Fifeville farmhouse: Country charm, convenient location

Address: 311 6 1/2 Street SW
Neighborhood: Fifeville
Asking: $250,000
Assessment: $284,400
Year Built: 1925
Size: 1502 finished sq. ft.
Land: .1260 acres
Curb Appeal: 7 out of 10
Listing Agent: Shannon Harrington, RE/MAX Commonwealth - 804-484-0367

6 1/2 Street can be a bit of a tight squeeze to navigate. The majority of the parking is on-street, many of the homes lack front yards, and because there are no sidewalks, a number of the houses front right onto the street. As a result, through traffic has to exercise caution when traveling along the narrow road.

Fortunately, it's not a heavily trafficked street, and the house at 311, though situated close to the road, has its own off-street parking– just one of a number of attractive features that make this city home feel like a country charmer.

The covered entry opens onto a huge living room/great room that stretches across the entire front of the house. Strategic furniture groupings could easily separate this commodious space into distinct and intimate living areas. Multiple windows make the room bright, while laminate flooring, custom paint colors, and recessed lighting lend a modern feel. A cozy room off to one side currently serves as a home office, but would work equally well as a playroom, a library, or a den.

A couple of steps lead down from the great room to a renovated kitchen that offers a good amount of sleek black counter space, lots of modern cabinets, and a full array of appliances. The rear wall is open, providing access to a large dining area that stretches along the back of the home. Numerous windows and a French door allow lots of natural light while custom-built shelves provide attractive storage space. An adjacent half-bath houses the laundry facilities and provides additional storage. 

Upstairs, sleeping quarters include a master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and attached bath, a second, comfortably-sized bedroom and a full hall bathroom. Closet space is suprisingly good for a house of this vintage, and a separate heat pump controls the upstairs, allowing for independent temperature settings and savings on utility bills. 

A generously sized two-level deck provides a prime venue for outdoor entertainment and overlooks the large backyard, which is fully fenced and perfect for both pets and gardening endeavors.

Are there limitations? Of course. 

To start with, there’s the size. While this home offers plenty of space for a couple, or even a small family, it is a two-bedroom house, and it’s difficult to imagine a large family being happy here long-term, especially given the parking situation. But in addition to the renovations and updates, one of the main draws about this property is the location. Both UVA and the Downtown Mall are within a 15-minute walk, and the markets, shops, music venues and restaurants of the rapidly burgeoning West Main Street area are even closer.

Another potential limitation is the age of the home. Though attractively and efficiently renovated, this house is nearly 90 years old. Purchasers who can’t appreciate the charm of the slight uneveness of the living room floor or who absolutely must have a double vanity in the master bathroom needn’t stop here. 

But buyers looking for a home that combines vintage appeal with modern finishes, professionals who want the ability to walk to work, or investors seeking an attractive rental property may want to consider giving this house a look.

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