coZY neighborhood GeM

Beckham Drive offers privacy, community, beautiful home

ne of Muskogee’s best kept secrets is a neighborhood tucked away on the westside. Just 16 houses on two streets — both called Beckman.

“What I love about this neighborhood, is that you have to know it’s back there. No one is just ‘driving by,’ so you get a ton of privacy,” said real estate

Oagent Holly Rosser Miller of Interstate Properties. “Plus, it’s a rare treat when a house on Beckman goes on the market. Homeowners tend to stay put for years.”

Barry and Kelly Watson, the current homeowners at 9 Beckman Drive, have been there for 13 years, raising their girls and putting their own touch on this unique and inviting home.

By holly roSSer Miller • Photos by VaSt Media

“The entire house is one story, so no stairs to contend with,” said Kelly, who was recovering from a torn ACL back when they purchased the home in 2010. “I also loved the soaring ceilings and how much natural light comes in. When I walked in for the first time, I could see a beautiful future here.”

When you walk in the double front doors you are greeted by gorgeous formal living room with tons of windows along the west wall, a massive crystal chandelier and stately gas fireplace. Across from the formal living sits a spacious dining room with windows overlooking the front courtyard. The heart of the house is the family room and French kitchen, which are separated by double-sided fireplace.

“We have had so many gatherings of friends and family here,” Barry said. “Kelly loves to cook and entertain, and there’s room for everyone when we get together.”

“Even though the house is large, it has a cozy ambiance that makes everyone feel welcome,” Kelly said. “When people show up to my house I always want them to feel at home.”

A couple of years after they moved in, Barry and Kelly built an additional house that attaches to the main house via covered porch so Kelly’s parents could have their own private space. The additional one bedroom house has a full kitchen, living room and two-car garage. The doorways and hall are all wheelchair accessible, and the spacious bath features a roll-in shower.

“They built the guest house so that it could be beautiful but still accommodate whatever needs might arise,” Rosser Miller said. “It’s perfect for a family who maybe has aging parents or grandparents, but even other family members or friends of any age.”

The primary suite in the main house is a sweet retreat after a long day. It features a private library/office with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a spa-like bath with oversized tub and shower, plus two individual sink and closet areas.

The bedroom is massive and features an art deco fireplace and chandelier sourced from Tulsa’s historic Mayo Hotel. Tons of windows covered by custom plantation shutters allow as much light or privacy as needed.

The outside is just as lovely as the interior. The home sits on 1.75 acres and backs up to a pond shared with their neighbors.

“Part of the backyard is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence where I have enjoyed my raised bed gardens and sitting on our covered porches with my parents and kiddos,”

Kelly said. “But I have also loved looking at the peaceful rolling green lawn that adjoins our neighbors and the view of our shared pond. I love the sense of community that we have on Beckman.”

It’s that sense of community they will miss the most. “Our lifelong friends live all around us,” Barry said. “Our girls grew up in this house, and I know whoever makes this their home will be blessed by their time here just like we have been.”