1508 Forres Avenue St. Joseph MI 49085 MLS #26010135

*Sellers have accepted an offer* Open house on 5/17 is canceled. Historic character, timeless craftsmanship, and one of the most desirable locations in St. Joseph come together at this beautifully preserved early-1900s Craftsman on Forres Avenue. Situated directly across from Milton Park on a picturesque tree-lined brick street, the home is just a short walk to downtown shops, restaurants, and the beaches of Lake Michigan. Originally built for the Hatch family, this exceptional residence offers nearly 3,000 square feet of living space and showcases remarkable original craftsmanship including rich woodwork, crown molding, and hardwood floors throughout.
The spacious layout offers both elegance and comfort with a formal dining room, inviting living room, and a comfortable family room that opens through French doors to a large deck ideal for entertaining. The kitchen features newer fingerprint resistant black stainless steel KitchenAid appliances, an informal dining area, and a charming butler’s pantry. A truly special historic detail is the covered side entry off the driveway, accessed through French doors and originally used for dropping off guests by carriage. It adds both charm and function, while offering another reminder of the home’s history and thoughtful original design. A main-level bedroom or office with private exterior entry provides excellent flexibility for guests, remote work, or creative space, along with a convenient main-level half bath.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite offers abundant natural light and the convenience of in-suite laundry, full bath and walk in closet.There are 2 additional large bedrooms and another full nath on the 2nd level. An original antique hutch from the Hatch family estate remains at the upper landing, adding to the home’s rich history.
One of the most exciting opportunities is the large third-floor attic, complete with an added dormer and large window already in place. This space offers incredible potential to be finished into additional living area, a studio, office, playroom, guest space, or another customized retreat. The home also features a second staircase with a landing, which could potentially provide future access to the third floor and create a beautiful, functional connection to additional finished living space. For a buyer who loves historic homes, this is an opportunity to thoughtfully improve and personalize a beautiful property without stripping away the character that makes it so special.

The sellers have completed significant capital improvements, including approximately $50,000 in Renewal by Andersen wood windows on the main level, a new roof on the house and garage in 2024, new leaf guards in 2024, a new sewer drain line in 2026, a new furnace in 2014, a new gas fireplace insert, newer black KitchenAid kitchen appliances, new garage doors with Craftsman-style windows, and a new shower surround in the primary bath. Set on 1.5 lots, the property features a charming covered front porch with porch swing, an expansive entertaining deck, fenced backyard, plenty of off-street parking, and an extra-large two-car garage, a rare find in downtown St. Joseph. A full basement provides excellent storage and additional future potential.

For nearly 3,000 square feet in this location, with this level of historic character, major updates, parking, garage space, and future expansion potential, the value is remarkable. 1508 Forres Avenue is a rare opportunity to own a classic St. Joseph home in one of the community’s most loved neighborhoods.