A friend of mine who lived one street over from Collinwood Avenue dubbed his neighborhood “Westover Leftover.” The description, if ironic, like many jokes contains an element of truth. Because although the neighborhood has a prestigious ’07 zip code and abuts Westover Hills, the street is something of a mixed bag with original 1940s vintage two-bedroom bungalows sharing the avenue with new builds — many less than wonderful.
There are notable exceptions, such as, 5604 Collinwood Ave., which sports style and sophistication with a lack of pretension. The quality of construction is obvious from the street. The masonry is impeccable. Notice the layering of brick which comprises the receding arch framing the front door. An impressive pair of iron gates open into the court leading to the two-car garage at back. The composition slate roof is about as close to the real thing as you can get. An elegant gas lantern illuminates the front.
Split axes lead, on one side, to the living room and through the dining room to a butler’s pantry and kitchen beyond. Oak hardwood floors run through all of the public rooms. The floorpan is a hybrid of traditional and modern.
There is a separate formal dining room, but the back is open concept with the living area overlooked by the kitchen. The four-bedroom three-and-one-half-bath house built in 2009 (which technically counts as a new build for me) has nearly 3,500 square feet of living space.
The kitchen is stocked with floor-to-ceiling cabinets, a professional-grade six-burner gas cooktop, built-in double ovens and microwave oven, and a coffee bar. The living area is defined by a fireplace at the center and a bank of French windows opposite.
The principal bedroom is on the ground level and has an en suite bath featuring a garden tub, separate shower, separate vanities, water closet, and walk-in closets.
There is a game room on the second floor with a wet bar. A small balcony overlooks the front while a covered gallery overlooking the back court runs the length of the back of the house.
Yard maintenance is practically zero with the back almost completely paved like a French hôtel particulier. The covered tunnel leading to the back provides an additional covered parking place.
Prince Whiting of House of Whiting, LLC has priced 5604 Collinwood Avenue at $799,000.
Update: As predicted, last week’s move-in ready home in Hemphill Heights is, indeed, already under contract
