Green Lake: Up Close And Cautious
I was charmed at the curb. Color! Cuteness!
But when I reached the front door I saw something that made me nervous. The square cover plate for the deadbolt was crooked.
It was a small thing, but it set off alarm bells in my head. If no one cared to make sure that the front door looked splendid, what was the quality of the finish details inside this recent remodel?
A bit sloppy, as it turns out.
Chipped floor tile on the landing at the top of the basement stairs. Uneven tiles and grouting around the master bath tub. That’s enough for me to recommend that anyone interested in this house check it over carefully. (While you’re looking, be sure to note the lack of closets in the two tiny front bedrooms.)
On the plus side, the location is splendid, within walking distance of the restaurant hub in Tangletown. And the charm I noted at the curb continues inside the house, with a pleasant master suite under vaulted ceilings, a box-beam ceiling in the dining room, and reproduction Arts and Craft light fixtures.
I also loved the window seat built into the stair landing. That’s where I’d curl up on a rainy day with a cat and a book. Maybe a book on quality construction techniques.
STATS:
Neighborhood: Green Lake
Asking: $699,000
Address: 148 NE 56th St., Seattle, WA 98105
Square footage: 1340. Lot size: 4080 sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2.5
Last sale price: $480,000 (Aug. 2006)
MLS#: 26187707
Click here for detailed listing.
