I check local real estate listings on a daily basis because its my job and who knows when you might need to pick up and move to the house next door or the house across town? Truly, I check them because I love houses and real estate and something might come along that I can’t resist, my dream house listing might pop up any day. Although at this point I’m 99% convinced that doesn’t exist–not for me.
I was driving through town and I started to think back about all of the houses that we’ve toured in this county and it’s a lot. Crazy houses that were falling in or that were rambling and had no end, that had vegetation growing through the windows, some that were time capsules and some that just needed a new coat of paint.
I’m often asked what I see on the local MLS that is exciting. So here’s what I think is hot in the local Southern Pines, Pinehurst and beyond real estate market.
I’ve got modern on the brain so let’s kick it off with 630 South Valley.
Why I like it – I like the neighborhood, the large wooded lot, ample circular driveway and THE PRICE. The price gives us flexibility to renovate and the wooded lot gives us a green view when we look out of our big modern windows.
What I don’t like – All of the work that it needs, it really needs a new kitchen, new bathrooms and the addition of a third bedroom.
Potential? – Yes, quite a bit. Close in the carport to enlarge the footprint because it’s only a two bedroom and take care of that unfortunate 1970s living room window/fireplace situation. Add more windows where there are long, blank runs of siding. Do the kitchen for now, a paint update on your bathrooms and then do those later. Re-think the deck, maybe drop it down to a big patio with a fire pit.
630 South Valley is a close match to Michelle Steinback’s house featured in the September issue of Martha Stewart Living, tell me you see it!
360 New Hampshire is as American as apple pie.
I loved it so much a couple of years ago when it was on the market. I was in my “I want a colonial” phase.
Why I like it – It’s in the heart of our charming downtown Southern Pines, walk to eyerthang in SoPi. On a half acre lot and bonus round — a detached guest cottage! Mom can move down and take care of the kids or you can rent it out to supplement the mortgage. It has a layout, despite it’s age, that would suit our way of living now. The deck addition on the back is good as well.
What I don’t like – Although the kitchen has been renovated it appears to be a 100% IKEA kitchen, I could be wrong and I’ll be happy to correct this if I find out I am. I’ve got zero problem with IKEA kitchens but I don’t like to see 100% use of their products in a room. The kitchen gets too contemporary and the house needed a little something different.
Potential? – Of course, really almost every house has it. Without going inside, I’m thinking there’s some kind of reconfiguration of the connection between the dining room and the sunroom and maybe the kitchen too, maybe opening up. There also may be an opportunity with some shifting around that the office or sunroom could have different uses, perhaps as a 4th bedroom. The kitchen needs to be addressed again but there’s freedom to make that change down the road. The exterior of the guest cottage could use some fixing and we really don’t know what we’re dealing with in the bathrooms.
My third property in SoPi is 215 Daffodil and I’m a little surprised it has been on the market for as long as it has, I’m sure I’d understand more if I could go inside.
Why I like it? – Large lot 1.34 acres in an established neighborhood called Knollwood Heights, traditional architecture and another detached guest cottage–I’m a fan because they are really useful.
What I don’t like – I’m a little concerned with how the single story addition with the bay window adjoins to the two story portion (I’m pretty sure I can forgive)
Potential? – It’s traditional, straight forward layout could make for a simple update. The kitchen is ready for a renovation and a more open floor plan could be achieved.
Let’s head over to neighboring Pinehurst, I think I’ll surprise you with some picks here.
485 Lake Dornoch is an interesting property located in an exclusive neighborhood that is meticulously maintained and is gated.
There are typically a lot of wonderful 1960s houses that haven’t been altered in this neighborhood and I think you’ll see once you spin through the images why I like it.
Why I like it? – High, open ceilings with exposed beams and they go a long way in this house. The square footage and number of bedrooms is great, plenty of space for everyone. Does the vintage pool table convey?
What I don’t like – To some the exclusivity of this neighborhood is great, there are perks, the club and golf memberships that all cost additional money– but I don’t need that stuff. The exterior is pretty modest, there aren’t any interesting architectural angles and it doesn’t share the same cool, modern appeal as the interior.
Potential? – Absolutely, open up the living space to the kitchen which is closed off and a little tight compared to the living area. Get some fresh white on the walls and some other modern hues, update the bathrooms, remove all the carpet and you’re in business.
175 Linden is a rare and incredible opportunity that someone is really going to enjoy!
If we drive in to Old Town Pinehurst or the Village as some call it, we find this grand but neglected estate at 175 Linden, built in 1935 on what is considered today to be an enormous lot, more than 3 acres. A rarity for sure.
Why I like It? The sheer presence and size. The unusually large lot size that is park-like, the kitchen both Part I & II, the fact that you can walk in to the front door in to a wide hall and walk clear to the back and right out on to the back patio area, party ready! The history.
What I don’t like – That there is no HVAC system in the house and there are miles and miles of unsexy work that must be done before it gets fun.
Potential? Of course there is. Someone commented on TEOT Instagram that it would be a great B&B and I agree but the best fantasy is a single residence.
If you are planning a move to the Southern Pines/Pinehurst area, Sarah can help you find a fixer or a house that’s ready to decorate because she’s a licensed real estate agent, hit her up for house hunting and selling here.
