House Hunt: Decatur Hideaways

Hideaways should never be confused with hideouts. Yes, my beloved American Heritage Dictionary defines each as a "place of ... concealment," but it's the criminal connotation of the latter that is worrisome. A hideaway is a place where one ceases to worry over criminals, misplaced wildlife, hurtling planets (the one we live on, among others), and so forth.

I think of the stretch of Church Street between Trinity Place and Howard Avenue as "Hideawayland." When I lived in Decatur, I spent years driving on all the surrounding streets, but never along the block in question. I believe I had moved to the far side of town before I realized that Church Street is, in fact, two-way there; I had always assumed it to be otherwise. Near its intersection with Maple Street (which is one-way) stands a townhome, 128 Church Street.

No. 128, a terraced three-story brick structure with a curvy overhang shielding its front stoop from precipitation, has three bedrooms and three bathrooms (plus a half). The home's compact kitchen allows passage in two senses: The room connects the living room and dining room; also, an opening above the dual sink lets a cook serve diners, who can perch atop high stools (and stay out of the cook's way).

My own longtime ignorance of "Hideawayland" notwithstanding, the East Maple Street Townhomes -- of which No. 128 is a corner unit -- are mere yards from , a block from , and a short walk from downtown Decatur's main drag. The unit has a deck that overlooks the parking access/courtyard/greenspace for the townhomes and allows lazy-Sunday socializing with the neighbors.

With an ivy-draped privacy wall framing a Mediterranean-style courtyard out front, 236 Chelsea Drive is the very definition of a hideaway. It, too, has a deck (this one surrounded by latticework), as well as a door with an overhang. This painted-brick-and-masonry structure has multiple doors that incorporate large panes of glass, so light enters the home easily.

No. 236 has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. Throughout it are hardwood floors, and it has some integral shelving. It looks like it might make an ideal family hideout. So to speak.

An aside for readers who plan to take advantage of any open house events on Sunday: Don't forget to fall back as daylight savings time ends!

(Please note that all property details, including pricing, are confirmed as of press time but are also subject to change.)