17 Swindale St

This is the kind of mid-century modern house that rewards a close look. Perched on a quiet dead-end street, 17 Swindale St preserves original 1964 details—clean lines, an iconic fireplace marked with a stamped “C,” and generous windows that frame the private yard and downtown glimpses—while welcoming thoughtful updates that make daily life easy. The primary living areas feel purposeful and comfortable: the living room centers on the fireplace, circulation is direct, and the architecture allows discrete separation between sleeping and entertaining spaces.

Three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms occupy the main footprint (1,259 finished square feet), but the property’s real multiplier is a permitted, continuously heated 589-square-foot bonus space. Finished with recently installed, permitted heat strips, that area integrates with the home to create a living experience that reads more like 1,848 square feet—ideal for a studio, home office, extended family room, or workshop without sacrificing the home’s original character.

Practical features include in-unit laundry, a one-car garage, and a generously fenced backyard that provides a rare private oasis so close to the city core—perfect for pets, gardening, or small gatherings. The house carries a distinct provenance: originally built by E. Thelma Caldwell, a prominent figure in Asheville’s civic life, and owned by only two families since construction—a true local time capsule.

Location is a prime part of the story. You’re tucked away from traffic yet only about a 15-minute walk or short bike ride from downtown Asheville and the River Arts District—where galleries, cafés, breweries, and independent shops shape everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a stylish full-time residence, a pied-à-terre with room for guests, or a curated rental opportunity, this property blends historic mid-century details with the upgrades and extra square footage that make it versatile and livable today.