There's a particular kind of Greater Boston buyer who loves what Cambridge offers: the energy, the dining and coffee culture, the access to daily conveniences. But many of those same buyers also want more space and a more residential rhythm. East Watertown near the Belmont line is often the answer, and this 2-level duplex condo in the Oakley Country Club neighborhood makes the case especially well.
With 2,103 square feet, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, the home delivers scale that's increasingly hard to find in a condo setting. But it's not just the size. It's the way the home lives: bright, flexible, and thoughtfully arranged to support everyday routines without giving up the ability to host.
This home is a strong fit for remote workers who want a dedicated office and buyers priced out of Cambridge looking for more space without leaving the city-adjacent lifestyle behind. It's also worth noting that Watertown, MA has been heavily reinvesting in its schools, including free preschool, making this neighborhood particularly compelling for buyers thinking about the long game.
A Main Level That Feels Open, But Still Defined
"Open concept" can sometimes mean everything runs together. Here, the layout is thoughtfully connected yet defined, with the main level flowing between a den, living room, and dining room while maintaining separation where it counts. The result is spaces that feel cohesive but not cavernous: easy for entertaining, easy for conversation, and easy for keeping track of what's happening throughout the home.
Architectural details elevate the experience throughout. French doors add dimension and movement between rooms. Hardwood floors bring warmth underfoot. Bay windows flood the space with light, and a built-in china cabinet anchors the dining room with both charm and real utility.
The Sunroom: A True Work-From-Home Retreat
In many homes, the "home office" ends up being a corner of a bedroom or a desk tucked into a hallway. Here, the treetop-perched sunroom becomes its own destination: a bright, calming space with an outlook over the Oakley Country Club greens. Whether you're taking calls, focusing on a project, or simply carving out a quiet hour with your morning coffee, it's the kind of room that makes working from home feel less like a compromise and more like a lifestyle upgrade.
The sellers put it simply: "We love the sunlight that comes in the mornings and throughout the day. It really is just a beautiful home."
A Renovated Kitchen With Timeless Finishes
The kitchen is renovated with maple cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances: an enduring combination that feels clean and current without chasing trends. It's also the kind of kitchen that supports real use: weeknight meals, casual gatherings, and everything in between.
Comfort Upgrades That Matter Most
Modern comfort isn't just about aesthetics. It's about how the home feels in every season. Mini-splits installed in 2022 serve the primary bedroom, living room, and a lower-level bedroom, providing efficient temperature control in the rooms you use most. It's a practical improvement that helps the home live comfortably year-round.
Two Levels, Four Bedrooms, and Flexibility Built In
Across 2 levels of living, the layout offers 2 bedrooms on each floor, giving buyers flexibility for guest space, dedicated work areas, hobby rooms, or simply the ability to spread out. The primary bedroom is on the upper level, and in-unit laundry is also located upstairs, right where it's most convenient.
Dedicated basement storage handles the overflow: seasonal items, bikes, sports gear, and the things you want out of sight but close at hand.
Outdoor Space You'll Actually Use
"The patio is magical in the spring, summer, and fall. We've spent a lot of time out there late into the evenings."
There's a private balcony with new decking completed in 2022, plus shared outdoor areas including a brick patio and yard. But the outdoor story doesn't stop at the property line.
The yard backs up to the Oakley Country Club alleyway, a beloved extension of the neighborhood's shared green space. As the sellers describe it: "We used it for throwing the ball for the dog, riding bikes with the kids, just everyday life. On snow days, the kids head to the golf course to sled. And on late summer nights, I'd walk up and watch the stars from the fairway. It's one of those things you don't realize you'll miss until you're gone."
Parking: A Genuine Advantage
Parking is one of the most practical quality-of-life features in this area, and this home delivers. The unit includes 2 total parking spaces: 1 deeded garage spot plus 1 tandem driveway space. It's a meaningful advantage for households with more than one vehicle and a genuine relief for anyone who has experienced the daily reality of street parking in this part of Greater Boston.
The HOA is $240 per month and covers master insurance, exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, and reserves: straightforward coverage that supports low-friction ownership.
The Neighborhood: "The Belmont of Watertown"
This is where the sellers really came alive. In their own words:
"We loved this neighborhood. The neighbors are close-knit, and there are a huge number of young families on the street. It's walkable to 'triangle park' on Carver, where everyone congregates in the summer. One of our favorite perks was easy access to Oakley Country Club via the gate the neighbors call their 'evening membership.' The club leaves it unlocked for the neighborhood, and it becomes this wonderful shared green space after hours. Arsenal Yards has exploded lately and it's less than a mile away. La Saison is our favorite bakery. Fresh Pond is super easy to access. This is the Belmont of Watertown, and we're sad to leave."
The location also offers something Cambridge itself rarely can: room to breathe. You're approximately 15 to 20 minutes from Back Bay depending on the time of day, with easy access to Cambridge, Fresh Pond Reservation, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, and Arsenal Yards. The Watertown school system is undergoing significant reinvestment, including free preschool, making this an increasingly attractive landing spot for buyers who want urban proximity without urban density.
A Place That Grows With You
Perhaps the most telling thing the sellers said wasn't about a feature or a finish. It was this:
"The home has lots of unique character and has stretched to fill our family's needs as we grew. It would be a wonderful home for a young family, empty nesters, or young professionals."
That kind of adaptability: a home that meets you where you are and evolves with your needs over time, is genuinely rare. Combined with the architectural detail, the treetop sunroom, the outdoor space, the garage parking, and a neighborhood with real community fabric, this is a home that checks boxes that are increasingly hard to find together in one place at this price point.
To be among the first to schedule a showing or receive listing details when they're available, contact Meredith Smith at 617-800-4779.
