Tiny House Trend: Ballard, Central District, Greenlake
There are quite a few small houses on the market right now, but I’ve whittled them down to three top picks. No mega-mansions here. All are Craftsmans under 1,000 square feet built between 1900 and 1914, the last time small was chic.
Pick #1: 7357 14th Ave. NW
Listed for $399,950, this 910 sq ft, 2bedroom, 1 bath house in Ballard is both the smallest and least expensive of the three. While some rooms seem generous for the size, the living room is, sadly, the room that really suffers. You might have to do some creative arranging with the adjacent dining room to make the most of the space. On the upside, the house retains much of its original charm, while also benefiting from a number of recent upgrades, including a remodeled bath and kitchen. Two additional selling points are the relatively large lot, with mature trees and a grape arbor (!), and its location within walking distance of Honore Bakery, The Fat Hen, and Delancey.
Pick #2: 422 22nd Ave
This 950 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 1 bath in the Central District is listed for $415,000. Described in the listing as a Craftsman, the front porch spindles and knobs suggest a single-story Victorian to me. Built in 1900, it’s certainly possible that there are crossover elements of the two styles. The layout of this home makes it seem much larger than the first, despite having only an additional 40 sq ft. Of course, based on unusual floorboard patterns, the floor plan may not be entirely original. The kitchen has been somewhat updated, but could definitely use more work, and the paint is much too bright for my taste. The master has a nice sitting area with doors that lead out to a deck. I love the front porch which overlooks a charming brick and stone patio, complete with fountain and chicken coop should you have agrarian tendencies. The back is also terraced for gardening. Overall, a lovely little retreat.
Pick #3: 100 NE 58th St
Accessed by a secret gate, this Greenlake craftsman is hidden away just blocks from Tangletown and an easy walk to the lake. Listed for $465,000, this 2 bedroom, 1 bath is 920 square feet, making it the most expensive option per square foot. Of course, it feels the most spacious of the three. Light flows from the living room through to the kitchen from French doors and large windows. Updates have been made, but I don’t care for the kitchen style at all. It could use a lot of work. I don’t see pics, but the listing mentions a finished outbuilding and large detached garage/shop. Definitely a lot of potential here.
