1070 Belmont StreetManchester, NH 03104Sale Price: $285,000

One step through the front door of this hand-crafted mid-century home and you'll fall in love with the LIGHT. Giant windows on three sides of the open living/dining area bathe this home in sunlight filtered by mature trees throughout the day, and the hardwood floors reflect the muted glow. This is no cookie-cutter ranch, though. The first floor offers a spacious master suite with double closets, a walk-in pantry, an efficient kitchen, and two additional bedrooms or offices, but the basement is the big surprise. Follow the beautiful oak steps down to the expansive family room, complete with wood fireplace, sunset-facing picture window, and access to the large deck ringed with greenery--a quiet retreat for reading & writing, or a wild martini party room! Just beyond the family room is a small room with a sink that was a darkroom, but which could be transformed into a second kitchen or bar. And there's another semi-finished room with a working wood fireplace and direct walk-out access that offers several possibilities. And there's still tons of room for storage, laundry (washer/dryer included), and great shop space with a sturdy workbench, also with direct walk-out access. The systems have all been updated as well--newer roof, furnace, h/w heater, and electrical, so you won't have any expensive surprises. The wonderfully walkable neighborhood is near Derryfield Park and all the great restaurants downtown.