Open house pick of the week: Palolo

I love it when older homes get renovated. You get the trappings of a brand new home on the inside, but the overall cost is much more affordable than your usual luxury or executive home, because the outside stays retro.

Such is the case with this little gem in Palolo Valley just before Palolo Ave. forks off to Orchid St. (Click here for details.) This part of the valley is much more quiet and mellow compared to the bustling entry.

When the current owner bought the home in 2010, it was 860 square feet and in fair condition, according to realtor Joanne Matsuoka. The owner totally gutted the house, extended it to 1,846 square feet, and renovated it with copper piping, engineered wood flooring, and a wet bar in the family/recreation room. The kitchen and bathrooms now have wood cabinets and granite counter tops, modern lighting and more.

The home has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and there's quite a bit of yard on the 4,953-square-foot property. The structure is also in great condition now, thanks to the renovation; it's just that the design is reminiscent of Kaimuki's yesteryear.

It’s definitely one to see, and its first open house is this Sunday. Happy house hunting!