"The best of yesteryear" best describes this 100-year-old home a block off Mount Airy's charming Main Street. Not only is it within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants at the community's recently restored heart, the home is eligible for special exception zoning that could allow an office or work space – perfect for the professional looking to hang out his or her shingle.

From the street, a circular drive leads past a cluster of crepe myrtles to the home's columned porch. Other exterior features include replacement windows and low-maintenance, vinyl siding, as well as the original standing seam roof.

Inside the front door is a large foyer. Originally the living room, the space has a honey oak hardwood floor and crown molding. At the back of the room, the original staircase of refinished heart-pine leads to the upper level.

To the right of the foyer, an arched doorway opens to the dining room, also floored with oak and fitted with crown molding and chair rail. There is a period chandelier, which might be an original feature of the house.

To the left of the foyer is the sunken living room. The carpeted space offers crown molding and a fireplace with a wood-burning stove insert. The large brick hearth has a built-in wood box. A side door leads to the outside, while a second door off the living room opens onto a full bath with ceramic tile, beadboard wainscoting, pedestal sink and a shower.

Straight ahead of the foyer, another arched door leads to the breakfast room, also floored in oak. Turning right, painted paneling adds a country charm to the all-new kitchen. The updated space features an oak floor, granite countertops, an eat-in bar and maple cabinetry with glass display doors. There are recessed lights and a skylight. At the rear, an octagonal window adds a whimsical touch.

There also is a laundry closet off the kitchen.

A side door leads out to the attached carport.

From the carport, a brick walk flanked by a stone wall leads past an attached storage shed to a covered concrete patio. Fitted with a ceiling fan, the patio has a circular flow and has views of the property, including the ivy-covered back fence. Stairs by the carport provide access to the unfinished cellar.

The upper level has three bedrooms, all floored in oak and fitted with ceiling fans. One is further enhanced by chair rail, another with picture rail. The hall bath has a painted wood floor, beadboard wainscoting and the original clawfoot tub.

Also along the hall is a large, walk-in closet that could be reconfigured into a second bath, creating a true master suite.

Specialties of the house

g Address: 207 Cross St., Mount Airy

g Style: Colonial

g Lot size: 0.34 acre

g Price: $425,000

g Estimated taxes: $3,896

g Bedrooms: 3

g Bathrooms: 2 full

g Contact: Bonnie Winkler, RE/MAX Realty Group, 301-831-5600, 301-639-3939