So with the Cottage In the Woods off our list, we shifted our focus to another property we toured: a charming Cape Cod-style home located near shops. The neighborhood was unfamiliar to us, and we were a little hesitant, but we liked the idea of a livable, walkable setting that could revive the parts of us that once loved living in New York City and walking to stores and cafes. We decided to take a closer look to see if this cape cod near shops might be a good fit.
THE STATS:
- Year built: 1945
- House size: 2,001 square feet
- Lot size: 0.25 acres
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
THE PROS:
- Friendly, walkable neighborhood with convenient retail nearby — we could even walk to Target.
- The property offers a suburban, county setting while still feeling mildly urban and pedestrian-friendly.
- The house is older and clearly needs work, which could allow personalization and renovation.
- Beautiful hardwood floors run throughout much of the home, adding warmth and character.
THE CONS:
- Price per square foot felt high compared with other homes we toured, which affected the overall value proposition.
- The interior layout made the rooms feel segmented and somewhat closed off instead of flowing together.
- The main bedroom is on the first floor while the remaining bedrooms are upstairs; we prefer sleeping areas on the same level for convenience.
- There is no central air conditioning, an upgrade we would likely need to consider.
- The location places us farther from family than some of the other options we’ve seen.
Once inside, the house didn’t quite give us the instant “this is the one” feeling that sealed the deal on our current home. Still, touring this cape cod near shops helped clarify what we like and don’t like. The exterior was undeniably charming, and the surrounding streets felt safe and pleasant. Being in a walkable neighborhood reminded us how appealing it can be to have everyday errands within a short stroll — something we miss from city living.
That said, a higher price tag combined with the distance from family made this property less attractive as our top choice. The interior layout felt chopped into smaller rooms rather than offering open living spaces that accommodate modern family life. The main-floor bedroom configuration would be useful for guests or mobility needs, but it wasn’t the best fit for how we want our household organized long term.
We did appreciate the house’s potential. The hardwood floors and classic Cape Cod bones are excellent starting points for renovation. With thoughtful updates — opening up sight lines, adding central air, and reconfiguring some spaces — this property could be transformed into a very comfortable family home. For now, though, it helped us confirm that we enjoy the kind of neighborhood this house sits in, even if it’s a new area for us.
Because of that, we plan to keep looking in the same broader area — including two-level homes in Bon Air — so we can compare options beyond single-level ranches. Exploring properties with varying layouts and levels will ensure we find a balance between neighborhood character, practical floor plans, and price. Touring this home was useful: it reinforced our priorities and reminded us what matters most in our search.
Altered exterior photo taken by us and edited thanks to our friend Photoshop.
Psst — if you’re into nursery design, we spotted a particularly creative nursery recently that’s worth checking out on BabyCenter’s Nursery Crashing series.