827 Spruce StreetCharlotte, NC 28203Price: $525,000

Tucked into Wilmore, one of Charlotte's most walkable historic pockets next door to South End, 827 Spruce is a midcentury painted-brick ranch that has been thoughtfully updated and opened up to live bright and easy. You enter into an open concept, sunlit main room. Hardwood floors run throughout, a skylight and a wide picture window pull in the light. The kitchen sits right in the middle of it all, with a built-in banquette for enjoying your morning coffee. Three bedrooms and a renovated full bath complete an efficient single-level floor plan, finished with a crisp black, stone-topped vanity and modern fixtures. The surprise is out back. A spacious deck looks out over a big, private, tree-shaded, fully fenced yard. There is room here to garden, entertain, or simply spread out, the kind of secret garden space, complete with a calming water feature, that is hard to find in the city. From the front step you can walk to Pasta and Provisions just three blocks away. A bit further on foot or bike gets you to South End in minutes, the Rail Trail, the breweries, the murals, and the restaurants. Uptown and Bank of America Stadium are just a 15 minute stroll up Mint Street. This updated, move-in ready cottage on a surprisingly big lot, steps from everything in South End is one not to miss!