We bought our last house because it would give us significant tax write-offs as a young couple with rising incomes of the original, floor-to-ceiling, craftsman built-ins. The cabinets with wavy glass panes were perfect for antique books and barware. The nooks and drawers let us curate our clutter. Our guests always fell for those built-ins just like I did. They were charming and set our house firmly in 1920.

Big yard aside, I’m pretty sure we bought our new house because it’s a buyers market and a great time to invest of the fireplace.

The inspector remarked on the fact that it’s real brick and mortar. It both divides and unifies the living and dining spaces. The brick is also the focal point at the end of the front entryway. It’s kind of the centerpiece of the house, a fact which will have to be played up or down, ultimately (strip the weird patchwork paint? Lightly whitewash?). We love that it firmly says “1965.” And, we also love this mystery:

Is it a pizza oven? Is it decorative? It has an operating flue and damper. It’s clean of creosote. Research has turned up nothing specific, except for this:

In case that doesn’t ring any bells:

Looks like the Bradys upgraded to stainless appliances at some point, too.