A raised basement Craftsman duplex in Gentilly asks $369K

Raised basement homes are a graceful product of their marshy, subtropical environment—the low-ceilinged, above-ground “basements” are a practical solution to the city’s high water table, which prohibits actual subterranean living (or burials). Their lower levels can be used for storage, a studio, or a separate rental apartment, as seen in this circa-1924 raised basement duplex.

The 1,820-square-foot owner’s unit sits on the second level, with a wide front porch overlooking shady Franklin Avenue in Gentilly. Flooded during Hurricane Katrina and the federal levee failures, the duplex sat vacant for a decade. It was extensively renovated in 2015: all mechanical systems (including plumbing and electrical systems) were replaced, and the home was updated with an eye toward historic preservation. That attention to detail is evident from the time you step through the front door, which is flanked by functional sidelight doors.

Picture rails, dainty chandeliers, arched doorways, and original plaster walls bring vintage charm to the 1,820-square-foot upper owner’s unit, which is a double shotgun conversion. An open living, dining, and kitchen area sits at the front of the house; three bedrooms and two bathrooms are in the rear. The kitchen was updated with concrete countertops and stainless-steel appliances. In the bedrooms, which had former lives as kitchens, built-in recessed cabinetry was preserved and remains in place. Likewise, a bathroom features its original cast iron tub and a starburst glass window.

Downstairs, a 1,348-square-foot rental unit offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms, along with finished concrete floors and new appliances. It would be a nice pad for a student from the University of New Orleans, which is only a 10-minute drive away. There’s also a covered patio and a backyard deck.

Via: Chanthala Souriyavong of Liz Wood Realty, LLC