On the Market: An updated Mt. Airy twin for $499,900

Even after Candice Conrad moved out of Mount Airy, her professional life didn't stray far.

"I love the neighborhood culture and walking to shops and restaurants," she said.

Today her company, CMC Home Builders, focuses on restoring properties in the neighborhood she loves.

"I pride myself on focusing on the development of Mount Airy and bringing the houses that need love back to a place people enjoy living," she said.

Conrad said she has completed more than 20 similar projects and is in the process of restoring a local carriage home as her own residence.

"I can't wait," she said. "I'm so excited to be back and part of the Mount Airy community."

Not far from the carriage home, the company has just finished work on a five-bedroom stone twin.

"My company looks for the gems that haven't been stripped of their original beauty so that my team and I can restore them with as much of the original integrity as possible," Conrad said.

Now, the 2,348-square-foot home boasts new plumbing, electric and HVAC systems as well as new windows, refinished hardwood floors, and updated baths.

Conrad said it was important to her that the home maintain the character of its 1925 building.

"I keep as much of the original character as the condition of the house allows, at the same time updating the old with modern amenities," she said.

The home includes a large back yard, which Conrad said is somewhat unusual for the neighborhood.

"It's very private as well, which is a nice luxury in the city," she said.

She suspects the new kitchen will also be an attractive feature.

"The kitchen is grand as can be," she said. "Its island and Carrera marble countertops will appeal to the hip Mount Airy buyer."

The home is listed with Michele Cooley at BHHS Fox & Roach Chestnut Hill for $499,900.