A Charming Cape Cod in Madison’s Beloved Schenk-Atwood Neighborhood

245 Waubesa St

2 bedrooms / 1 bath / + office
977 sq ft / 2-car garage / + 3-seasons room

LISTED FOR $340,000

A Thoughtfully Updated Cape Cod Full of Character

Set in the heart of Madison’s beloved Schenk-Atwood neighborhood, this charming Cape Cod offers the kind of warmth and character you feel the moment you arrive — a home filled with inviting spaces, thoughtful updates, and a lifestyle deeply connected to the surrounding community.

Step inside to arched doorways that define the 14’ x 13’ living room, where natural light fills the space and highlights the recently refinished maple hardwood floors (May 2026) that continue throughout the main level and stairwell.

The fully renovated bathroom was thoughtfully redesigned down to the studs, blending clean, updated finishes with practical design. Marble floors, a bidet toilet, a new tub with marble tile surround, and a handheld shower wand are complemented by updated plumbing, lighting, fan ventilation, and a vinyl window — creating a space that feels both refined and functional.

Just steps away, the main-level bedroom offers convenience and comfort, with newly refinished hardwood floors adding to the cohesive feel of the home.

The kitchen maintains its original cabinetry, preserving its timeless character, while thoughtful updates completed in 2018 introduced a stainless-steel gas range and refrigerator, with a new kitchen faucet added in 2026. New light fixtures installed in the kitchen and dining area in 2017 add warmth and character to the space. Efficiently laid out, the kitchen offers functionality today while still leaving room for future personalization and design possibilities.

Flowing naturally from the kitchen, the dining area features a breakfast bar that creates an easy gathering space for casual meals, morning coffee, or conversations that linger into the evening. Just beyond, the four-season room brings an entirely different feel to the home — cozy and full of character with its wood stove and log-style walls, offering a flexible retreat to enjoy throughout Wisconsin’s changing seasons.

Upstairs, the upper-level functions beautifully as a bedroom with an office nook, though the flexibility of the space allows it to easily serve as a studio, playroom, guest retreat, or additional living area. Updated light fixtures installed upstairs in 2026 bring a fresh, modern touch while maintaining the home’s inviting feel.

Downstairs, the basement adds even more versatility with areas for laundry, storage, a workshop with built-in benches, and a workout space. The laundry area includes a large wash basin, adding everyday practicality and convenience. The workout area features a built-in Swedish stall bar, ideal for calisthenics, strength conditioning, stretching, and flexibility training. Previously used as a second living area with a wood stove, the lower level offers opportunities to adapt the space to your needs over time.

Behind the scenes, several major improvements provide peace of mind, including a furnace, water heater, 200 AMP electrical panel, and smart thermostat (2016), along with Carrier A/C (2019). Outlets and switch plates were updated throughout the home in 2026. In May 2026, the home and garage received a complete roof tear-off with new architectural shingles, along with newly installed vinyl siding that gives the exterior a refreshed, low-maintenance finish.

A spacious two-car garage — a rarity within this neighborhood — provides exceptional storage and flexibility for bikes, outdoor gear, hobbies, or additional workspace.

Outside, the property continues to offer touches of charm and functionality. Along the side of the home, a mature grapevine produces thornless blackberries, adding a unique and unexpected feature to the yard.

Beyond your front door, Schenk-Atwood offers one of Madison’s most vibrant and connected lifestyles. Positioned along the north shore of Lake Monona between the Yahara River and Starkweather Creek, the neighborhood is known for its walkability, community feel, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Just steps away are the Capital City State Trail, Goodman Community Center, and Atwood Community Gardens.

Atwood Avenue serves as the heart of the neighborhood, lined with locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, music venues, and gathering spaces including Garver Feed Mill, Barrymore Theatre, and neighborhood favorites like Stalzy's Deli and the Alchemy Cafe.

Additional local favorites nearby include the Winter Farmers Market at Garver Feed Mill, Jennifer Street Market, AtwoodFest, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and the Biergarten at Olbrich.

The neighborhood’s dining and social scene offers something for nearly every mood, with nearby favorites including Forward Craft & Coffee, Wilson's Bar & Grill, Harmony Bar & Grill, Monty's Blue Plate Diner, Glass Nickel Pizza Co., Lao Laan-Xang Restaurant, Bar Corallini, Starkweather Brewing Company, Monsoon Siam, Player’s Sports Bar, and Tex Tubb's Taco Palace.

Everyday conveniences and neighborhood staples are equally close by, including Ford's Gym, Main Street Yoga Center, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, Anaala Salon & Spa, Yahara Place Park, and Hudson Park.

Blending original character, meaningful updates, flexible living spaces, and one of Madison’s most sought-after neighborhood settings, this home offers more than just a place to live — it offers a lifestyle rooted in comfort, creativity, community, and connection.

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