Hot House: 123 West Read Street, Mt. Vernon, Baltimore, MD 21201
Semi-detached, Federal-style townhouse with mansard detail, circa 1900, in red brick with recent rubber roof. 2,524 sq. ft over four floors with 6 bedrooms, 3 full baths, kitchen with stainless steel/granite counter and breakfast bar, living/dining room, large master bedroom suite. Hardwood floors throughout, 4 fireplaces, central a/c, basement: $399,900 (price recently reduced)
What: In a former life, 123 W. Read Street was a commercial establishment – a corner store maybe, or a dressmakers. It has a big showcase window in front, and one large room as you enter off the street. That room is now the living room and a nice, step-up kitchen with breakfast bar. Most of the living was probably done upstairs, and it probably still will be. The listing says there are six bedrooms on the upper three floors, and there are, but some are small, and they function better the way the house is currently designed. On each floor is one large room and a full bath, with smaller rooms serving different functions — sitting room, office, dressing room, etc. It offers a lot of versatility, as long as you’re okay with stairs.
Where: Picturesque Read Street is near the cultural center of the city, and this house is just west of Cathedral Street, a few blocks from Mt. Vernon Place, the Peabody, Center Stage and the Walters Art Museum. It’s a fun neighborhood to live in, with frequent fairs and festivals, and lots of local characters. If you’re looking for friends, chances are you’ll find them here. Eddie’s of Mt. Vernon is your grocery store, Spirits of Mt. Vernon your wine shop, French pastry and bistro at Marie Louise, over on Charles — and everyone’s favorite, The Bun Shop, just down the street. This location gets a 97 walk rating, and an 88 for public transport, with buses running everywhere, and Penn Station about 1/2 mile away — so good for DC commuters. It’s always been a bit eccentric, but most Mt. Vernon residents wouldn’t live anywhere else.
Why: Cute house, and you won’t need a car.
Why Not: No parking either, so that’s OK.
Would Suit: Buyer who’d rather be in Greenwich Village, but…
NB: Listing says: SELLER SAYS SELL!
