$459K East Lake House Billed as 'Amazing Transformation'

The listing agent calls the to-the-studs renovation of this 1928 East Lake cottage an "amazing transformation," and it probably qualifies as such, though its newfound industrial-chic panache might not be every buyer's cup of tea. This approach of incorporating wood from the original structure recalls house rehabs we've seen in Old Fourth Ward in recent years, and the result is rustic authenticity that pops against so much marble (the dual-shower master bathroom) and white tile (the kitchen). Elsewhere, we find barn doors galore, a black-ceilinged living room that borders on gothic and an airy, roomy backyard deck that looks rather spectacular. The house is on Second Avenue between Drew Charter School and what's planned as a sort of mini-downtown for East Lake on Hosea Williams Drive. At 1,600 square feet, it hardly qualifies as huge (the basement's unfinished, it should be noted), and the three-bedroom, two-bathroom floorplan won't leave an excess of rooms. The $459,000 asking price buys unique style and a clear passion for craftsmanship, but it could be a high wager that reclaimed wood never goes out of style.

· 116 2nd Ave. SE [Estately]