A shotgun can be the perfect first or last house. It isn’t so large
that it’s a chore to maintain, and it’s one of the least expensive
houses to buy — all-important if you’re looking to eliminate the
superfluous and focus on the essentials.
This shotgun has not led an easy life. It had become a low-end
rental property with aluminum windows and was stripped of its interior
trim. There wasn’t much in the way of heat and air and even less in the
way of charm.
Fortunately, it was rescued nine years ago, and a slow, sensitive
renovation has updated the services and restored the finishes. Wide
exterior trim was installed around new, insulated windows and doors. A
period oak door with flanking, paneled shutters was installed at the
front. The porch was rebuilt with an antique brick foundation and wood
flooring. Old Arts and Crafts copper lanterns were added as the final
grace note at the entry.
The interior received even more attention. Antique, four-panel doors
with 1920s brass hardware, salvaged from Davies Plantation in Lakeland,
were installed throughout. Enclosing the back porch provided room to
add a laundry as well as glass-fronted, floor-to-ceiling cabinets that
provide pantry space next to the kitchen. And a central heat and air
system was installed, along with charm.
The comfortably scaled living room runs full-width across the front
and is enhanced by 10-foot ceilings. The bedroom is in the middle, with
a side hall passage to the rear. The kitchen has an assembled look,
with one wall of built-ins accompanied by furniture cupboards and a
central work/dining table.
New pine floors, stained a medium brown, were installed in both the
kitchen and bath. A vanity with a tri-fold, mirrored medicine cabinet
was also added. A large floored area in the attic is available for the
extra storage everyone needs.
You might think a shotgun is just too small to be livable. But
remember way back before texting, when we valued every vowel? Now we
communicate rather well without a lot of them. So, maybe a little,
well-renovated shotgun could now be the perfect “nw hm 4 u.” •
1069 Meda
Approximately 750 sq. ft.
1 bedroom, 1 bath; $98,000
Realtor: Kendall Haney Group, 725-1968
Agent: Nick Dacus, 729-3411
