938 Sandswood DriveGastonia, NC 28054Price: $544,900

Tucked at the end of a quiet street in an established Gastonia neighborhood - custom mid-century homes on large lots, no HOA - this one-level ranch sits on nearly an acre and lives larger than you'd expect. Ahead of its time when built in 1967 and beautifully maintained ever since, it blends timeless mid-century character - exposed-beam ceilings and walls of windows - with a layout made for everyday comfort and easy entertaining. The dramatic step-down living and dining room centers on a stunning rock fireplace, while the kitchen opens to a spacious den warmed by a second fireplace. A pass-through serving window connects the kitchen to the pool, set in a private courtyard framed by the home - your own backyard retreat with a newer pump and Hayward filtration. Storage is generous throughout, including a spacious walk-in pantry and a mud/laundry room with full bath. 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths include a primary suite, with ceramic-tile baths, a circular driveway, and a 2-car garage rounding out the home. Unbeatable location: less than a mile to the Schiele Museum and Gaston County Library, about a mile to the Catawba Creeks Greenway, and minutes to I-85, shopping, and dining. Crowders Mountain State Park is roughly 12 miles and Charlotte Douglas International Airport about 16 miles.