Queen Anne cottages were the last hurrah of Victorian architecture. Even at the cottage scale, they maintained a rather large entry, reminiscent of the grander Victorians and often encircled with a wrap-around porch. This house in Central Gardens has been completely redesigned in layout and makes particularly good use of its foyer.
The redesign opened the living, dining, and kitchen spaces in a modern, loft-like manner. The fireplace between the living and dining now has a single deep firebox with gas logs visible from both sides.
The living room looks across the entry foyer to the rear ell of the front porch. A new pair of French doors was installed between the foyer and the porch, and the rear section of the porch was screened. In good weather the living space now extends through the foyer out to the screened porch, making a sumptuous entertaining space.
The new open kitchen is wrapped with ceramic tile counters on three sides. The original brick flue in the kitchen was exposed, providing a nice textural contrast. A leaded glass pantry cabinet was installed, adding another decorative element.
The new master suite was carved out of two original bedrooms. The sleeping area was enlarged and two spacious closets created. The master bath has separate shower and a jet tub set in a granite deck. A linen closet, also with a panel of decorative leaded glass, abuts the granite-topped double vanity.
Off the hall opposite the main bath is a new laundry closet. A small second bedroom and a home office/workout room complete the inventory.
The front yard has an old brick walk from the street to the porch. A large dogwood is the major focus of the front landscaping, with nandina, azalea, and boxwood planted at the foundation. The rear yard has a single-car garage and a large new deck behind the house. A tall magnolia shades the deck and adds privacy.
This house on a quiet street in Central Gardens is completely reworked and offers a nice array of public spaces and a truly luxurious master suite. The original nine-foot ceilings and rich heart pine floors are complemented by a renovation fit for a queen. •
1845 York
2 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths
$200,000
Realtor: Hobson Realtors, 761-1622
Agent: Deborah Mays,
312-2939
