405 North Allen Avenue, built 1908 Designed by architect William Leigh Carneal, this gracious home originally served as both residence and office to a physician who operated in what is now the breakfast room. Although the previous owners had restored the home in 1990, the kitchen was gutted and redesigned in 2008 to feature the Wolf range and to make the space more "chef-friendly," while preserving the original pine flooring. A re-worked pantry includes an ice-maker and bar; plate and pot drawers add to the kitchen's functionality. The container garden, highlighted by a koi pond, features plants chosen for their varied blooming times, colors and textures, and leads to an alley garden, shared by neighbors as an entertainment enclave.   1911 Hanover Avenue, built 1910 Entered via a brick curved front stoop, this charming home combines family antiques with flea-market finds, original fireplace tiles and stained and leaded glass with new owner-designed library bookcases. The owners improved upon a prior kitchen renovation by adding woodwork to create visual continuity with the sitting area and by opening up the back wall with over-sized windows that bring in more light. Leading to the cheerful garden-arranged into distinct areas and accented by whimsical accessories-is an owner-designed covered back porch, a relaxing spot for morning coffee. The raised portion of the stone work creates a casual dining area from which may be viewed not only cottage-garden plantings but also herbs and vegetable plants.   2410 Hanover Avenue, built 1910 A striking color combination of navy bricks and green door attract the eye to this house with a terraced front yard. The owners have completely redecorated the first floor in the last 9 months, mixing antiques, new items and eBay treasures. Custom-made cabinets, Carrera marble countertops and a cork floor distinguish the 2008-renovated kitchen, which was enlarged by removing a full bath. Additionally, a half wall now connects the kitchen and family room, and new French doors lead to the garden. Here a deck not only provides ample entertaining space but also a trapdoor to access the steps to the walkout basement.   308 N. Granby Street, built 1904 Completely renovated in 2002 by previous owners, this house includes a rare first-floor private bedroom suite, ideal for visiting relatives, and seven original fireplaces. Despite its unusual shape and many angles, a former parlor became a highly workable kitchen with refinished floors, mahogany-stained alder cabinets, and pressed-tin backsplashes. The bar situates guests comfortably on the outside of the work area, a perfect entertainment set-up. In 2006 the current owners added a pantry, expanding storage space. Unusual ornamental trees-Blue Atlas cedar, weeping cypress-anchor the front raised garden. In back, the fence was built around the large pin oak. On the house's south façade are large colorful paintings created by "Aunt Elizabeth," who lived there almost 50 years.   2009 Monument Avenue, built 1919 Originally the personal residence of the developer Harvey C. Brown, this home stands out for its three stories, false mansard roof and the black mortar between front exterior bricks. In 2007 the present owners renovated the entire house, converting a triplex back to a single-family home. The handsome kitchen features cherry cabinetry, honed soapstone counters, a terrazzo tile floor, Wolf stove, hallophone prismatic glass shades on the light fixtures and a restored stepback cupboard. A curved deck with curved rails, paved walks and a separate eating area create visual interest in the small intimate garden whose low-maintenance, hardy plants include Little Richard abelia, Carolina jasmine, Encore azalea and gardenia.   2124 Stuart Avenue, built 1915 Wide brick steps lead up to a wider than typical porch of this corner-lot house whose gardens-front, side and back-the owners have created themselves. Dogwood, nandina, juniper, camellia, and magnolia: these plants were chosen for color, shape, texture and seasonal bloom variety. A father-son project, the back yard treehouse adds charming verticality to the play area behind the garden furniture. Indoors, two striking Federal Period pieces from Philadelphia, a gilt mirror and a sofa, grace the hallway. A 2007 renovation updated a 1941-era kitchen by tearing down a wall to enlarge the space, creating ingeniously ample storage, and making basement access easier. Note especially the collection of 19th-century spongewear and crocks.   2416 Grove Avenue, built 1915 Attracted by the Fan's walkability and diversity, the owners of this delightful house appreciate its size, not too large to maintain with their busy schedules but large enough comfortably to accommodate and display their furnishings. Including family heirlooms, the house is adorned with antique French furniture-Louis XVI, Second French Empire and Napoleon--as well as handsome silver pieces. A commercial stove and inviting bar area enhance entertaining in the kitchen, renovated in 2004. Additional gathering spots, a deck and lower patio provide relaxing vantage points from which to enjoy the small, cozy garden and its low-maintenance plants.   202 N. Strawberry Street, built 1908 A carriage house, deck, and climate-controlled garage: all are recent additions to this side-street property. In 2008 the owners did all the work of converting the carriage house from an in-law suite to a game room, distinguished by its hand-planed teak floors and striking color scheme. Noteworthy features of the 2005-remodeled kitchen include a dual-heat oven, granite countertops, an under-cabinet wine and beer refrigerator, and large ceiling-to-floor windows. Multi-color fireplace mantels, plantation shutters and refinished hardwood floors set the stage for the artworks: paintings, photos, and a bronze sculpture. Along with the 70-year-old wisteria vines lining the side yard, the garden's many hardy plants are watered by underground irrigation.   1700 Hanover Avenue, built 1895 Evidence of a focus on family abounds here: the open kitchen/sitting area facili-tates children's activities, a local artist's portrait of the family shows them at nearby Lombardy Park, the family tree hangs in the living room, an in-law apart-ment sits over the two-car garage. Allowing for cookouts and sprinkler play, the comfortable garden displays low-maintenance, fast-growing plants-akebia vines, ligustrum, gardenia-in white, purple, and green. Charlottesville-area soapstone countertops and generous storage exemplify the priorities of function and space that guided the kitchen's 2003 renovation. The owners' eclectic art collection includes a vintage French poster, a Jolly Green Giant ad, paintings and lithographs by local artists, and framed antique hairpins.   1613 Hanover Avenue, built 1908 Previous owners sequentially bought three adjacent houses; razing the middle one opened up a delightfully private garden anchored by a grand terrace whose antique-brick walls separate this house from its "guest" house next door. Within this space bordered by an imposing rear gate and cupola bloom boxwood, daylilies, hosta, hollies, and nandina. Combining three rooms into one, a kitchen renovation in 2000 added a seating area with recessed lighting, installed granite countertops and transformed the original parlor-room linen press into an island. An eye-arresting 19th-century ship wheel is only one among many items of marine memorabilia that adorn this large, sunny kitchen. ** Photography Courtesy of www.tonygiammarino.com