Cute Cottage in University Place Has Hidden Depth

Don’t be deceived by the endearing modesty of this cute cottage in desirable University Place. Behind the dissembling façade of this 1940 vintage colonial lies over 3,000 square feet of living space and four bedrooms and three full baths with multiple living areas.

On entering, the charm offensive continues with impeccable original hardwood floors and bead board ceilings. The layout is a traditional central hall plan with the living room at right and the formal dining room to the left.

The spacious living room has a traditional, symmetrical plan centering on a wood-burning fireplace flanked by two six-over-six light windows. The red wall color might be a bit aggressive, but the wood paneling presents a decorating opportunity. Imagine it painted in a historic Williamsburg Blue.

The built-ins at the end of the dining room-now being used as a sort of study, appear to be a later accretion. I would remove them or take them all the way to the ceiling, tying them into the crown molding.

At the end of the living room is a separate bonus space with a window seat overlooking the backyard.

The kitchen and all three bathrooms have been recently updated. The kitchen features a gas cooktop and stainless steel appliances including built-in double ovens.

The kitchen has been opened to an informal living area. Currently, the dining area occupies a centrally located hall open to the den, kitchen, and sitting area at the back of the house.

A second staircase leads to the primary bedroom suite. The bath is pristine white with separate sinks. A second bedroom has access to a deck overlooking the back with a winding staircase leading to the garden. Another bedroom is currently being used as an artist’s studio.

The backyard is an exquisitely landscaped, verdant dream featuring a 20-foot palm tree, pergola, pool and a flagstone walkway leading to a guest house, complete with kitchen, offering rental income potential.

Other updates include recently replaced roof and siding and resurfaced pool. Parking is under a covered porte cochere at the side of the house. In addition to its prime location, two blocks from TCU, children would have access to highly rated Lilly B. Clayton Elementary School.

Joe Hamilton of The Hamilton Team at Keller Williams Realty Southlake has priced 2545 Cockerill Avenue at $659,900.00