To echo the bow tie Realtor’s post this week, if your house is even halfway cute, expect a quick sale. The two-story Arlington Heights residence at 1825 Hillcrest Street is much more than cute and, after less than one week on the market, is “status contingent.”
If sellers don’t sell then buyers can’t buy. While that seems pretty obvious, we have not experienced this kind of gridlock in the housing market ever.
Seth Fowler, “Time to Panic? What Happens to The Real Estate Market if There is no Housing Inventory?”The 1926 brick-and-shingle-clad house sports timeless style and simplicity. The small retaining wall at the sidewalk is local stone that I recently heard referred to as Rivercrest rock. The cast stone details like the over window keystones and door surround are recent accretions but look appropriate.
The relatively modest exterior doesn’t prepare the visitor for the relaxed chic of this sophisticated sleeper.
The 3,000-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath house is an unbroken enfilade of bright white rooms kitted out in a magical mélange of classical antique and modern furnishings. Rooms are “color-blocked” with one or two colors adding punch to the cultivated simplicity of the decor.
In the living room, the acid green upholstery of the Warren Platner chair is picked up in sofa cushions. The Hunt Slonem bunny adds a note of levity.
The dining room furniture floats on rugless hardwood floors. The orange dramatically dominates the room, appearing in chair backs and fronts and the over console portrait. The Louis XVI chairs look period 18th century.
The powder room is a successful exercise in studied simplicity. A bold lipstick red lavatory cabinet with brass hardware echoing the gold in the charming mirror and picture frame.
The spacious kitchen has a gas cooktop recessed within a warm rustic brick arch. A large island provides prep space and informal dining. Dual in-wall ovens, microwave, beverage cooler, and stainless dishwasher complete the appliance repertoire. Cabinet uppers are glass-front.
Beyond the kitchen is an intimate living area that sustains the high standard of decor in the rest of the house. It also has views of the back garden.
The largest bedroom has an impressive bath on two levels with vintage appeal. A beadboard dado is a backdrop for pedestal sinks and a claw-footed tub. A large glass brick window floods the cheerful bright white bath with light. Floors are hardwood and vintage look porcelain hex tile.
Bold red reappears in the landing living room, which could also function as another bedroom. Another bedroom shimmers in silver with a jazzy Sputnik-type chandelier.
At back is a covered outdoor living area with a gas fireplace and grill — perfect for entertaining. Also at back is a detached two-car garage.
Nancy Lohman of Williams Trew Real Estate has priced 1825 Hillcrest Street at $725,000.
