GOOD HOPE NEIGHBORHOOD

Towards the south end of Washington Street, this 1920s residence has been in the same family for three happy generations. Sitting nice and high off the street (elevation is 10’9″), the house presents with a welcoming feel. A wraparound front porch was converted to a Florida room many years ago and it’s a wonderful sunny room with two walls of windows – your houseplants will love it here. French doors close it off from the living room or keep them open and extend the gathering space.

A traditional living room is generously proportioned with high ceilings and a woodburning fireplace flanked by 4 over 1 windows and built-in glass-fronted cabinets. Immediately adjacent, the formal dining room will easily accommodate friends and family when they come to share a meal and the easy flow through the common rooms will keep your parties lively. A large comfortable master is on the north side of the house and is adjacent to the recently remodeled full bath. The other two bedrooms are off the short hall where the bath is located and both rooms overlook the backyard.

Centrally located, the kitchen is another big room with ample space for a table or large island. A wall of high windows on the east wall let in the light but keep things private from the street. Just off the kitchen is another short hall where you’ll find the laundry room/half bath. There had been a shower on the bath side but owner didn’t need it. This room could easily be split and a new shower installed without compromising the washer and dryer on the other side. Plumbing is easy since the house is off-grade so a full second bath is a straightforward project.

At the back, there’s a cozy family room that opens to the patio and backyard. Recently rebuilt, there’s a bead-board knee wall with two banks of windows on the south and west side leaving the east wall open for your flat screen – a sweet spot for movie night, a great place to read and not a bad spot for an out-of-the-way nap.

Outside the neighbors’ trees provide a welcome shade canopy in summer but there’s solid sunshine in the yard (front and back) for gardening and you’ve got a head start with all the native plants the current owner has carefully cultivated. It’s hard to resist the tug of a neighborhood called Good Hope and life here won’t disappoint. Walk along the lake to get your exercise or keep going north three more blocks and check out the daily menu of cool things to do, eat, see and get involved in your town.

.