4575 Bates Rd, Athens, OH 45701

Possible short sale contingent on lender approval. Beg, borrow, or steal to buy this house for all seasons. Gorgeous ridge top location with scenic vistas just minutes from the center of Athens. Perfect for large get-togethers, holiday parties, or departmental get-to know ya's, this house is jonesing for some serious merry-making. The indoors and the outdoors meld and lose their boundaries with the eight sets of sliding doors. When the air is fresh on these glorious late spring days, perhaps the doors will stay open most of the day. The vaulted cathedral ceiling of the great room is anchored by the stalwart mantle atop a ski lodged-sized fireplace. Or one can retreat to the more intimate recesses of the home--the kitchen for instance with its bowed window seats and cast iron wood burner--that's likely where the snowy boots will dry after a day of sledding.Are you getting the picture, yet? No?It would be great for horses, gardens, maybe an orchard or vineyard. Or lithely leap with outstretched hands through the undulating, flower-filled meadows towards your beloved soul mate, child, or collie. It hardly matters-- you'll be besides yourself with glee. A creative and unfettered spirit is fostered by the idyllic setting. Wordsworth would've written a verse here!Okay, I'll stop with the sugary stuff. But the value is there!At just over 3,400 square feet-- it's big. You've got a boatload of living area plus four bedrooms and two and a half baths. The elevated deck adds hundreds more feet to enjoy in calm weather. A first floor owner's suit with walk in closet, Jacuzzi tub, antiqued vanity, and private balcony sits next to a bedroom or study. One of my favorite spaces is the bowed window seat in the kitchen where one can sit with a cup of tea and take in the seasons. Downstairs one finds another fire place in the middle of a semi-circular family room, three ample-sized bedrooms and a well-appointed, ceramic-tiled full bath. Outbuilding and stocked pond round out the farm. Home warranty offered.