July 13, 2011

North Clinton Place is turning. It’s turning for the better in a big way, too. Why? Neighbors care about their property and take good care of their homes. It doesn’t hurt that the block is home to the historic home of the founder of Children’s Mercy Hospital – Dr. Katherine Beery-Graham, either. But this week we’re focusing on a project house that’s been meticulously renovated and restored with an eye for high quality workmanship and modern convenience, all the time restoring original where possible.

Listed by Bella Realty’s Sarina Hodges, 118 N. Clinton Place is a fabulous wedding of new and old. Some changes to the original interior floor plan are easy to spot. The opening up of the kitchen and dining area as well as the addition of high-quality low pile carpeting over the original hardwoods in the living and dining area to add insulation are the easiest to spot. Other modifications – like the moving of the back door to a different rear wall are almost impossible to spot, a testament to he quality of workmanship put in to the conversion.

The kitchen features new appliances, new hardwood custom cabinets and countertops and a cool breakfast bar area for quick meals on the go. The living and dining area are expansive and extremely inviting to guests and family alike.  A half bath has been expertly tucked in to the old pantry area just off the kitchen too – an added and very welcome convenience.

Upstairs there are four large bedrooms and a large full bath too. Here the hardwoods have been left exposed and they’re in impeccable condition. All of the old transoms above the doors are in place too and could be made workable with a minimal amount of effort and hardware. The finished third is accessed through the front bedroom which was probably a parlor area originally.

Mechanically the house has all the right upgrades in place. A newer 100-amp breaker box makes sure there’s ample power for modern appliances. Most of the plumbing has been redone and there is a new, 4-year old composition roof to protect the entire house from the elements. One of the best features is the beautifully landscaped yard, complete with a great back patio that’s bound to be a big hit at the neighborhood cocktail party.

This is one of those homes that was a real treat to go through and profile just given the character that’s been retained and the new modifications that were expertly and tastefully executed throughout the house. The whole package can be yours for a scant $129,000. If you’d like a closer look at this wonderful Clinton Place Four-Square, call (816) 231-4222 and talk with Sarina Hodges over at Bella Realty today. At this price in the Scarritt neighborhood – it won’t spend too much time on the market. If you’d like to check out more of Sarina’s listings, visit her site at www.sarinahodges.com.

– Michael Bushnell