The Best Listing of 2014 (for the Mere Mortal)

• December 15, 2014

by Lark Turner

201 13th Street SE

UrbanTurf usually stays away from publishing rankings or lists — except at the end of the year when we look back at all DC’s residential real estate scene had to offer during the previous 12 months. So, this week, we are looking at not only the best, but the most intriguing and peculiar things that came across our radar over the course of the past year.

For the vast majority of us who aren’t pulling in the money for a multi-million dollar house, UrbanTurf sorted through the hundreds of more reasonably-priced listings featured on the site this year to come up with our favorite. The winner: A former sledgehammer foundry on Capitol Hill with history, character and the flexibility to make it your own.

A bedroom with an en suite overlooking the living area.

The home at 201 13th Street SE (map) has had a long, varied life. After being used as a foundry, it took on the role of a corner store and later became the home of Capitol Hill fixture Margaret Roles, who passed away last November. Roles, a teacher who bought the house in the ’80s, was known for volunteering and connecting people in the neighborhood.

The storefront-turned-home is just off Lincoln Park, with a large open concept living room that separates it from its taller and narrower neighbors. The 12-foot pressed tin ceilings, large skylight and 20 large windows make the space a rarity on the Hill. No wonder it sold for well above the asking price in less than a week.

• Address: 201 13th Street SE (map)
• Asking Price: $499,900
• Sold Price: $570,000
• Days on Market: 6
• Bedrooms: Two
• Bathrooms: Two
• Square Footage: 960
• Year Built: 1895
• Listing Agent: Joel Nelson, Keller Williams Capital Properties

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/the_best_listing_of_the_year_for_the_mere_mortal/9305