Need to be close to Durham, Chapel Hill or Hillsborough? This exceptional home provides convenient access to all three cities; universities, medical facilities, shopping, dining, and major highways, all within a short drive. Nestled in the quiet, 28-home community of Montvale with no thru traffic, this -acre lot sits on the edge of a geological Triassic Basin, one of eight stretching from North Carolina to Massachusetts. The back yard faces 55 acres of wooded land, and the wide lot provides generous space between neighbors. The four-sided brick house provides energy-efficient living, and features four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a main-level office/bedroom that offers flexible space for guests, remote work, or recuperation time. Upstairs, a large bonus room awaits to be used as a media room, playroom, fitness or hobby space - currently in use for Fiber Arts projects. The beautifully landscaped yard is kept green in summer's heat by a private well, providing water for flower or vegetable gardens. The home has a wood burning fireplace with five cords of wood hand split and stacked by the owner, in preparation for winter's cold. The two-car garage has a large parking pad and 3.5' of additional space surrounding the parked cars, which can be used for storage. Replacements include a new roof in 2023; well pump in 2025; gas furnace and AC in 2019; refrigerator, disposal and gas range in 2020; and primary bathroom renovation in 2015. This has been a well-cared for home by the original owners of the property. Come sit on the front porch where you can see the far side of the Triassic Basin in winter, count the lightning bugs in summer, and listen to songbirds all year.