REAL ESTATE- ON THE BLOCK- Locust luxury: Renovated craftsman offers seclusion, style

Address: 1012 Locust Avenue

Neighborhood: Locust Grove

Asking: $920,000

Assessment: $542,200 

Year Built: 1932

Size: 2,930 sq. ft., 553 unfin. 

Land: 0.68 acres

Agent: Loring Woodriff, Loring Woodriff Real Estate Associates, 434-466-2992

Curb Appeal: 9 out of 10

Walnut-stained floors set off white trim and walls painted in chic shades of grey. Plantation shutters in most rooms maintain a luxe feel of the space while providing privacy. Outside, mature plantings and a partial fence at the front of the property create a feeling of seclusion– even though it's located just past the intersection with Calhoun Avenue.

Although extensively renovated, this 1932 craftsman-style house offers elegant city living in a location made quiet by architectural features that have been maintained or enhanced. , has had quite a facelift. Jbuyers will find an elegant city home in a quiet locationarchitectural features that have been maintained or enhanced.

On the ground level, however, it's got those compartmentalized rooms familiar in older houses: a living room, a dining room, and– in back– a sunroom which could serve as a cozy lounge or possible office space.

A wide galley kitchen with white cabinets contrasting with a ceramic tile floor, while stainless appliances, low-luster dark granite, and a black apron-front sink create a modern feel. It's wide enough for a breakfast nook or bistro table, and  glass-front cabinets keep the space open. A mudroom off the kitchen with cabinets for storage opens to the outside. A second set of French doors on the opposite side of the kitchen lead to a long, angled deck.

On the second floor, the large master suite offers a bathroom with light aqua tile and the only tub in the house. Two additional bedrooms share a bath between with a modern glassed-in standup shower. If a not having an additional bathtub is a deal breaker, there's certainly enough room to add one, but it would be a shame to lose the roomy walk-in shower. Family members who share the bathroom will vie for a spot at the oversized salvaged sink, although there's lots of room in which to loll about while waiting to primp for a hoedown in the back yard.

There, the deck– complete with pergola and built-in seating– juts into the long level yard for plenty of room for entertaining. Other details in the fenced yard lend a sense of drama— from lush professional landscaping to several sizeable sculptures, which may convey. A bocce court and fire pit make the yard a perfect space for summer entertaining.

A guesthouse sits at the end of the driveway where a garage might have been. The space has an open concept with living room and kitchen and a sunroom with plantation blinds. With a sleeping loft above and a bedroom, it's a comfortable place for extra family, guests, or tenants. Smart storage hides in corners, plus a stacked washer/dryer is concealed by closet doors in the bedroom. 

Although there are four bedrooms and a goodly amount of square footage in the listing, buyers should keep in mind that it includes the guest cottage.

It would be remiss not to mention the disparity between the asking price and assessment. Assessments may be more in line with market value for houses that have turned over recently. Because this house last changed hands in 2000, the assessment will no doubt rise after the sale. Rather than comparing the two numbers, buyers interested in value should think about price per square foot and the condition of this house as well as comps and recent sales. 

The Locust neighborhood is a big draw for shoppers looking for a stately home in the city. For the high price tag, buyers here get a stylishly renovated private home with many luxury touches inside and out. 

PHOTOS BY SARAH JACOBSON

Each week, a brave local seller invites the Hook to provide an impartial, warts-and-all look at their real estate listing. E-mail yours today!

#