Charming, tight-knit community close to St. Matthews
A small home-rule class city of just 130 homes, Bellewood is aptly named for its beautifully maintained lawns, Classical-revival architecture and canopy of old-growth trees, many of which can be found right on resident's front lawns. Real gas lanterns hang over doorways and English Ivy can be seen climbing up handsome brick homes, lending the area an old-timey charm, but modern shops and conveniences can also be found less than a mile away in the bustling commercial district of St. Matthews. "Since it's tucked back behind Chenoweth Lane, Bellewood has a tranquil atmosphere even though it's close to so much shopping. It's for someone who wants to be right by everything but still have that quiet, neighborly feeling at home," says Robert Butler, an area local and Realtor at Semonin Realtors. Even though there are no sidewalks, newly installed speed bumps and stop signs shelter bikers and walkers alike from busy traffic in the surrounding area. A tight-knit community with well-preserved homes and manicured lots comes together with access to nearby shopping and dining in Bellewood.
The streets of Bellewood are quaint and quiet for residents.
Bellewood homes have large lots and privacy for residents.
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Classical homes that span generations
Made up of just a few wide, gridded streets, homes in Bellewood are accented by large, grassy lots that range up to a half acre and tall oaks that shade back patios and spacious front porches. The city of Bellewood requires its residents to carefully maintain their properties and also provides a community lighting service to decorate common areas for the holidays. Most homes were built in the 1940s and reflect luxurious Classical Revival and Cape Cod stylings from the time. In addition to full basements, buyers can also find built-in, wooden drawers in the bedrooms. Solid brick construction, dormer windows and tall white pillars are all common features, with most properties selling from $400,000 to $700,000.
Long-standing homes in Bellewood are also matched by residents who have lived in the area for decades. “This is a multi-generational [community], which says a lot about how residents value their homes and the community,” says Realtor Emmy Kupper with Kentucky Select Properties. Kupper grew up a block from Bellewood and now lives with her husband and two children here. “My mother lives in Bellewood. The oldest surviving community member, she watched the [area] being built in the 1940s and has a chart of all the families who’ve lived here. It feels old-fashioned here in that way. The effort we make for each other is strong.” Bellewood has a 3 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Colonial style homes are abundant in the Bellewood community.
This is a row of Colonial style homes in Bellewood.
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Choices between Jefferson County schools
Elementary students in Bellewood can attend Holy Trinity Parish School, which is rated by Niche as the best Catholic school in Louisville and is located nearby on Cherrywood Road. "There are a lot of Catholic schools nearby, which people like. Jefferson County also has some great charter options, so families can send their kids to specific schools to pursue concentrations in science and math or the performing arts," Butler says. Chenoweth Elementary is also half a mile away, with a B-minus from Niche and specialized classes taught by certified teachers in science, technology, the arts, music and Spanish. Barret Traditional Middle receives an A-minus and was awarded the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award and the Kentucky Blue Rating for top performance in 2022. Waggener High School, which scores a C, gives students the opportunity to earn nationally recognized industry certifications and gain internship experiences through several local universities, including the University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Sullivan University, and Jefferson Community and Technical College. Waggener also offers interested students mentoring, job shadowing, paid internships and apprenticeships with over 15 business partners.
Chenoweth Elementary School in St. Mathews nurtures a learning environment for all students.
Waggener High School has a 14 to 1 student to teacher ratio according to niche.com.
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Lively shopping and dining scene in St. Matthews
"Louisville has a great food scene for a city this size, and Bellewood is really in the center of it. We have a lot of creative chefs and two with James Beard awards," says Robert Butler, an area local and Realtor at Semonin Realtors. Besides popular areas like Nulu and the Highlands to the west, residents can find nearby options on Chenoweth Lane, which is lined with small specialty shops, offices and services housed in quaint cottage and Foursquare homes. Neighbors often run into each other shopping at Paul's Fruit Market or picking up bird seed and seasonal decorations from St. Matthews Feed & Seed, while Old Town Violins is known for their highly-skilled luthiers and instruments ranging up to $25,000. Down the street in St. Matthews, bars like the Tin Roof and Gerstle's Place offer live music and a social environment, while Plehn's Bakery serves pastries, cakes and dinner rolls that can also be purchased in nearby grocery stores. Nam Nam Café is known for its organic pho and other Vietnamese dishes, and more options can be found just 3 miles east at Mall St. Matthews and the Oxmoor Center, which are the largest malls in the city. For groceries, residents can find natural goods at Rainbow Blossom or visit Louisville's only Trader Joe's.
Paul's Fruit Market is a destination for flower lovers in the springtime in Bellewood.
Penny and Pearl's Bake Shop offers many different confections in Bellewood.
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Louisville public parks near Bellewood
Holy Trinity Parish School offers an all-age accessible playground, a walking path and fields. “The community plays football there on Thanksgiving weekends and soccer games during the summer,” Kupper says. About 2 miles away, the Gothic-style gatehouse and walkways of Crescent Hill Reservoir, which were completed in 1879, are ideal for biking or taking a stroll. The nearby Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center has an indoor public pool, a fitness room and lessons for exercise and swimming. Those looking for public golf can find it at the 9-hole Crescent Hill Golf Course. Founded in 1926, this facility features Bermuda grass and a 477-yard “quarry hole” that challenges golfers of all levels. For more options, Cherokee and Seneca Park are connected by an extensive network of walking and jogging paths and offer public spaces for tennis, volleyball, soccer and baseball. Seneca Park is also home to the Louisville Equestrian Center, where locals can enroll in riding lessons or take part in competitions like the National Horse Show.
Eastover Park is located near Field Elementary School in Louisville, Ky.
The Gothic style Crescent Hill Reservoir and Gatehouse was completed in 1879.
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Bellewood block parties and yard sales
Twice a year, residents get together for community-wide block parties and yard sales. “These are meant to bring neighbors together more than anything else,” Kupper says. “Kids have lemonade stands, and parents and families can exchange hand-me-downs. These are great opportunities to enjoy each other’s company and deepen relationships we form in Bellewood.”
Transportation in and around Bourbon City
Just north of St. Matthews, Bellewood is known for its central location and access throughout the area. Bus stops run by the Transit Authority of River City can be found on Brownsboro Road and Frankfort Avenue, while Interstate 64 takes commuters the 6 miles into Louisville in just 12 minutes. "The whole St. Matthews area can get pretty congested around rush hour, but a lot of people prefer Bellewood because it's on the north side of the train tracks that pass along Frankfort Avenue. That way, you don't get stuck at the railroad crossing when heading Downtown or over to Brownsboro," Rogers says. Those looking for medical assistance can find the Baptist Health Hospital 2 miles south on Breckenridge Road. For flights throughout the country, Louisville International Airport is a quick 10-mile drive west on the Watterson Expressway.
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Nestled in the sought after Druid Hills of St.Matthews, this 4 bed, 2.5 bath English Cottage is full of character and thoughtful updates. With nearly $250,000 in renovations, this home effortlessly blends timeless charm with modern functionality. Inside, you will love the hardwood floors and the show stopping kitchen featuring dark green custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, GE
***Fresh paint in several areas--check out new photos*** Discover the warmth and beauty of Druid Hills, a neighborhood beloved for its tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and strong sense of community. Tucked away on picturesque Elfin Avenue, this lovingly maintained home is being offered for the first time in 45 years—a rare opportunity to own a truly special property with a rich history.
Nestled in the sought after Druid Hills of St.Matthews, this 4 bed, 2.5 bath English Cottage is full of character and thoughtful updates. With nearly $250,000 in renovations, this home effortlessly blends timeless charm with modern functionality. Inside, you will love the hardwood floors and the show stopping kitchen featuring dark green custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, GE
***Fresh paint in several areas--check out new photos*** Discover the warmth and beauty of Druid Hills, a neighborhood beloved for its tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and strong sense of community. Tucked away on picturesque Elfin Avenue, this lovingly maintained home is being offered for the first time in 45 years—a rare opportunity to own a truly special property with a rich history.
Second floor apartment located in the heart of St. Matthews! This newly-renovated apartment features new flooring, new paint, large living/dining area, coin laundry in basement, and carport located in quiet neighborhood. Immediate availability in one of the top neighborhoods in the city. Won't last long!
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