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Hilltop Oasis: Manlius Home Radiates Positive Energy for 17 Years

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. -home-radiates-positive-energy-for-17-years.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 6:37 GMT by syracuse.com

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A Hilltop Oasis: The Manlius Home That Has Been a Beacon of Positive Energy for 17 Years

When the real‑estate beat of Syracuse pulls back to focus on a single address, it’s often because the home in question is doing something extraordinary. In this week’s “House of the Week” feature, the spotlight falls on a sprawling residence perched on the crest of the Hilltop neighborhood in Manlius. According to the article on Syracuse.com, the home has not only been a stylish retreat for its occupants but has also “provided positive energy” for an impressive seventeen years—a phrase that captures both the literal charm of the property and the intangible warmth that has defined the family’s story.

A Hilltop Oasis in a Quiet Suburb

The article opens by situating the house in the Hilltop district, a sought‑after enclave that sits on a gentle rise overlooking the Finger Lakes region. With an elevation that offers panoramic views of rolling farmlands and distant lake horizons, the property sits on a generous 1.8‑acre parcel that has been lovingly maintained throughout the decades. The home’s address—located on a narrow, tree‑lined street—contributes to a sense of seclusion that is rare in an age of sprawling, anonymous subdivisions.

A quick look at the linked Realtor.com listing (the article’s “See the full listing” link) reveals that the home was built in 2003, a time when the Manlius real‑estate market was shifting from traditional colonial revival styles to more contemporary, open‑floor‑plan homes. The current owners have kept the house largely untouched in terms of its core layout, instead opting for thoughtful updates that preserve the original character while introducing modern amenities.

Architectural Highlights: Classic Meets Contemporary

The house is a two‑story, 3,800‑square‑foot structure that blends a traditional farmhouse aesthetic with sleek, modern touches. The exterior is dominated by clapboard siding, a gabled roof, and an inviting front porch that wraps around the left side of the house, complete with a wrought‑iron railing. A standout feature is the large, multi‑pane glass windows that punctuate the façade, allowing abundant daylight to spill into the interior while framing the sweeping hillside views.

Inside, the layout follows a classic “great‑room” concept: a vaulted living room with a stone fireplace, a formal dining area that opens onto a screened‑in patio, and a spacious kitchen that boasts a central island, custom cabinetry, and high‑end appliances. The second floor features four bedrooms, including a master suite that offers a balcony overlooking the hilltop. A modern, glass‑enclosed ensuite bathroom pairs a freestanding tub with a walk‑in shower, providing a spa‑like retreat for the occupants.

Interior Features That Speak to the 17‑Year Legacy

Beyond the structural elements, the article highlights the subtle but meaningful touches that speak to the home’s “positive energy” narrative. The original family’s signature—etched into the mantelpiece of the living room—serves as a reminder that the house is more than a building; it’s a vessel for memories. The kitchen’s custom backsplash, crafted from reclaimed wood, echoes a commitment to sustainability that has become increasingly important in Manlius’s environmentally conscious community.

The master suite is designed to promote relaxation, with a built‑in sitting area, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and a private balcony that offers uninterrupted vistas of the surrounding landscape. In the basement, a home theater and a wine‑cellar—complete with climate control—serve as spaces for family gatherings and entertainment, underscoring the house’s role as a hub of positive, communal experiences.

Outdoor Space and Views: Nature’s Own Living Room

The back of the house opens onto a sprawling patio that features a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, and a lush garden that the original owners cultivated into a “living greenhouse.” The patio’s design incorporates a “hidden” walkway that leads to a secluded sitting area on the hill’s rim, offering a quiet place for contemplation or family stories. The property’s mature trees provide a natural screen from neighboring homes, ensuring privacy while also inviting fresh air and sunlight throughout the year.

A link in the article directs readers to a Google Earth view of the property’s lot, showcasing the way the house’s footprint maximizes the hilltop angle, creating a “living room” that extends beyond the physical walls. The article also references a nearby community park—Manlius Lake Park—accessible via a short drive, which is noted for its hiking trails and seasonal festivals that further enrich the sense of belonging for the house’s occupants.

The Story Behind the Positive Energy

The phrase “positive energy” appears to be more than marketing jargon. The article quotes longtime neighbors who say the house has become a local landmark because of its generous “open house” tradition: every year, the family invites new residents of Hilltop to enjoy a backyard barbecue and music, creating a ripple effect of friendliness in the community. The house’s “positive energy” is also tied to a local legend: a “haunted” story that the original owner’s grandfather, a retired schoolteacher, used to tell children that the house’s foundations were built on a small, abandoned quarry that, in folklore, was believed to contain “good luck stones.” This lore has turned the property into a point of intrigue for both locals and visitors alike.

The article’s author notes that this sense of community and legacy has contributed to the home’s appreciation over the years. Even as the real‑estate market in Syracuse has fluctuated, the Hilltop home has remained a desirable property, both for its tangible features and its intangible “positive energy” vibe.

Location and Community: Why Manlius Matters

Manlius is a suburb that consistently ranks high on quality‑of‑life lists. According to the article’s linked school district profile, the Manlius Central School District is known for its high academic performance, well‑staffed programs, and low student‑to‑teacher ratios—an attractive factor for families. Additionally, the article references the nearby Westgate Shopping Center, which offers boutique retail, fine dining, and cultural venues that make everyday life convenient for the home’s residents.

The property’s proximity to major thoroughfares—such as the nearby I‑690—provides easy commutes to downtown Syracuse and beyond, making it an appealing option for both retirees and professionals. The hilltop location also gives the home a quiet, rural feel while remaining within a short distance of city amenities, a combination that many buyers in the region find irresistible.

Price and Market Context

When the article was published, the listing price—posted on the linked realtor’s page—was $1,550,000. The article notes that this price places the home at the higher end of the Manlius market but still competitive given its acreage, views, and the “positive energy” factor that attracts a niche segment of buyers. The piece references recent comparable sales in the Hilltop area, which suggest that homes of similar size and character have fetched between $1.4 million and $1.6 million over the past 12 months. This context frames the property as a solid investment, particularly for those seeking a blend of luxury and community spirit.

Conclusion: A Home That Marries Place and Story

The “House of the Week” article on Syracuse.com does more than simply catalogue a listing; it paints a picture of a home that is both a physical sanctuary and a living narrative. From its hilltop perch and meticulously designed interior to the folklore and community rituals that have unfolded on its grounds, the property embodies a sense of continuity and positivity that has resonated with its owners for seventeen years. For buyers looking for more than a set of rooms—those who crave a home steeped in character, heritage, and an unmistakable sense of place—the Hilltop Manlius residence offers a rare opportunity.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of living where the land itself seems to exude good vibes, the article’s linked realtor page invites you to view a full photo gallery, a floor plan, and even a virtual walkthrough. Whether you’re a family in search of a new start, a retiree yearning for a quiet haven, or a real‑estate enthusiast fascinated by the intersection of architecture and storytelling, the Manlius house presents a compelling case: sometimes, the most attractive properties are the ones that already have a story, a community, and, indeed, a dose of positive energy waiting to be shared.