My father, at age 84, likes to paint one side of the family home each year. He says it keeps the paint from ever peeling. I did not inherit his standards. I’ve painted the outside of my house twice in 30 years. In addition to being industrious, my father is very polite, so I suspect he thinks I should be living in a brick house.
This brick house sits on the north side of Central Avenue, across from the Memphis Country Club. What could be better than the view of that enormous expanse of turf, with shadows falling through the branches of tall oaks — especially when someone else mows that grass and rakes those leaves?
As for this home, there is one large oak in the front yard, smartly sited southwest of the house, and it must lower the summer afternoon temperature by 10 degrees or more. A little leaf raking for that benefit is not a bad exchange.
Built in 1941, the house has no modern trappings, such as cathedral ceilings or a master bedroom with a bath en suite. It does have level floors, all golden oak except for the ceramic tile in the bath and kitchen. The walls and ceilings are smooth and crack-free, and the windows have exterior storms and interior plantation shutters.
The house is set on a large lot with plenty of room, if you wanted to push out the kitchen and add that cathedral-ceilinged family room. Just as easily, the rear bedroom could have a dressing room and private bath added. But in these “less is more” days, this house works just fine as is!
There is already a large deck on the back, but an even larger screened porch would be my choice of additions. It would provide an alternative space where you could eat, sit, entertain, and even occasionally sleep.
The backyard is quite private with hedges all about. There is a detached carport for two cars and a small garden cottage. The rear landscaping is limited to several crape myrtles and one tree. That means you have room for a lap pool, a vegetable garden, or even a volleyball court. Without having to worry about the upkeep on this brick house, you could easily become a master gardener (or a master sloth) in your free time. •
3178 Central
Approximately 1,900 square feet
3 bedrooms, 2 baths
$165,000
Realtor: Hobson Co., 761-1622
Agent: Laurie Stark, 486-1464
Open house: Sunday, March 1st, 2-4 p.m.
