True Modesty
At 1,200 square feet or less, these gems make the case for downsizing.
$359,000
18 Rita Road, Dorchester
Square footage 1,056
Lot size 4,200 square feet
Bedrooms 2
Baths 1 full
2008 taxes $3,234
Last sold for $17,000 in 1975 (estimated)
> PROS This 1940 Colonial has a large living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a separate formal dining room. The kitchen is big enough that, with a needed remodel, it could easily become an eat-in space. Off the kitchen is a porch leading to a comparatively spacious yard and a one-car garage. On the second floor, two bedrooms share a hall bath. The bonus: The basement can be partially finished, and, even better, off the master bedroom is a full walk-up attic that could add a playroom or office to the home. > CONS The kitchen and bath are original. > CONTACT Maureen Connolly, Maureen Connolly Real Estate, Dorchester, 617-974-4563
$375,000
80 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston
Square footage 1,200
Lot size 1,846 square feet
Bedrooms 1
Baths 1 full
2009 taxes $1,892
Last sold for $270,000 in 2002
> PROS Talk about small space, big style. This 1890 worker's bungalow in Mission Hill has been home to a hospital office and a police station; the current owner removed the drop ceilings and refinished the beamed walnut ceiling to lustrous perfection. A huge brick wood-burning fireplace and built-in bookshelves add to its hunting-club appeal. The kitchen, with white cabinets and appliances, is small but efficient, and the bedroom has an en suite bath. Downstairs is a bonus room. > CONS The bonus room could have a higher ceiling, but the floor would have to be dug down. > CONTACT Bill Dellea, Coldwell Banker, South End, 617-571-1177, newenglandmoves.com
$389,000
227 Bolton Street, South Boston
Square footage 1,150Lot size 1,500 square feet
Bedrooms 2
Baths 1 full, 1 three-quarter
2008 taxes $2,790
Last sold for $342,000 in 2003
> PROS Gut-renovated in 2003, this home's layout makes it seem larger than it is. The fireplaced living room is small but open to the kitchen, which has space for a full dining table. Off the kitchen, with its granite countertops and like-new white laminate cabinets, is the guest bedroom and a three-quarter bath, as well as a door to the narrow L-shaped patio in back of the house. The basement level offers a bonus finished playroom or office, while the cathedral-ceilinged master suite comprises the second floor. > CONS There's no deeded parking. > CONTACT Robert Murray, GKR Residential, South Boston, 617-268-7600, gkrresidential.com -- Elizabeth Gehrman
