How I love this home! Seriously, how could you not love this Prairie-style one-story in Vickery Park just from the curb. I bet people hit the brakes when passing 5226 Richard Ave. all the time, just to slow down and admire shutters, bright white porch, and the rich “Stiffkey Blue” exterior paint on the broad wood siding. This is the only blue Valentine I’d ever want!
And would you check out that front porch? The scored concrete and the darker blue doors are just perfect. I imagine that this porch would be just amazing with a swing or hanging daybed such as these amazing designs from Low Country Originals.
Inside, it’s cuter than cute, with cozy spaces that belie its 1,500-plus square feet. And with two bedrooms and only one bath, the pool of buyers of this oh-so-adorable home is somewhat limited to singles, downsizing empty-nesters (though the area, which is near Henderson Ave. and Highway 75, is high-traffic and somewhat busy after 9 p.m.), and small families or childless couples. Still, It has me wondering why this adorable property has sat on the market for more than 150 days. Could it be that, even in the trendy and up-and-coming Henderson Avenue area, $294,990 is still a bit high? This home hit the market at more than $319,000, so I suppose time or money will tell.
Still, I love this home and its gracious layout. The fireplace in the living area is so perfect — bright and quaint, I don’t even mind that it’s been painted, although I’m sure that the brick beneath is beautiful, too. The lighting has been upgraded too, with some that echo the 1920s time period and Craftsman design. I love all of the windows and the floor-skimming drapes, which make this petite bungalow feel even bigger.
The dining room is such a fantastic size — perfect for intimate dinners with friends before enjoying the nearby nightlife. You’ll also love the two-way swinging glass panel doors between the dining room and the breakfast area/butler’s pantry. Such a perfect detail that is often overlooked.
The kitchen has been updated with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and fresh shaker-style cabinets, but this is a room that would have benefited so much more from a professional photographer who could have really emphasized the space, and shown how versatile it is. You have to have a good eye for how a photo relates a space, and considering how the kitchen and breakfast area are closed off from the rest of the home, it’s hard to understand the size and capacity of the kitchen.
The rest of the home is just adorable. The “master” bedroom is so pretty with plenty of windows and gorgeous paint that is so perfect for this home and these gorgeous floors. The bathroom is quaint, with a pedestal sink and a shower/tub, with cute tile and border on the floor. It’s small, but considering it’s the only bathroom in the home, it does well to not cram in a huge vanity or use up every single inch with a separate tub and shower.
The backyard sports a fantastic little deck for enjoying a mild spring or autumn night with friends. Too bad we don’t see the rest of the lot. Still, I love this home and I hope it finds the perfect buyer soon!
