For sale: Houses north of Boston with sunny outdoor spaces and covered porches

LOT SIZE 0.25 acre

BEDROOMS 3 BATHS 2

LAST SOLD FOR 399,000 in 2005

PROS Set on a quiet, dead-end street by Chebacco Lake, this 1967 Cape offers year-round water views and shared shoreline access across the street. Enter through the screened porch, with exposed rafters and skylight, into an open living area with hardwood floors and recessed lights. The slate blue kitchen is updated with granite counters, stainless appliances, Shaker-style cabinets, and a center island, while the dining or family room has a wood stove insert, built-in shelves, and lake views. A deck off the kitchen overlooks the flat backyard. A bedroom, bath, and living room round out the first floor, while upstairs, two carpeted bedrooms with skylights and mini-splits flank the second bath. Laundry is in the basement. CONS No garage.

Andrée Robert, Engel & Völkers By the Sea, 978-290-2360, andree.robert@engelvoelkers.com

$950,000

53 ALBERT STREET / MELROSE

SQUARE FEET 2,010

LOT SIZE 0.11 acre

BEDROOMS 4 BATHS 1 full, 1 half

LAST SOLD FOR $750,000 in 2018

PROS This 1924 single-family with hardwood floors, central air, electric vehicle charger, and new roof sits on a tree-lined side street a mile from downtown Melrose. There’s a half bath off the entry hall, and French doors reveal a living room with fireplace and adjacent sunroom or office. Past the dining room, the updated kitchen has stone counters and cherry cabinets; a glass door opens out to a spacious porch with recessed lights and ceiling fan, a paver patio below with gas lines for the grill and firepit, and a small yard and garage. Upstairs, three bedrooms share a newer bath; through an archway, a winding staircase leads to a bonus bedroom and attic storage. Find a den, workshop, and laundry area in the basement. CONS No master bath.

Joanne Rodrigues, Redfin, 978-378-5210, joanne.rodrigues@redfin.com

Jon Gorey is a regular contributor to the Globe Magazine. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.