490.5 Ruth Street

Unique, In-Town, 1920s 2-Story, 1/1 Cottage, affectionately referred to as, ‘Baby Ruth’, this sweet abode feels like it may have been built by Keebler Elves, or Robinson Crusoe, with it’s treehouse feel. Once the guest house for the authentic 113 year old farmhouse next door, also for sale, these 2 unique structures have been subdivided from a larger parcel, and a driveway added, to eliminate the previously shared driveway. That said, both the farmhouse at 490 Ruth, and the cottage at 490.5, with it’s .33 acre lot, can certainly be purchased as a package, such that this property could continue to be a guest cottage, or a home office, art/studio space, or used for rental income or Airb&b. Independently, this is rare and artful, affordable in-town property, which offers a straight pathway into Downtown, crossing the Oconee River and River Greenway labyrinth of bike/walk trails, and intersects the famous UGA Arches the serve as the entrance to Historic North campus. Additionally, this neighborhood was once primarily farmland, so one can see several authentic historic farmhouses sprinkled in amongst newer construction, on a street lined with ancient oaks, and it’s just blocks from 5 Acre Woods, a neighborhood protected green space, and Williams Farm, which is managed by the Athens Land Trust, and serves the Community as an educational farm site. ‘Baby Ruth‘, though small, has potential to be expanded, as it sits on a good-sized lot, with a mix of old hardwood trees creating shade, and full sun areas, excellent for gardening. The structure has a newer, energy-smart metal roof, exceptionally thick, beefy wood siding, electrical updates have been made, and has been painted inside & out. Upon entering, the 1st floor is all common living area, including the kitchen, with new Shaker-style cabinetry, counters, sink, & stainless appliances. Additionally, the common area features wood wainscot, an antique mantle, pocket windows, & track lighting. An open staircase leads upstairs to a master suite with original heart pine flooring, wood walls/ceiling, and an abundance of natural light . At the top of the stairs, one can access a balcony overlooking the sunny and private back yard. If one is seeking to embrace a simple lifestyle, or the hard to find Tiny House experience, this may be the perfect space. Or, if needing more space, this unique cottage creates an excellent foundation that one can build additions onto, perhaps economically adding a 2nd, or even a 3rd BR, as time, need, or finances allow. Ultimately, this is a wonderfully central in-town location, convenient to all the things that make living in Athens, a culturally diverse, arts-centric, college community, so special. Two driveways serve this property, one dedicated right in front of the house, and a shared driveway, by Ingress/Egress Easement, along the Western side of the property; 490.5 Ruth does own the land under the shared driveway. See survey.