1645 Woodbine Ave NE

Atlanta, GA 30317

Though you've likely never heard of utterly tranquil Woodbine Avenue, you've probably driven right by it: intersecting with the Hosea L. Williams thoroughfare, it's only about a dozen homes long (and they're all located on one side of the tree-shrouded street -- the other side is just green, green, green). And so, eight houses up the block, just a minute's walk from a community garden and a dog park, is 1645 Woodbine. And yeah, it's one of those lovingly restored, turn-of-the-century cottages that come to mind when you close your eyes and think, "Kirkwood." Robin's egg blue with a pair of gables, a cute white porch, and a big yellow door. The epitome of Intown Atlanta curb appeal (at an impossible-to-find price point). Inside, the most recent renovation maximized the modularity of the common area that flanks the north half of 1645. The vaulted ceiling plays effortlessly with the brick-lined fireplace, and hard-toned wooden floors draw the eye clear through to the functional, stainless-dotted kitchen. Homes like this one are so coveted because, over the decades, folks resisted the urge to "mess with the old-world vibe" too much (while still keeping it modern) -- a balanced restraint that, thankfully, was implemented here. The primary suite, in particular, is a gem, with a big ol' closet and a subway-tiled bathroom. The remaining two bedrooms (the one by the porch is our pick for a home office) share a central full bath as well. And then, we go out back, onto the bright-red deck. It opens onto a privacy-fenced yard that's dog-ready in the daytime, and just waiting for a firepit for when the sun sets. And then, crack a Sweetwater, and close your eyes again. Hear the birds chirp, and breathe in the sweet smell of sycamores. You're in Kirkwood, now.