Jamaica Estates House Value Secure

THE first thing that strikes a visitor to the enclave in eastern Queens that is Jamaica Estates is its hilly streets lined by huge oak, maple, elm and chestnut trees.
The Jamaica Estates Company, which developed the community's 503 acres at the turn of the century, laid out lots to preserve existing trees. Some are now more than 200 years old.

House prices start at around $1,000,000 for a three-bedroom colonial or Tudor on a 40- by 100-foot lot, and can exceed several millions for a larger property on huge lot. But fine schools, convenient transportation, reasonable taxes and a strong sense of community cemented by an active homeowners' association, have created a strong demand and a shortage of houses on the market.

The homes are beautifully kept; the lawns are manicured and have lots of flowers.

The predominant housing stock is detached one-family dwellings, though some rental and co-op apartment houses can be found along the southern edge of the community on Wexford Terrace and Highland Avenue. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for $1800 a month, and one-bedroom co-ops starting at $265,000 are available.

One of the neighborhood's oldest and most unusual houses -- built in 1902 on the hilltop and is in contract for 2.75 million dollars. The eight-bedroom residence in many ways exemplifies the quirky nature of the community's homes.

The property, which borders the Grand Central Parkway service road, is a full acre. The house can be entered on Aberdeen Road, but a second entrance on the service road requires a 40-step climb up a stone staircase.

The original owners were French and English, so the front part of the house was built in a Tudor style, and the rear is French Provincial.

SOME of the finest examples of larger houses can be found along Midland Parkway, where Donald J. Trump and his four siblings were raised. Mr. Trump's father, Fred, a developer whose activities in Queens included several apartment houses in Jamaica Estates, and his wife, Mary, lived there in the large colonial that had been the family home for over 50 years.

In a 1910 brochure, now at the Queens Historical Society in Flushing, the original developer, the Jamaica Estates Company of Manhattan, noted that ''Jamaica Estates is the same distance from Herald Square that Columbia University is from City Hall'' and that it could be reached in ''an average of 30 minutes.'' Lot prices started at $2,050 with a liberal discount for cash.

A gatehouse built by the developers on Midland Parkway at Hillside Avenue still exists. Inside it is a World War II memorial to local servicemen. City Councilman James Generro recently approved funds to improve this area.

''Property is very important,'' said Herman Singh, a Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Broker who lives in the area, said. He recently sold his vacant lot at 84-33 Radnor Street for over 2.5 million dollars and repurchased another one on Midland Parkway for several more.

Mr. Singh is now building an 10,000 sq feet six bedrooms house which features an indoor pool and the pool area includes a bath, changing room, exercise room and media room or huge bedroom. The pool is visible from above through the glass roof. Herman who designs this property himself also add beautiful carpet, texture & paint, large kitchen with marble flooring, lots of storage and walk in closets, modern appliances. Large hall, baths properly design with tub, shower and Jacuzzi combo by means of a striking dressing room with tile cast marble sink, and lots of built-ins.

The property is built with an excellent circular driveway, four car garages and a beautiful landscape. The Pool area which is also accessible from outside has pleasant paint & lights, Jacuzzi, and separate HVAC. Pool has self contained water fall that sounds incredible! Cedar closet and lots of other storage. Words really can't paint the whole picture. You just have to see it.

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