By Miriam Schwartz

After decades in law enforcement and the sudden loss of his sister, retired Newton Police Chief John Carmichael didn’t head for the Cape to find peace — he built it in his own backyard.

The Cape Cod-inspired ranch at 385 Winter Street in Norwood became his labor of love. Over three years, Carmichael transformed the modest three-bedroom, one-bath home into a serene, coastal-inspired haven filled with personal touches and memories. The result is an inviting blend of indoor comfort and outdoor living, rooted in the simplicity and charm of summers spent by the sea.

The exterior is a quiet showstopper. A fenced-in yard surrounds what feels like a private resort: stamped concrete patio, a built-in fire pit, hydrangeas and ornamental grasses swaying in the breeze, and vegetable gardens tucked neatly between the blooms.

There’s even an outdoor shower — a detail that evokes long days at the beach, minus the traffic out of town.

Inside, light and air dominate. The kitchen features quartzite countertops and stainless steel appliances, with soft blonde hardwood floors running throughout. A shiplap-clad fireplace anchors the living room, while the entry foyer carries the same detail, creating a cohesive and welcoming flow. Off the back, a three-season sunroom — painted in calming hues, strung with lights, and furnished with repurposed rattan, offers the perfect perch to watch the fire pit glow as night falls.

Everything in the home reflects Carmichael’s desire for simplicity, warmth, and calm. Even the upgrades: Brand-new windows, recent central air and heat pump, and low-maintenance vinyl shake siding are meant to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment.

Open house hours are Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20, from noon to 2 p.m.

On the market for $649,000, the sale of the home is represented by Kerry Webber with RedDoor Properties LLC.

Home Showcase

Address: 385 Winter Street, Norwood, MA 02062

Bedrooms: 3

List Price: $649,000

Square feet: 1,047

Price per square foot: $620

Annual taxes: $5,457 in 2025.

Location: Tree-lined street convenient to commuter routes.

Built in: 1952

The Appraisal

Pros: Beautiful outdoor space, Renovated

Cons: One bathroom