With beautiful finishes throughout, and gorgeous landscaping ready for you to enjoy, there’s no need to give up style when you downsize. The unit also comes with an extra large storage unit with window and shelving….for those things you’re not quite ready to part with.