On Tuesdays, I start my day in anticipation of the sleuthing I shall do to find the best in show among the many new properties on view for the first time. Will it be the best buy of the day or will it be the best example of a particular design well rendered? Today, I found a little of both.

I am always on the prowl for vintage architecture where the original glory and intention still infiltrates the whole property.   With the new listing at 819 Cedar Street, in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Santa Monica, I was even more pleased than I expected from my preview of the property photos online.  The home is offered at $1,298,000 and features three bedrooms, a den and two baths in nearly 2,220 square feet. Originally built in 1927, the house proudly maintains an artfully groomed exterior in the Craftsman Bungalow with such features as its wide Craftsman classic four panel four lite front door with dentil shelf trim and lots of wood throughout the home.

A second story continues the design integrity, keeping the classic wood sash windows and horizontal siding all the way around the house and up to the roof. The downstairs has been opened up to provide the room sizes and floor plan that are preferred by today’s young families along with a large eat-in kitchen with wood floors, yards of white cabinets and counters, punctuated by stainless appliances and trim.  The master bedroom is downstairs; two great sized bedrooms are up the stairs and share a roomy bath between. The whole house, inside and out is impeccably clean and in ship shape, respectfully maintaining its vintage pedigree while offering graceful modern amenities in continuity with that vintage.   The spacious backyard offers a patio crafted from free-form flagstone, a grassy yard and graceful mature trees.

The Craftsman style house, known for its low-pitched gabled roofs with broad eaves and exposed wooden structural elements is typically 1-1½ stories and of wood construction. What most distinguishes the Craftsman home was its philosophical foundation that was predicated on a more functional aesthetic, natural materials and a greater degree of craftsmanship. Arts and Crafts architects and designers believed that a return to a simpler, less pretentious style would lead to a healthier, more comfortable and productive life. Nothing could be more in line with what’s happening in housing today.

Bonus: Should the ever popular “guest unit” be desired out back, this property, with its R2 zoning, may allow the potential of a legal, second unit.

Downside: Units behind (which can be obscured with a little strategic landscaping) and proximity to Lincoln Boulevard (which may not suit everyone, but is great for access to public transportation).

Value: All things considered, this property offers ready-to-go convenient living in this turn-key opportunity competitively priced. Perfect for busy families who want a vintage home in which they can just unpack and go.

What do you think of this home?  Have you seen any amazing properties in your neighborhood lately?  Please share your ideas and leave your comments below.

Sunset Park Week in Review: A Look at What’s New and What’s Gone Into Escrow:

New Listings:

1. 2422 21st Street offered for $948,000
2. 1328 Hill Street offered for $950,000
3. 819 Cedar Street offered for $1,298,000

New Pending Sales:

1. 1014 Wilson Place listed for $1,099,000
2. 3202 31st Street listed for $1,199,000
3. 1615 Ashland Avenue listed for $1,395,000
4. 2437 18th Street listed for $1,329,000

If you have any questions about this find of the week or any of these homes — or the market in general — please do not hesitate to contact me.