Tuesday Two Hundred — Little Forest Hills Cottage is Back, Now With Upgrades

This adorable one-and-a-half-story Little Forest Hills Cottage was on the market a few months back and had a ton of potential, but it looked like a lot of work for the small two-bedroom, one-bath footprint. So I can understand how an investor might want to come in and do a few upgrades to the property, or if the owners changed their minds and decided to fix it up and sell it at a premium.

Listed for $204,900 with Michael Schmitt of White Rock Lake Real Estate, 8934 Eustis is cozy and cute and ready for someone to fall in love with it! Of course, you’ll love the neighborhood, which has a motto I can really get behind: “Keep Little Forest Hills FUNKY!” In fact, I love the way Schmitt describes this listing: “This wonderful unique Little Forest Hills 3 level cottage reminds you of a home you would see in South Austin, but without the South Austin price!” I’ll second that!

And this home falls right in line with that motto. Sure, it’s been upgraded. You can see that in the kitchen and bathroom. But it’s not your granite counters/white subway tile/run-of-the-mill cabinets type upgrade. The kitchen has gorgeous cherry cabinets on top and bottom with a farm-style tile countertop and backsplash. A huge window behind the sink brings in tons of light, and there’s plenty of prep space in this galley.

The bathroom feels new without looking bland, with emerald green ceramic tile on the walls and tub surround, and cute red accents that really pop. The single sink vanity and matching Mission-style mirror cabinet are lovely additions, too.

In the living area you’ll find a brand new red Intrepid free-standing wood stove infront of the decommissioned fireplace. This is ingenuity, right here. Not only is a freestanding wood stove more efficient than a built-in fireplace, but I love that the owners have repurposed the hearth, covering it with slate and giving room for the adorable wood-burning stove. If we have another multi-day power outage during sub-freezing weather, this little wood stove will heat the entire 1,122-square-foot structure quite well.

While there are sleeping accommodations upstairs and down, I could easily see the area currently used as an office as a dining room. The upstairs loft-style bedroom could be a great studio, too, thanks to the copious windows.

It’s outside that this home really makes you feel like you’re in East Dallas. The large covered deck that opens to a sizable backyard is just perfect for sipping something cold with neighbors and friends once the weather heats back up.

What do you think this adorable home would go for in South Austin?