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UNIVERSITIES OF WISCONSIN | CLOSING BRANCHES
Universities of Wisconsin officials announced Tuesday that UW-Platteville will vacate its Richland County campus on July 1, an unexpected move that local officials say creates a “potential economic crisis” for the county.
“It was very shocking to say the least,” Richland County Administrator Candace Pesch said Wednesday. “We feel as though the county has held up their end of the bargain by creating this campus, creating these buildings, being a partner to the UW system over the years, and we feel as though there is very little concern for the overall impact that it is truly going to have on our county.”
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The decision comes after UW system President Jay Rothman in late 2022 announced the campus would end in-person instruction due to declining enrollment.
After the announcement, UW system officials and local leaders embarked on a monthslong effort to negotiate a plan for the campus’s facilities, which are owned by Richland County, including efforts to reduce UW system’s footprint and presence on campus.
But in a letter sent Tuesday to the Richland County Board of Supervisors, Jeff Buhrandt, vice president of university relations for the Universities of Wisconsin, said UW-Platteville has no other option but to completely vacate the campus by July 1.
“While we are disappointed that we were unable to find a path forward, we also know this change can provide significant new opportunities in Richland County,” Buhrandt wrote in the letter.
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Buhrandt said the system will cover the cost of utilities and provide limited custodial support and maintenance for the buildings and grounds through the end of June.
‘Extremely disheartening’
Former Richland County Sup. Linda Gentes, who was the county’s education committee chair, said the decision is “devastating, financially.”
“I don’t know if you realize how many millions of dollars we have put into these buildings,” Gentes said. “It’s extremely disheartening.”
In a statement, Pesch accused UW system of “shirking their responsibilities.”
“Richland County, which had previously relied on the contractual relationship between the parties, is now facing a potential economic crisis due to the Universities’ decision,” Pesch continued. “The County Board of Supervisors will consult further with partners and counsel to determine and evaluate all available options going forward.”
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In the letter, Buhrandt pointed to legislation signed last month by Gov. Tony Evers that provides up to $2 million to communities affected by branch campus closures. The law specifically names Richland County as the first in line to receive funds, followed by other counties impacted by closures.
“It is our understanding that Richland County would be eligible for these funds which can be used to redevelop the campus facilities to better serve the community,” Burhandt said, adding that the potential state funds “represents the full consideration of the costs expressed” by county officials.
The bill would have initially required communities to provide a 20% match in local funds in order to secure state funding, but Evers used his partial veto power to remove the provision when he signed it into law.
Lease agreement
Pesch contended that at no time during the crafting of that measure did the Legislature indicate that those grant funds would absolve the UW system of its obligations to counties affected by branch campus closures. The county also still has a 75-year lease agreement with the UW Board of Regents that isn’t set to expire until 2042.
“Our position is the lease remains valid,” said Richland County’s attorney Mike Windle.
UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch did not say how the latest development impacts the county’s lease, but said in an email the decision to vacate the campus “comes after about two years of discussion with Richland County elected, community, and business leaders without a resolution.”
Pesch said the county is working with a firm to evaluate the condition of all campus buildings, an evaluation that needs to be completed before officials can begin formal agreements with potential partners.
“We don’t know what we don’t know when it comes to the buildings,” Pesch said. “We don’t know how viable they are, what repairs are necessary … so we can’t necessarily make plans for or even advertise them out to anyone if we don’t understand what we’re dealing with and we can’t be transparent about their condition.”
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Campus closures
UW-Platteville at Richland kicked off the trend of closing UW system branch campuses in November 2022, due to declining enrollment that left the school with just 60 students that year, a 90% reduction from 2014, when enrollment was 567 students.
The UW system has since announced the closure of its Washington County campus in West Bend and its Fond du Lac campus, while UW-Green Bay decided to end in-person classes at its Marinette campus. Last month, the system announced plans to close UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha in spring 2025, making it the fifth two-year branch campus to close in the last 18 months due to “shifting demographics and budgetary constraints.”
Last week, the Sauk County Board approved $390,000 in funding for UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County in maintenance funding each of the next two years in an effort to keep that campus open.
The funding would cover UW-Platteville’s projected deficit for the Baraboo campus for the 2024-25 school year. It comes a year after university chancellors were told by Rothman to devise a plan for keeping two-year campuses open.
“This gives us a year, year and a half to work out a plan (for the Baraboo campus),” County Board Chair Tim McCumber said.
Southern Wisconsin home listings for people who need a lot of living space
4 Bedroom Home in Verona - $815,000
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4 Bedroom Home in Verona - $815,000
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Custom Built Home in desirable Middleton Schools! Perched upon a 1.49-acre tree-lined lot, you will be welcomed with peace and serenity the moment you arrive! Guests will be greeted in the foyer w/ Brazilian Cherry HW flrs and a grand staircase & catwalk. The formal Dining Rm flows to the gathering space of the home. The kitchen has granite counter tops, walk-in Pantry & an island that opens to the large living room with F/P. Great for entertaining as it flows to the sun room and over sized deck. 4-5 bedrooms and 2 office spaces make working from home easy. Upstairs you'll find an expansive primary bdrm with a custom closet system, Split bedrooms & Jack N Jill Bath. LL features Rec rm, exercise rm, potential 5th bdrm, & walk out. Low township taxes!
4 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,450,000
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4 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,450,000
Enjoy your own piece of heaven at this 4.5 acre country retreat that's just minutes from downtown Verona! This custom, 1 1/2 story home was built to take full advantage of the views of the surrounding woods. Enjoy the sunsets from the gorgeous wrap around porch, or have your morning coffee in your 3 season sunroom. Warm hickory floors and a 2-story entrance greet you when you step inside the front door. The great room with it's huge picture window, overlooks the beautiful wooded acreage. Each of the upstairs bedrooms has it's own private bath, and the lower level rec-room features a gorgeous bar with a little bit of Verona history....the Wildcat Lanes original bar top! For added enjoyment, Sellers have created and maintained trails through the woods
5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $5,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $5,000
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4 miles from Epic on the golf course in Hawks Landing this spacious 5 bedroom rental features walk-in closets, main level laundry and upstairs laundry, fenced yard,hot tub room, finished basem*nt for entertaining plus 2 bonus rooms. Beautiful red brick home with 4 car garage and vaulted ceilings! Lease start date semi-flexiblebetween August and September. Unfurnished. Pets considered with extra fee. Must meet income requirements and background check. $40 application fee. Lease start date of August 1st, 2024. Video tour available.
0 Bedroom Home in Madison - $565,000
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0 Bedroom Home in Madison - $565,000
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Bring your imagination and entrepreneurial spirit to this beautiful and well maintained cream city brick church. The current zoning allows a plethora of uses ranging from single family, multi-family, office, and some commercial uses. The vaulted ceilings and unique spaces can be repurposed or continue their current function which already includes a kitchen, several bathrooms, office, large meeting spaces, and a quant bell tower room.
4 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,200,000
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4 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,200,000
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Stunning ranch home in the heart of Hawks Landing! Impeccably maintained 4 bed 3 ½ bath home will WOW you both inside and outside the home! Remodeled kitchen offers wolf & subzero appliances w/huge island for prepping & entertaining! Off the kitchen is a large deck that leads to patio & pool area. Inground 20 x 40 pool provides amazing fun all summer long! Beautiful built-in wall cabinetry in great room w/high end entertainment system. Large primary BDR on main level with en suite bath; walk in shower & large tub. Expansive LL family room w/fireplace, plus huge game room, dance studio, workout room, whatever you would like it to be! The expansive unfinished space provides an endless amount of storage. Steps from the golf course, close to parks, shops & restaurant.
4 Bedroom Home in DeForest - $659,900
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4 Bedroom Home in DeForest - $659,900
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YAHARA RIVER IN YOUR BACKYARD! Modern 4 Bedroom, 3 1/2 Bath 2 Story that is nestled on a wooded lot that backs to the Yahara River and Conservancy Trail! Open concept gourmet kitchen includes white cabinets, built-ins galore and freshly painted desk + breakfast nook with nature views. Bright and cheery living room that boasts gleaming inlaid hardwood floors, stately pillars & impressive gas fireplace that walks to your sunroom and access to your huge wrap around deck. Primary suite has a private bath, double sinks, whirlpool tub, giant walk-in closet & skylight. Each bedroom has bathroom access making mornings so easy! Walkout lower level with rec room, workout room and game room + space to add an additional bathroom. Many rooms freshly painted, several new light fixtures - must see!
3 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $1,195,000
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3 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $1,195,000
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Experience condo living next to Middleton's Pheasant Branch Conservancy! Stunning unit includes high-end finishes w/many extras. Lrg great room features vaulted ceiling, beautiful stone fireplace surround + walk-out to deck. Corner sitting area off kitchen filled w/huge windows + breathtaking nature views. Gourmet kitchen offers thoughtful layout w/custom cabinets, high-end appliances + center island w/prep sink. Spacious primary includes gas fireplace, double vanity, large walk-in shower + custom closet. Lrg mudroom w/laundry + powder room complete ML. Beautiful open stairway leads to lofted office. Finished LL offers so many extras - screened in porch, wine cellar, exercise room, full bath + sauna & 2 additional beds w/ shared bath. Walk to all Middleton Hills has to offer!
5 Bedroom Home in Sun Prairie - $559,900
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5 Bedroom Home in Sun Prairie - $559,900
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Motivated Seller! Solid, custom former Parade Home with soaring ceilings & dramatic catwalk overlooking 2 story living room & majestic foyer! 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home w/lots of sqft & oversized lot in a fabulous established neighborhood near parks & schools. Big, bright & beautiful, w/lots of windows & 9' CEILINGS! Stunning kitchen & dinette area will warm your heart & make you want to entertain! Kitchen island w/island seating, coffee/wine bar area, SS appliances. Lovely formal Dining Room w/tray ceiling & classic crown molding. Classy main level Family Rm could also be 5th bedroom if needed. Finished LL is cozy & comfortable. Large family room in basem*nt+ kitchenette w/ full bath & 2 bonus rooms. Furnace & H2o heater 2024. Big fenced yard!
5 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $874,900
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5 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $874,900
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This meticulously-maintained former parade home delights with its impressive 2-story foyer, tray ceilings w/ crown molding, wood floors, & convenient split staircase. Boasting multiple living areas, including a front sitting room, ML fmly room w/ brick wood-burning fp, tranquil sun room, & massive walk-out LL rec room w/ wet bar, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. Upstairs, you'll find 4 bdrms including the primary oasis featuring a gas fp, 8x14 ft walk-in closet, & en suite bath w/ dual sink vanity, jetted soaker tub, & walk-in shower. Drywalled & insulated 3 car garage offers space for cars, toys, & add'l storage. Excellent location across the street from Pheasant Branch Conservancy's trails & scenic views, this home offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience!
5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,100,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,100,000
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This stately like-new custom home sprawls out over its 1.15 acre lot in the town of Middleton. Upon entry you will be drawn upward by the soaring cathedral ceilings in the grand entryway and living room with floor to ceiling windows, fireplace and built-ins. Bright kitchen features beautiful wood floors, a sprawling island, large pantry, and high-end appliances, including 2 ovens, Subzero fridge and Wolf range. Opens to dinette with walkout to deck and wet bar. Main level also features formal dining room, office, laundry/mud room, and large private primary suite with double closets and bath with dual vanity, walk-in tiled shower and jetted bathtub. Lower level features a living area and rec room with dual fireplace, a kitchen/bar, 5th bedroom, and exercise room (could be 6th bedroom).
5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,925,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $1,925,000
Price Reduction! Custom Contemporary meets luxury with this Yahara builders home. Bright and sunny with 10 foot floor to ceiling windows. Elegant kitchen with quartz island and walk-in pantry and extra frig/freezer. No expenses spared on finishes. Wolf and Sub Zero appliances, 2 dishwashers/wine cooler/3 sets of washers/driers. White oak floors w/marble throughout the home. 5 en-suite bedrooms. Theater/gym/office. Private 2 acre professionally landscaped yard with huge custom patio/bar/fire pit/BBQ/Stove/waterfall/hot tub. $50,000 of audio/visual system included. Middleton schools/low taxes. Security & irrigation system. 3.5 car garage. 5 minutes from Beltline. Can come fully furnished and move in ready within weeks.
4 Bedroom Home in Lodi - $1,200,000
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4 Bedroom Home in Lodi - $1,200,000
High atop the bluff you'll find it! 6+ acres w/amazing panoramic views sunrise to sunset! Private & wooded surrounding for this ranch w/stone exterior and wraparound deck to capture night skies. Inside you'll find a very inviting open floor plan w/a ton of natural light. Vaulted great rm w/gas fireplace. Kitchen feat: granite counters & large brkfst island, hickory & cherry cabs,hardwood flr & Stnlss Appl. Wolf/sub0 . Master ste walk-in clsts,& dble vanity. MN lvl laundry, Lwr level walk out Inc.3 large bdrms, 2 & 3rd full bath, stone surrnd wd brning frplce & wet bar. Patio area to grill out & entertain Inc. Hot tub, fire pit, waterfall/pond. Abundance of nature, turkey & deer. Heated 3 garage w/access to basem*nt.
6 Bedroom Home in Sun Prairie - $989,000
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6 Bedroom Home in Sun Prairie - $989,000
Beautiful, executive home in desirable Bristol Gardens. This prior Parade home is bright and spacious. Main floor master suite with 2-person shower, dual vanities and custom walk-in closet provides a wonderful refuge from daily stresses. The gourmet kitchen with gas range, convection oven, granite countertops, walk-in pantry and soft-close drawers opens to the formal dining area and then to the screened-in back deck; where you will enjoy breathtaking sunsets. This house is waiting for you to call it home!
6 Bedroom Home in Cottage Grove - $824,900
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6 Bedroom Home in Cottage Grove - $824,900
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The work has been done for you, come put your own touch to make this your home. Custom built with Tim O'Brien in 2016 with plenty of upgrades and a modern, dynamic layout. Quiet neighborhood cul-du-sac, easy access to schools. Mature landscaping, large patio and a back corner firepit provide functional and cozy spots for gathering. Winter evenings glow by the wood fireplace. Game or movie night fills the basem*nt with laughter. WFH, kids space, entertaining, exercise, guests - this home is spacious, versatile and generously laid out to handle it all. Oversize 3+ garage with lots of storage and built-in workbench.
4 Bedroom Home in McFarland - $900,000
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4 Bedroom Home in McFarland - $900,000
Showings begin 4/20. Immaculate luxury home on a gorgeous lot surrounded by mature trees and backing up to a pond in the heart of McFarland on the Village’s most desirable street. The fantastic open layout with a stunning chef’s kitchen provides a great flow for entertaining and socializing. Relax at the end of the day in your private bedroom with a walk-in closet and full ensuite bath complete with a spa-like, oversized jetted tub. Spend warm weather days on your screened-in porch taking in the serene sights and sounds of nature. You’ll love the finished lower level with a rec room, wet bar, and walk-out to the backyard, ideal for hosting movie or game nights. High-end appliances; dedicated laundry room on the main level; 3-car, attached garage. Unparalleled location and amenities!
4 Bedroom Home in Fitchburg - $850,000
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4 Bedroom Home in Fitchburg - $850,000
Contemporary gem nestled on a quiet cul de sac in Seminole Forest, boasting spacious rooms and abundant natural light! Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen with top-tier appliances, island, breakfast bar, and butler's pantry. Relax by the cozy gas fireplace in the living room or entertain in the expansive dining area. Work from home in the private office or unwind in the sunroom. Upstairs, you'll find 4 bedrooms, including a luxurious primary suite with walk-in and cedar closets, dual vanity, and spacious shower. The partially finished basem*nt offers versatile rec space. Enjoy the private backyard oasis with deck and mature trees during the warmer months ahead. The oversized garage with basem*nt entry has plenty of space for storage too - this home has it all!
5 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $1,130,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $1,130,000
OPEN HOUSE CANCELLED. ACCEPTED OFFER 4.20.24. Luxury living in this exquisite home nestled within the Bishops Bay Community. This 5BR/5BA home provides ample space for living & entertaining. Enjoy stunning sunset views from the screened porch overlooking your private backyard. The owner's suite features an en suite bathroom w/ soaking tub & walk-in shower. Convenience abounds w/ the 2nd-floor laundry room & spacious walk-in closets in every bdrm. The lower level rec room is the perfect entertainment hub featuring a wet bar & offering a walkout to the patio. From the formal dining room to the spacious kitchen and great room, natural light fills every corner of this home, exuding sophistication and comfort.
4 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $5,250,000
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4 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $5,250,000
Chateau on the Bay, this Fusch Architects designed, custom home is modeled after the magnificent country chateau estates of 16th & 17th Century France. Meticulously crafted with incredible attention to detail as evidenced in the period finishes both inside & out. Wrapped in stone, copper gutters & topped with peaked wood shake roof lines and dormers, the grand exterior is reminiscent of the Ile-de-France & Brittany regions of France. Noble entry doors are one of a kind, designed by Pallas Architectural Woodworks in alder wood & flanked by French Quarter natural gas lanterns by Bevolo. Elegant green exterior doors & hardware by the Ateliers Perrault Freres who have created doors for The Louvre in Paris. More than 4 verdant acres with gated drive surround you to provide the ultimate privacy.
7 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $4,750,000
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7 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $4,750,000
Show Date 4/24. This luxury home exudes elegance+sophistication w/over 15,000 sq ft under roof. Exterior boasts timeless architecture, w/manicured landscaping framing grand entrance. Spacious living areas adorned w/high ceilings, beautiful crown molding + custom built-ins & designer finishes. Chef’s kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry & natural stone countertops. Primary suite offers a private sanctuary, complete w/lavish ensuite bath + expansive walk-in closet.Entertain guests w/home theater, full bar, wine cellar, + outdoor patio w/firepit, outdoor kitchen + oasis pool & built-in hot tub. Finished 5+ car heated garage. Every detail meticulously crafted, this home epitomizes modern luxury living in Middleton's premier enclave. See docs for list of more features.
4 Bedroom Home in Sun Prairie - $999,900
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4 Bedroom Home in Sun Prairie - $999,900
Stunning home on a private .92 ac lot w/no backyard neighbors. This home was meticulously built with all the quality details. Full Amish cabinetry, hidden walk-in pantry, 9 ft ceilings w/a huge 16 ft vault in the open kit/LR area, 2 spacious main level beds +office w/2.5 full baths, including a large master suite, fully tiled shower w/glass door and digital controls. The LL has a lg automated theater room w/a wet bar, family room with walkout to backyard patio, 2 BR, a full bath with tiled shower, and game room area. This home was built w/geothermal HVAC, which keeps your heating and cooling costs 25% less. The home has a oversized attached 2 car gar with a huge 30x50 detached gar/shop area which is perfect for business equip storage etc. These type of properties are very hard to find.
5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $950,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $950,000
Luxury living w/sweeping views down the 14th fairway at Hawks Landing. 5-bedroom home boasts a main-level primary suite featuring a separate shower & Jacuzzi tub. 2nd floor offers a jack-n-jill bath & 2nd bedroom suite. Delight in the gourmet kit w/an abundance of cabinets, custom pantry, large island, prep sink & double ovens, while the 2-story w/gas fp in the great room create a warm ambiance. Add highlights: formal dining room w/trey ceiling, easily convertible formal living room/study, custom laundry room, screen porch & deck. LL features a Rec Room w/fp, 5th bdrm, woodworking shop, & access to the 3-car heated garage. HW floors, 3-zone heating, security system, sprinkler system, central vac, surround sound & more, this home offers unparalleled comfort & convenience.
5 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $1,850,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Middleton - $1,850,000
Perched atop a grassy hill on a wood-lined 7.6 acre lot, this spectacular home enjoys sweeping south-western views of verdant, rolling countryside & Blue Mounds. The airy interior exudes serenity thanks to the abundance of natural light that pours in through the 2-story windows in the great room perfectly framing the views. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace creates a warm & inviting atmosphere. Cooks will love the spacious kitchen w/ 2nd fireplace, copious counter space, new appliances, & high-top breakfast bar. The main floor also includes the primary suite with a walk in-closet & spa-like bath, a den that leads to the huge sunroom & deck, & an office. An upper level loft w/deck makes a great hobby rm. The exposed LL features a rec rm w/wine room + wet bar, 3 bedrooms & more.
5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $879,000
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5 Bedroom Home in Verona - $879,000
Amazing Contemporary home on the 18th fairway of Hawks Landing Golf Course across from Kingswood Park on cul de sac. Serene views & vibrant sunsets overlooking course. Features: 2 story foyer, great room, gas fireplace, granite countertops, maple woodwork, newer interior paint, lighting & carpet, 1st floor office w/built ins, dining rm w/built ins, 3 bdrms up w/full bath (currently one converted to a sauna), enormous deck w/ outdoor living space including Trex decking, pergola, gas grill, fridge & sink (gas line is piped), LL offers rec room w/ walkout door to yard, bdrm, fitness yoga rm, theater/game rm w/wet bar, wine rack, fridge, wine fr. Garage offers heater & charging station. Invisible dog fence. Deck wired for music & TV. UHP Ultimate Warranty included (valued at $905).
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