Tuesday Two Hundred: McKinney's Historic District Offers Great Value, Awesome Family Amenities

I may not live in the suburbs, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like them. In fact, I do love a good small town feel, like the one you get with McKinney’s W.A. Rhea historic district. Tidy sidewalks, lots of picket fences, and a great area to teach your child how to ride a bike.

If this small town America feel sounds like a jackpot to you, then you’ll love this 1940 prairie-style home. At 310 N. College Street is a completely updated four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, 2,100-square-foot historic gem that will make your heart skip a beat. It’s listed by Private Label Realty for $274,000.

From the refinished floors to the new lighting fixtures, everything in this home has received a good going-over. The huge front porch remains, which is an absolute bonus considering that it’s a great place to meet and greet your new neighbors, which I am sure will be just as thrilled to meet you. I mean, how could you not?

Inside you’ll find fresh paint and built-ins that will make you wonder why you ever considered buying a homogenous tract home in some HOA out yonder, where you’ll probably be greeted by bobcats and coyotes. I’m just sayin’. The painted brick fireplace is beautiful, but the real scene-stealer is that cool staircase. I love that it doesn’t obstruct your view of the rest of the first floor. Genius!

In most rehabbed kitchens you might find builder-grade cabinets and blah, blah, blah … yeah, I’m already bored by that, too. Which is why I’m so glad that they kept the original cabinets in this adorable cottage. Remember: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! With a fresh coat of white paint, some lovely slate tile, granite counters and stainless fixtures and appliances, it looks so much more at home in this historic property.

I love the sunroom, too, which gives you a great place to hang out when it’s too hot in the summer and too chilly in the winter. It also gives you a great view of the excellent deck and huge backyard — another bonus of buying an older home.

The master bedroom is 14×14 — a good size for this age of home — and features wainscoting and built-ins, as well as cool vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. In the master bath you’ll find a gorgeous claw-foot tub and even more wainscoting, as well as a separate shower and two separate vanities. I love the configuration of this bathroom as it is very versatile.

And that brings us to the gorgeous backyard, where there is an ample deck and plenty of room for you to garden to your heart’s content, living your own Mayberry dream. Seriously, how could you not love this house?