Pair of small cape cottages are brimming with possibilities

Think of the possibilities. That's what real estate agent Jean Seymour of Today Real Estate in South Yarmouth, tells prospective buyers who come to see the two small cottages she's selling on Main Street in North Harwich. One sits close to the road; the other is out back. Each has just one bedroom, but each has a sunroom in addition to the living room.

But what's really special about the property is the setting -- on a half-acre, surrounded by conservation land near Sand Pond. There's a small patio, a lovely perennial garden, and space for chairs and relaxing. The house next door, once part of this property, has been donated to the Harwich Conservation Trust.

Both cottages are rented . The owner, who lives in Washington, recently inherited the property. The cottage in back has an open floor plan, with a small kitchen, a living room, and a side ``summer room." The bedroom -- with drawers built into the eaves, two closets, and more storage in the crawl space -- is in the loft. The only source of heat is a gas wall furnace, so living here year-round would require another heat source.

The front cottage is packed with the belongings of the current occupant. It hasn't been updated in years, but a new roof was put on in December. According to Seymour, each cottage is $200,000. The possibilities she sees include a home and studio space for an artist, a mini-family ``compound," and maybe housing for restaurant workers provided by their employer/landlord . The property is zoned for limited business, but any business would require town approval.

VANESSA PARKS