4356 N. Kostner Ave
Another dark house! This one is covered in wood shingles and looks like it belongs in Maine. I love all the classic Chicago architecture styles, but it's fun to see houses that are unusual for the area too. Even the interior paint colors remind me of classic New England style - like one of the miniature houses on display at the Art Institute.
It's also in one of my favorite areas - a quiet corner near Old Irving Park and Mayfair, but still close to the train. I've been paying a lot of attention to lot size lately, as I'm getting more and more into gardening and urban agriculture. This house doesn't have a double lot, but it's slightly oversized - 4600 square feet as opposed to the standard 3125.
Definitely livable condition as-is, but it could use some updates, particularly the old carpet and drop-tile ceilings. The kitchen is clean and bright but has a pretty inefficient layout and a design that doesn't do justice to the cool built-in cabinets on one wall.
4 beds, 1.5 baths, $380k. Somebody buy this house!
