This University West Cottage is Fresh as Spring

The most astonishing fact about this adorable University West cottage at 2528 Shirley Avenue is that it’s been on the market for two whole days and is still not under contract.

This updated Tudor built in 1938 is a shameless charmer with its unique peaked rooflines, tiny lancet windows, and a straight walkway taking you to the front door. Curvaceous planting beds add warmth and context.

The quaint entry has flagstone flooring. Step inside and the adjectives flood in like the abundant light — words like bright, impeccable, pristine, and airy seem to describe it with aplomb.

The original floor plan of the 2,264-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath house has been preserved as has the endearing original built-in cabinetry.

I am a proponent of original, well, everything. But on balance, I must admit that the new windows are winners. Do Realtors still fly through listed properties at showings turning on overhead lights? I find it depressing during the day and it’s no replacement for the real deal. Our University West cottage is positively luminescent.

The property has been impeccably staged with just the right amount of symmetrically dispersed furnishings to showcase the property’s possibilities. Modern light fixtures bring the house into the 21st century. Luckily no previous owner has punched holes in the attractive living room and dining room’s coved ceilings.

If forced to nitpick, in my view, the kitchen isn’t quite up to the finish out of the rest of the house. Perhaps the next owner could up the game in this area with color and surfaces. Still, it’s all here, including stainless appliances, an in-island gas cooktop, a coffee bar, and a breakfast area.

Bedrooms are roomy and every bit as sun-drenched as ground floor rooms. All bedrooms have useful, original storage cabinets.

Renovated baths — all three — are delightful mixes of old meets new with glassed-in shower stalls, subway tile, and vintage-look pedestal sinks.

Don’t miss the inviting back porch. Yes, sorry Seth Fowler, porches can be at back as well. A detached garage at the back houses two cars. The neighborhood has access to Tanglewood Elementary.

Suzanne Burt of Burt Ladner Real Estate has listed 2528 Shirley Avenue at $879,000.