Eschew DIY: Buy this ready-to-go in Rutledge

Address: 1712 Yorktown Drive      
Neighborhood: Rutledge     
Asking: $589,000     
Assessment: $501,700
Year Built: 1958
Size: 2,800 fin. sq. ft., 200 unfin.
Land: 0.96 acres
Agent: Roger Voisinet, RE/MAX Realty Specialists, 434-974-1500
Curb Appeal: 7 out of 10

House hunters determined to buy an older house in a particular neighborhood may find they have few choices. One option may be to pay less for a “handyman’s special,” or worse, pay more for a handyman’s renovations. Purchasing a DIY project is not for the inexperienced (just rent The Money Pit). First consider the extent of work necessary, how long the work will last, and the toll the project will take on pocketbook and psyche. A professionally remodeled house, on the other hand, has updated appliances, fixtures and systems, a fresh coat of neutral paint, and the immediate gratification of being move-in ready.

This rejuvenated ranch on Yorktown Drive has all those things. It sits on a nearly one-acre lot in the heart of the desirable Rutledge neighborhood, with several schools within walking distance. The 1950s exterior doesn't prepare visitors for the improvements inside.

The columned entryway opens into an expansive living room made from a former carport. Hardwood floors stained a rich brown tie this new room and adjacent dining room to the foyer. Windows on the exterior walls flood the room with light. Walls that divided this area were removed to provide a contemporary open design and increase the size of the kitchen.

Doors leading to the side yard and sunroom consume some of the floor space in the modest-size dining area, making furniture placement tight. But a sleek granite-tiled bar with additional seating in the dining area provides a dazzling view into the new kitchen. Contemporary white cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, and an island range hood sparkle under a central skylight. A glass cook-top, convection oven, beverage refrigerator, and built-in microwave are upgrades a cook will appreciate.

The ceramic tile floor continues from the kitchen into a large enclosed sunroom with access to a new deck that's sure to be a favorite area for entertaining. Below it, two stone fish ponds are surrounded by a small slate patio.

The original floor plan was optimized by the creation of a new master bedroom and bath where the living room used to be. Couples can cozy up by the fireplace in the room or use the space as an informal family room. The bathroom has been tiled, and upscale lighting and fixtures lend it a spa feel. To serve the remaining three bedrooms, a second hall bathroom has been remodeled with bead-board wainscoting, tile floor, and a sink built into an antique dresser.

Located in the walkout lower level is what was once known as a rec room— where confined kids played outlaws at the bar. This room is now referred to as a “man cave,” where adults can watch games on a flat screen from the bar. Unlike a cave, the walls are brightly painted, and several windows bring lots of natural light into the space.

A small study could become a guest room or private space for a teenager; its adjacent storage area could be a bathroom. Just off the stairway, a laundry room has twin cedar closets and workspace for crafts or hobbies.

While the interior of this rancher was professionally transformed, the exterior is still rooted the 1950s. Breaking its horizontal line with a contemporary new entry would finish an otherwise perfect renovation and propel it completely into the 21^st century.
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