Welcome to Tiny Homes, an idea that is more popular with minimalists than with neighborhood associations and zoning boards. We'll point out the fun parts. You'll have to check out the logistics and legalities - but this one's been around a while, and your neighbors may celebrate the sale.
What's more attractive to you? A fancy place downtown that you can barely afford, or a house that gives you lots of room and opportunity to tend and fix? Granted some of the fixes may not be optional, but for $99,950 you can buy a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 600 square foot house that is only a bike and ferry ride away from downtown. You even get more than a quarter of an acre to play with.
The white picket fence is iconic. At this house, it is only a few feet long, but take that as a starting point for surrounding 0.28 acres that would dearly appreciate some landscaping, and maybe a vegetable garden. Eradicate the invasive and make friends with your neighbors. After that, you've got enough room to feed a small (vegetarian) family.
Are your projects the indoor type? There's a detached garage and shop, so there's finally a place to work on things, and then be able to lock them up and set them aside without interfering with the rest of the house. The house was built in 1942. You might just need that wood shop space, and get an excuse to buy more tools.
Inside the house, the 1942 character is evident. Hardwood floors were the norm. Old wood tends to be tighter grained wood, which is more expensive in 2014. Buy old houses, get old wood, and get a deal. The kitchen and bath may also be reminiscent of mid-World War II. Some of that can be nostalgic. Some of that is a good excuse to renovate and update.
There is that ferry ride to consider, if you have to commute. It takes about an hour to cross the Sound. It's bigger than most folks realize. But, that's also an hour each way that is your own. Maybe you can get some work done. And maybe you'll just be happy for a couple of hours each day that aren't work work or house work.
· 720 S Charleston Ave W [Zillow]
· All Tiny Homes coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath
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