Cute and colorful North Loop cottage can be had for $358K

Students and working-class renters once ruled the day in the clutch of single-family houses where this cute cottage sits. That was planes approaching what was then Austin’s airport (now Mueller) made North Loop a great, if ear-shattering, bargain rather than a sought-after, central city neighborhood.

Still, much of the quirky appeal established by flight-path pioneers remains, and this home a few blocks from the restaurants and retail that are part of its appeal maintains the small scale of the original—for now, anyway.

At 895 square feet, it packs a lot of cuteness into a small space. Some of that is no doubt the spot-on staging (which wouldn’t be too hard to replicate), but the original hardwoods floors, French doors and paneled doors, and sweet front porch help as well.

In contrast to the compact home, the large, fenced backyard looks to have room for more outdoor living and entertaining areas (there’s already a patio), gardens, and other fun stuff, fairly set back from surrounding structures.

The home has two bedrooms and one bathroom with an open-plan kitchen and living room. The kitchen has new stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, granite counters, and updated cabinets.

The bathroom has been remodeled with subway tiles, a beveled glass window, and a double sink.

The backyard has a porch, a barbecue area, and a corrugated-metal fence.

• 403 West 55th Street [Steve Mallett, Keller Williams Realty]