PROPERTY PROFILE
Mid-island possibilities
Coldwell Banker JMW $725,000
It is rare that an affordable property comes on the market presenting a prospective buyer with as many options as the new owner of 26 Allen's Lane will have. The current dwelling has great appeal as the proverbial starter house and, what's more, it is available for immediate occupancy.

Upon entering the ranch-style house, one finds oneself in a large living space. Even on a gloomy day, the front picture window, as well as a side window, keeps the living room bright and cheerful.

Beyond is the roomy kitchen area, with its substantial counter space. (The kitchen cabinets are the one aspect of the house that the new homeowner may want to deal with sooner rather than later. They show signs of wear, but are certainly functional, as are the appliances.) The size of the kitchen allows for a table for four.

At one end of the house are two double bedrooms, both of which feature very large closets. There is a shared, full bath.

To the other side of the living room and kitchen is a large side entry/mud room, which also functions as a laundry room. (The washer and dryer are included!) With a little creativity, this space might also accommodate a desk.

Up above is an accessible, unfinished attic, affording lots of storage.

With only one owner occupying it since it was built in the early '70s, the house has been lovingly cared for. It is wood-paneled throughout, except for the bathroom, which sports an unusual and eye-catching wall (and ceiling) surface.

The property has pine trees on two sides, but, even so, the large (more than 10,000 square feet,) open lot gives a sense of lots of openness. Even if the house were expanded, there would be plenty of play area for children, or room for a nice patio and barbeque area or a garden.

The location of this home has many advantages. Off Fourth Way, it is close to the schools, the skating rink and midisland shopping. Nearby Hooper Farm Road provides easy access to the Surfside Road and Fairgrounds Road bike paths, as well as to South Shore beaches.

Engage in some creative thinking and more ideas for the use of the property will come to mind. With about 1700 square feet of additional available ground cover on the lot, which is in the R10 zone, the house could be expanded upwards and outwards into a great family home. Or it could enlarged and converted into a duplex, providing the owner with additional income. Or, by the same token, an investor could add on to the building and turn the two units into condominiums. Finally there is the option of giving the house itself to the Housing Office, moving it off the lot and building an entirely new dwelling.

With a great location and all sorts of possibilities, the two-bedroom, one-bath home at 26 Allen's Lane is offered, partially

furnished, for $725,000. I