Two amazing new Magic City Mod listings - city views!

They're out there folks. They really are. It's just that you can't see them from the road. Fortunately, you have me to help you on your mission.

The first is a personal favorite: a great Redmont-area "urban cabin" if I've ever seen one. $325K seems steep for a 2/1, but you're paying for the view and the in-town location. And, of course, for the ca. 1955 fabulousness of it all.

http://tiny.cc/Smolian





This one is also in Forest Park/Redmont. It is bigger with 3/3, and the price tag ($675K) is larger accordingly. From 1973, it has a bit more funk to it, and similar amazing views.

http://tiny.cc/altamont







So, I need somebody to go buy these places and then invite me to a cocktail party so I can be part of the splendor, if only for a few hours.

Cheers!

New mods on the market - winter edition

One typically doesn't expect to see a lot of new listings going into the holiday season. But apparently the Magic City is bucking that trend in 2009, as I have found some great mods in search of loving new owners. So, whether your leanings are for entry-level, posh estate or a quirky rural property, there is something for you.

First, something quite grand on 9 acres(!) in Mountain Brook. $2.5 million, but it is quite the place, and you could sell off the two extra lots. Some nice updating by local architect Bill Ingram.

http://tiny.cc/3KaoP




Now for the quirky. This one is in Jacksonville, which is between Gadsden and Anniston. Built in 1966 by someone who must have been the swinging-est rancher in town. Just think Dean Martin-meets-Gunsmoke. $299,999.

http://tiny.cc/KKwi3




A time capsule in Vestavia. I love this one. I think I would make my offer contingent on all furnishings remaining in the house (thanks to Tracy for finding this one for me!). A mere $199,500.

http://tiny.cc/o4YIt




For $259,000, an option in that little pocket of Birmingham that is snugged up next to Mt. Brook. A great location.

http://tiny.cc/XQQuA


And one truly can be modestly mod: some sub-$200K options. . .

In Crestline Gardens:
http://tiny.cc/2T178


and west Homewood:
http://tiny.cc/A62vs


and old Hoover (this is an REO, and I can't vouch for the neighborhood, but it would be worth a look for the price alone):
http://tiny.cc/y4QYW


Happy hunting!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch . . .

THE KITCHEN

The kitchen plans are starting to actually take shape. By shape, I mean something with actual definition, and not the amorphous, foggy compendium of ideas they have been until now. Cabinets have been purchased (IKEA Nexus yellow-brown) and are stacked in the dining room awaiting assembly.

Dining room and hall status as of 11/01/09 - condition critical:




*(Yes, that is a Stickley Brothers costumer and a giant A&C grandfather clock that you spy in the photos. We couldn't bear to part with all the old A&C pieces, and those two made the cut).

THE RUB

Back to the kitchen, and the rub that lies therein. The spouse is a granite fan. We put an amazing, high-movement granite in a traditional home we had in Crestwood back in 2003. It was great there, but I'm thinking not-so-great in this MCM home. I've always pictured a clean, off-white quartz in this home, and he is OK with this. But I still sense a wistfulness for the lost granite, as he has also picked out another quartz -- this one with a larger aggregate. It is really pretty cool and terrazzo-looking. So I am seeking input from my fellow MCM peeps. You people know what looks good, and I know you're not afraid to express your opinions. In my usual manner of placing carts before horses, I have already fallen for a particular backsplash (Sendai Silk by Lunada Bay Tile). I know it is a bit backward, but I am trying to find countertop to suit the backsplash.

Here are the options:







ECONOMY STIMULATION

We try to do our part. Thankfully, consignment stores make it easy to do so without breaking the bank. Below is the fabulous wire patio set we impulsively purchased and crammed into DH's Element yesterday afternoon. (Elements really are outstanding wessels -- everybody should have one). I think we'll just leave the set orange. Imagining sitting outside with friends on a crisp autumn day with a mug of mulled cider. Yummm!