216 Northwood Cir, Durham, NC 27701

As the expression goes, ''Life is short. Eat dessert first.'' You're in luck, as this delectable cottage is the house equivalent of the perfect cookie: Made with love and just a *tiny* bit salty. When whipping up a recipe like this, the first step is to assemble the ingredients: Start with one perfect location, add three bedrooms and two full baths, and toss in a liberal handful of charm. Fold in a copious amount of custom built-ins, new appliances, and hardwood floors. Set the new (induction) range to 350, and head outside with your preferred cold beverage to take in the backyard from the mini-pavilion, complete with ceiling fans. You'll be grateful for the solar panels and new windows throughout, which take a bite out of the power bill when it's baking like an oven outside. When the weather begins to cool, you'll cozy up to the new gas fireplace with hot cocoa and treat in hand. The cherry on top is the garden, currently bursting with fruits (actual cherries! plums!) and vegetables. And don't fret - if you decide to take a spontaneous beach trip to beat the heat, the irrigation system will make sure you come home to a healthy bounty. As any serious baker knows, Fat = Flavor, and this house is loaded with the latter. Pour a glass of milk and get ready to eat this one up!