If you’re seeking privacy yet convenience in an enchanting setting, you simply must see the 4 bedroom/3.5 bath English Tudor located at 115 W Woodridge Drive in Durham. This fabulous home was built in 1932 by Dr. Frederick Bernheim and Dr. Mary “Molly” Bernheim, both members of the original faculty at Duke Medical School. Dr. Frederick Bernheim was a Nobel-nominated researcher in pharmacology; his wife, Dr. Molly Bernheim (often the solitary woman in the Department of Biochemistry), was credited with “one of the seminal discoveries in twentieth century neurobiology” with her discovery of the enzyme tyramine oxidase. Beyond biochemistry, Dr. Molly Bernheim published A Sky of My Own, a book detailing her love of flying, and she was well known as a devoted gardener. 115 W Woodridge is an excellent example of classic architecture combined with the domicile wishes of brilliant minds.

Perhaps most striking upon your arrival at 115 W Woodridge is the fact that the lovely all-brick colonial home is nestled in the midst of towering hardwoods, verdant landscaping, and charming rock walls on a spacious (.83 acre) lot. Tranquility greets owners and guests alike, making it hard to believe you’re within a short walking distance of Nana’s Restaurant, Foster’s Market, Guglhupf Bakery, Rockwood Park and numerous other points of interest. The home is a serene retreat at the end of the workday.  Flanking the main house at one end is a greenhouse with a stone exterior; at the other, a window-laden office with a fireplace and separate entrance. Both, with second story decks, add intrigue to the front exterior of 115 W Woodridge. The delightful stone walkway to the main entrance begs footsteps as a means of learning more about this fascinating dwelling.

A generous sense of space, belonging, and tasteful modernization greet one and all upon entering 115 W Woodridge. Luxuriant hardwood flooring and an abundance of windows allowing indoor occupants to appreciate their wooded surroundings only add to the ambiance. The first floor consists of a living room with immense seating beneath a wall of windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and built-in cabinetry; an epicurean kitchen with granite countertops, custom maple cabinets, and an adjoining dining room; a large, light-filled sunroom; a family room with built-in cabinetry, an adjoining craft room, and a ladder to a cozy loft with seating and room for yoga or play; a half bath; and the previously mentioned greenhouse and study. A wonderful deck made of IPE Brazilian hardwood is located off the kitchen and family room, with an adjacent spa-like outdoor shower, composed of the same hardwood. Upstairs is home to a private master suite, an opulent bath, and secluded access to one of the two second level decks; three additional bedrooms (one with access to the upstairs deck on the opposite end); and two additional full baths. A partial basement of 507 square feet completes this amazing home of 3,237 heated square feet. As if all of this were not enough, a detached guesthouse of 550 heated square feet is located just beyond the main house.

“Priced at $895,000, 115 W Woodridge is a rare find,” says Broker René Hendrickson of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. “I feel certain the Bernheim doctors would be pleased with the updates that have been made at this special property. Its character is completely captivating…  I’m excited for its next owners.”

An Open House will take place on Sunday, September 25th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at 115 W Woodridge. From downtown Durham heading south on University Drive, turn right onto W Woodridge Drive just past Nana’s Restaurant. 115 W Woodridge is on the left. For more information, contact René at 919-923-1377 or Rene@ReneHendrickson.com.