This 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow is on a beautiful tree- lined street of the historic residential area known as “Terrace Gardens.” Recorded as built in 1930, Fresno library records have names associated with this house dating back to 1928. Neighborhood rumors also say that the house was ordered as a pre-fab kit from Sears during the late 1920’s. Nevertheless, this one story charming house has a welcoming front porch with two red metal vintage chairs surrounded by potted plants, Christmas lights and garland and a Santa’s mailbox ready to welcome those who enter. Because of its small size and limitations, the owner has put a lot of thought into creating a welcoming living space.

It is also important to note that much of the home’s decor was purchased by the current owner from yard sales, giving it a uniquely eclectic charm. Some of the colors and accents throughout the house reflect the owner’s time spent in Kenya, adding warmth, personality, and a worldly- inspired touch to the home.

As you enter, the front living area has original wood floors, wooden door frames and a beautiful stained glass window above the faux “fake” fireplace. The original wood pane windows in the living room and throughout the house are covered with wood blinds and add to the coziness of the rooms. The Christmas tree to the left of the ‘fake” fireplace is decorated in pink and white with six named gingerbread children. Below the tree, sit multiple gingerbread paper wrapped gifts. This tree is one of five Christmas trees throughout the house.

The master bedroom, located to the immediate left of the living room entry, has original hard wood floors. Despite its size, it features a walk-in closet and access to a Jack-and-Jill bathroom which connects to the second bedroom room currently used as the kitchen nook. Despite its limited space, the owner added another Christmas tree to add the spirit of Christmas to the room.

The kitchen has been completely renovated and thoughtfully reconfigured into an L-shaped layout for much needed counter space.The floor had multiple layers creating an almost 4 inch rise from the living room to the kitchen. During the remodel, it was speculated that the house at one time shifted and settled causing the flooring to lift. Once the multiple layers were removed, the floor was leveled and the current linoleum flooring was added. Pine beams were added to the ceiling, creating a rustic feeling to the space. Cabinetry was replaced and added. The overall renovated design offers a fresh and functional feel. The owner did leave the original brick behind the stove and added some shelving where you will find another Christmas tree and the owner’s yard-sale cookie jar collection.

Originally considered a two-bedroom, the current owner believes that a previous owner considered the second room too small to function as a bedroom and knocked out the kitchen wall to add a breakfast nook still keeping the bedroom closet as well as the door to the Jack and Jill bathroom The kitchen nook has the Santa and cocoa table with a collection of vintage yard-sale purchased Christmas cups and another decorated Christmas tree.

The den, converted from a covered patio, is a welcoming, open, unique and “fun” extra space. The beamed ceilings are from the original outside patio. Features also include the original arched brick steps and the PGE meter to the left of the stepdown entrance. The floor also has the original broken concrete pieces which the owner kept to add rustic character to the room. The windows and French doors added to the openness of the room making it a welcoming room for everyone to relax. In the corner of the room, is the last of the five Christmas trees, with its colorful ornaments, wrapped presents and basket filled with various Christmas wrapping paper.

Outside is a fully renovated backyard. Every detail was planned. “Plants and grass were removed and started from the ground up,” according to the owner. A tree was removed to redesign the yard into an ideal space for entertaining and family gatherings. A patio was specifically added complete with a gazebo, yard-sale-find furniture, and electricity for convenience. In the center of the yard is a hexagonal brick shaped area that was unearthed and cleaned and filled with a flower garden. To the west of the patio, sits a 20-foot sea train container. This container took four hours to navigate up the driveway and is used as a much needed storage space. Originally intended as a bar area it is perfect for all of the owner’s holiday storage. Every detail on the patio reflects the owner’s care and creativity.

There is no doubt that the house is truly a unique part of the history of the Fresno High neighborhood. We hope you enjoy this tiny bungalow with an enormous heart.