REAL ESTATE- ON THE BLOCK- Engaging extras: Cottage and old-world details add up

Address: 1221 Hazel Street

Neighborhood: Locust Grove/ Martha Jefferson

Asking: $545,000

Assessment: $426,000

Year Built: 1929

Size: 2,500 fin. sq. ft., 897 unfin. 

Land: 0.17 acres

Agent: Larry Barnett, Barnett Real Estate, 434-286-9900

Curb Appeal: 8 out of 10

This charming Cape Cod just off East High Street was formerly an over-under duplex, and the curbside view conceals what's inside: the remnants of a more elegant time in construction history. For instance, the front door takes one right into the living room featuring a stone fireplace, dark wood trim, crown molding, and hardwood floors laid in a box pattern.

The generous dining room reveals more of the same dark wood trim. Nearby, a tiny sun porch transitions to the outdoors.

The updated kitchen offers white ceramic tiled counters outlined in black. A vaulted paneled red ceiling contrasts with all the white, and a freestanding antique armoire in a corner conveys. Leading to the backyard is a mudroom or sitting room with a coat closet, a mini-fridge, and pull-outs that hide recycling. (The place is loaded with built-ins, closets, and cubbies.)

Off the living room, there's a possible office with built-in cabinets and shelving open to the room that the current owner uses as the master bedroom. Cabinets on the office side provide a half wall below an open arch. It would be possible, of course, to close off the space for privacy, but it would be a shame to lose that architectural element. Past a bath flanked by two linen closets, a dressing room with lots of storage loops around to the staircase and the mudroom. 

The former upstairs apartment has been redone as a traditional bedroom level. Newly carpeted, also includes a smaller sitting room.

One of the three bedrooms has a door that opens to the outside with the idea that a balcony or deck could be added. The largest of the three might become a master suite with separate bath. Lots of light and mountain views make it a bright and open space. This level hasn't been lived in since it was redone. All fresh and new, it doesn't have the character of the first level, but it's also something of a blank slate that new buyers can tailor to their own particular style. 

Around back, a two-story cottage may have income potential and separate access from the side street. With a screened porch at the garden, there is some privacy even though it's close to the house. The main level has a narrow living room and a compact vintage kitchen. Upstairs are two modest bedrooms, a full bath, and some cubby spaces for storage.  

The main house gains additional living space from outdoor living areas amid the mature landscaping and small fenced lot. It has front porch with slate tile and a back deck beneath a pergola that provides full shade in the warmer months thanks to a canopy of wisteria.

This vintage city dwelling offers old-world style close to the trendy shopping and dining of the city without the higher prices of North Downtown. 

PHOTOS BY SARAH JACOBSON

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