Townhouse trumps single-family on two levels

 

By SUSAN W. MURRAY
The Independent

 

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Real estate professionals usually advocate purchasing a single-family home rather than a townhouse or condominium. They cite a higher rate of appreciation in single-family homes and the potential downside of sharing walls and outdoor space in attached units.
“Not so fast,” cautions the Newsy Neighbor. A well-kept, spacious unit, such as the one at 1003 Castleshire Drive, appeals to buyers easing into the housing market, people living in an area short-term or anyone whose busy schedule makes yard work a challenge.
Built in 1995 and priced at $170,000, the two-bedroom unit possesses one more advantage over single-family homes in the same price range. A house at this price would almost certainly be a fixer-upper and not likely feature tasteful design. This townhouse still feels new, and its lovely décor plays off a subtle gray and green pattern in the kitchen flooring.
Seven steps lead from the sidewalk to the foyer. This arrangement means that the lower level is ground level, rather than a basement. Steps up from the foyer, most of the home’s living space is on the second floor.
Above the foyer, the living room and dining room share gray carpeting and a volume ceiling with a skylight in the living room. A gas fireplace, surrounded by ceramic tile and an oak mantel, unites the two rooms. Besides the skylight, two large windows in the living room and a sliding door in the dining room to the deck let in plenty of light. Four to six people could sit in the dining room. Through the sliding door, the deck fits a grill and small table and chairs.
A peninsula between the kitchen and dining room was designed for stools on either side, meaning that four people can sit at the counter. With its volume ceiling, 42-inch cabinets and ceramic backsplash, the kitchen would not be out of place in a home in a much higher price range. A solid-surface countertop in green with gray and white flecks matches the aforementioned flooring. The current owners have put a small cabinet with wine rack next to one wall, but a narrow table would also fit the space.
The first of the home’s two bedrooms has gray carpeting, white walls and a double closet. At 12-by-10 feet, it makes an excellent guest room or office.
The master bedroom lies at the end of the hall. Painted white above a chair rail and blue below, the room comfortably accommodates a king-sized bed, dresser, armoire and two nightstands. A huge master closet can house two wardrobes.
A door from the bedroom and one from the hallway open to the full bath. Flooring matches that in the kitchen. The room includes a tub and shower surround and a double oak vanity.
The best part of the unit lies on the ground level, steps down from the foyer. The current owners have split the 24-by-12-foot space into a comfortable family room and an office. A large window and the sliding door to the patio pull light into the office. One long wall is dedicated to bookshelves.
Large enough to entertain, the family room has Berber carpeting and soft gray walls. Besides the entertainment center on one wall, there is room for two couches and an easy chair.
Both the patio and deck above have views of the grassy common area and a charming gazebo that closely mirrors the gazebo on the Woodstock Square.
The lower level also includes a closet for the washer and dryer, full bath with shower and access to the two-and-½-car garage.
A monthly assessment of $140 takes care of exterior maintenance.
For information about the house at 1003 Castleshire Drive, call Kim Keefe of RE/MAX Traditions at 815-338-4455 or visit www.opendoorswithkim.com. For more pictures of the home, see below. TWI photos by Susan W. Murray

 

This article was published in the March 5, 2008 edition of The Woodstock Independent.