55 Jenkins Street

On the market for the first time in over 60 years, this well-loved 1920s weatherboard cottage is a modernized classic with options to renovate, extend or redevelop (STCA) on the 280sqm block. An ideal entry point or investment in this central suburb, it's just five minutes walk to Stockland shopping centre, cafes, restaurants, schools, golf course and City buses, moments to the City expressway, ten minutes walk to North Sydney Boys High School and less than 1km to Crows Nest caf and restaurant precinct. Built circa 1927 by Mr Shead, the founder of Sheads real estate agency on Sydney's Upper North Shore, the home was bought by the current owner in 1954. The newly-weds worked on the buses, based at the North Sydney depot, and were looking to buy a first home that was convenient to work. They paid an initial $200 deposit and by 1964 had paid off the total sale price of $803 - scrimping and saving on wages of under $20 a week to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible. The home was renovated in the late 1950s, with further updates over the decades. The single-fronted weatherboard home has a central lounge with fireplace and an open plan dining room and retro gas kitchen flowing through to a rear sunroom opening to the wraparound low maintenance back yard. There are two double bedrooms, master with contemporary ensuite, along with a fully-tiled main bathroom and large internal laundry. The home retains many of its original 1920s features, with high pressed metal Wunderlich ceilings, picture rails and sash windows, along with an immaculately-maintained 1950s kitchen with laminex benchtops and Early Kooka gas stove, plus the benefit of ducted air-condiitioning throughout. The house is set on 280sqm with side gated parking and lock-up garage. "Surrounded by renovated and new-build homes, this is one of the few remaining original houses in the street, offering a rare opportunity to buy into this central location and capitalize on the wide block, village convenience and City proximity," says marketing agent Justin Ferguson of Ray White Ferguson Cammeray.