WATERFRONT VIEWS ARE among the most sought-after amenities in real estate. Not only does an aquatic location boost property value significantly (Zillow Research estimates waterfront homes are now worth more than twice that of all homes), but it can pay big dividends when it comes to investing in mental health. A 2021 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that viewing waterscapes “can benefit psychological and mental wellbeing.”
Now, imagine the therapeutic payoff for a property that offers water views, proximity to downtown life, high-end features, and sizable floor plans. While it may sound too good to be true, a hidden gem neighborhood in the heart of downtown offers all these amenities and more. Located at the intersection of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Canal Walk, Watermark is a gated community of 43 homes.
“The Watermark development is a pocket neighborhood that encompasses its own community complete with canal fronts, a micro park, gated entrances, and low maintenance living,” says F.C. Tucker listing agent Chase Rainey.
These properties rarely come on the market, making them all the more elusive. As luck would have it, one of these unicorns—648 Ellsworth Street— is newly available. It boasts one of the coveted canal-front locations.
“To find a property that so effortlessly bridges the vibrancy of downtown Indianapolis with the serenity of a waterfront is incredibly rare,” Rainey says. “From the custom construction, 10-foot ceilings, skylights, chef’s kitchen, enormous doors, steam shower, bedrooms with en suites, and covered porches on every level, this home was masterfully designed to exude elegance and pull the beauty of the canal indoors.”
Built in 2006, the exterior of the home features classic details that lend a taste of Southern charm, like the carriage-style garage doors, cutout design on the shutters, covered porch on the second floor, and a brick pathway leading through an archway to the front door. Its color palette of beige, bright white, and sage green further enhances the welcoming aesthetic.
Once inside, a sunlit, elegant space stretches out across an open concept main level. The entire back wall, which overlooks the canal, combines sets of French doors and large windows to ensure that no inch of water views is lost. This combination of streaming sunshine and gleaming water is an energizing one and carries throughout the expansive 4,144-square-foot floor plan.
In the living room, a wall of built-ins flanks the gas fireplace. Such generous storage allows everything to have its place, expertly keeping clutter out of the mix. Columns support two large sets of archways—cased openings that define the kitchen as its own hardworking space, without closing it off. Their sweeping shape adds a touch of architectural interest against the high, 10-foot ceilings of the modern interior. Also off the kitchen is a dining area with an additional nook for conversation seating. Through adjoining French doors, there’s easy access to the screened-in porch. It’s a lovely, effortless flow to move from dinner to a nightcap, making the layout fabulous for entertaining.
Elsewhere in the home, four generously sized bedrooms and four bathrooms stretch across three levels. There are thoughtful details throughout, like the skylit hallways upstairs, ample built-in storage, and covered balcony access off each of the bedrooms. These touches elevate the daily living experience, allowing the home to stand as a true place of rest and renewal, which is bolstered by the constant, calming presence of water. “When you combine this level of luxury, access, and privacy, it creates a hidden oasis in the heart of it all,” Rainey says.
The lower level doesn’t cut any corners, offering the same standard of elegance as the floors above. It features a secondary living area, complete with another cozy fireplace, custom cabinetry, and a fitness area. There’s an additional bedroom and bathroom, which creates a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational living or guest space. As if that weren’t enough, it walks right out onto the canal, which immerses you in the vibrance of city life.
If you’re searching for a home that does so much more than just provide shelter, look no further. As Rainey says, “648 Ellsworth Street offers a level of space, peace, and privacy that you simply don’t expect to find in the city but will be thrilled that you did.”
Address: 648 Ellsworth St.
Price: $1,000,000
Price: $1,000,000
Contact: Chase Rainey, F.C. Tucker, 317-498-2234
