There Are No Old-House Headaches to Worry About in This Fairmount House
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If the house shopping “must haves” list includes vintage charm, no old-house headaches, and a budget of not much more than $400,000, here you go.
Take a look at 1016 Hawthorne Ave. in Fort Worth. The darling front porch just oozing classic American charm sets the tone for what’s inside this 1921 home. Located in Fairmount, one of Fort Worth’s most popular historic neighborhoods, the house flaunts eye-catching curb appeal before even walking inside. That includes a small plaque that reads “This is a small home with a big welcome.”
“The front porch is to die for,” said broker Leah Littenberg, the broker and owner of Fine Point Homes Real Estate. There’s another plaque there, too. It’s one that carries the home’s national registration of historic designation, awarded in 1990.
Terrific, right? But after the last week of snowy weather, a cautious, budget-minded buyer might worry about old pipes freezing. The snow, ice, and chilly winds are what they call “rodeo weather” in Fort Worth since it shows up just about the same time as the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Well, set frozen pipe worries aside, because this house’s pipes were replaced right after the 2021 North Texas freeze.
Lots of Updates
That’s not the only renovation this two-bedroom, two-bathroom house has experienced. In addition to the plumbing work, the former utility room was converted to the house’s second bathroom, transforming the primary bedroom into a complete primary suite. A sleek custom closet system also was added that includes drawers for nice storage.
The interior has been refreshed with retexturing and paint, while the kitchen received darling new checkerboard flooring and quartz countertops. And even though it’s not as glamorous, all-important gutters were replaced and a tankless water heater was added.
Even with the list of improvements, the home’s classic traditions have not been completely erased. The livability has improved, yet the charm remains.
Capturing the Character
“It captures the character of when it was built in 1921,” the broker said. “It captures the charm and style of when it was built.”
The home’s craftsman origins are clear from the tall baseboards and the generous trim. The original hardwood floors remain, as does the house’s 1921 clawfoot tub. Even though the house measures a tidy 1,108 square feet, it seems to live larger.
“The entire space is used well,” Littenberg said. “It doesn’t feel small.”
The backyard adds to the property’s living space because of other recent improvements. Landscaping, which includes concrete pavers, has been added, and a storage shed provides a spot for stashing equipment. But the fun part is the putting green ready for brushing up on that golf swing for spring, summer and fall play.
Fairmount a Favorite
Priced at $410,000, the house boasts a favorite Fort Worth location. Its Fairmount neighborhood makes it close to trendy Magnolia Avenue and all its restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The hospital district and downtown Fort Worth are nearby, too.
The location also finds this house surrounded by other charm-filled older homes in a walkable neighborhood. The house and its surroundings have managed to stand for a century.
“I love these houses,” Littenberg said. “There’s so much charm and character, but they’re all unique. They show off what Fort Worth used to be 100 years ago.”
