Arroyo Property of the Week

What a difference a few months make along the Arroyo Seco in Northeast Los Angeles!

On the left, a 1911 Highland Park Craftsman style home, modified and neglected somewhat over the years.  On the right, the same home after ModOp Design's restoration and modern finishes.

This property, a 2 bedroom, 1 bath listed at $479,000, is new to the market and boasts all the features that Arroyo Culture lovers adore: careful attention to historic architectural details including restoration of the original porch, a rainwater friendly landscape, and decorator touches that feature adaptive reuse of original window sill and wood planking, including the custom made picnic table in the Retro Cool backyard entertainment area.

Best of all, while the exterior reclaims its classic 1911 charm, the interior makes the 100 year leap to 2011 upgrades, including double paned wood windows, custom cabinetry, sold walnut floors, new electrical and plumbing systems, and Carrara Marble and Heath Ceramic accents. In addition to the backyard covered entertainment area, the property also boasts an oversized two car garage perfect for a workshop.

Even if you are not in the market to buy a new home, you owe it to yourself to wander over to 1701 N. Avenue 56, north of York Blvd., this Sunday, January 9th, from 1-4pm to see how modern rehab touches that include restoration are done right.  Details here: http://www.1701ave56.com/.

Arroyo Seco Property of the Week

If there is one thing that I'm as passionate about as river restoration, it's real estate, especially historic and architecturally interesting homes.

One of the best restored Craftsmans I've seen in quite awhile is looking for a new owner (that means it's listed for sale) in the Historic Highlands Landmark District of Pasadena.

Built in 1912 and almost completely remodelled in 2005, this charming California Bungalow boasts 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, including a spacious master suite. With 1569 square feet of living space on a 6878 square footage tree-canopied lot, this home includes a cozy living room with built-ins and a Batchelder fireplace, dining room with picturesque window seat, and bright, functional kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Oozing with original character, this family home also features a spacious old style front porch, large outdoor wood deck, California basement, huge unfinished attic storage space, and large detached two-car garage.

Best of all, it's all turn-key, with newer central heat and air conditioning, high quality interior and exterior paint, automatic sprinkler system, fountain, and secluded backyard.

A great find in a great neighborhood. Another reason why life is good in the communities along the historic Arroyo Seco. Details and price here: http://bit.ly/1aifbg