The Deck that Ate My Backyard
If houses were cars, this would one just might be a PT Cruiser. Some folks may wrinkle their noses at the design, but others would snap it up as a quick and safe dose of instant personality and function. Here, a 1940s house (not the best year for domestic architecture, let’s face it) has been gussied up with some, admittedly, appealing stylistic touches. The landscaping is organized and cute, the slate tiles on the front patio are multi-hued and rustic, the driveway is neatly poured and smooth… the list goes on. Clearly, this house has been given a second incarnation, just as the PT Cruiser body is stuck on the guts of the unassuming Dodge Neon. For some people, a home’s character comes from lovingly coaxing tiny details out of disrepair and neglect, but that simply isn’t realistic or enthralling for everybody.
This house is a good chance for someone to get a clean, shiny house with granite flourishes that dinner guests will notice and coo over. Oh, and I ought to mention, the new owner might as well have 20 dinner guests over, since the deck is as large as an aircraft carrier!
When I was there, a small placard on the real estate sign said that the house was for rent. That’s a tempting option: renting a house prior to purchase could be the homebuyer’s version of the test drive.
Nuts and bolts: Price is $469,850. Last sold in February of 2006 for a mere $210,000. 1,750 square feet, with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.
