Editor's Note: Houston is loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap Editor-at-Large Shelby Hodge snoops through some of our faves and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.

2113 State St.

As quaint as a storybook dwelling, the Meyer House, circa 1896, beckons all who value a sense of place and history. Located in the heart of the Old Sixth Ward, a protected historic district, and situated a stone's throw from downtown, this charming cottage was built by German immigrants who kept the house in the Meyer family until selling it in 1997.

Today, the white picket fence, the ancient trees that shade the over-sized 6,000-square-foot lot and the pleasing symmetrical design make it a star in this historic neighborhood.

Walk through: Entering from the front porch, we land in the long central hallway, a sort of closed-in dog-run design. On either side are two spacious rooms (your choice: living room, study, bedroom) with two similarly-sized rooms behind. The current owner, who sunk a bundle into thoughtfully updating the kitchen, employs the two rooms at the back as a dining room and master bedroom.

Moving through the dining room to the kitchen, we are instantly charmed by the sensitive re-do. The owner took much of the house back to the studs, rebuilding it with shiplap paneling, preserving the original pine floors and in the kitchen incorporating bead board in the design that includes butcher block counter tops, glass pulls and custom cabinetry. Had he only had the resources to do the same with the master bath, which also is the only bath on this floor.

And that is the rub of a house built 150 years ago— limited plumbing facilities and virtually no closets. If you can live with that, this is a house to love. It just feels right even if the shiplap boarding in the dog-run hallway reads solidly rustic.

The small back porch of the house was enclosed by a previous owner to make way for the indoor plumbing, closet for washer and dryer and back entry to the kitchen. The current owner added a generous deck overlooking the shaded backyard.

Next, up the narrow and turning stairs we go (watch your head) to the second floor where the ceiling is somewhat low. But real estate agent Mike Mahlstedt says there is ample room to raise it to the roof line thereby creating a more spacious feel. Two adjoining rooms with dormer windows, a bath and storage areas comprise this floor.

A quaint guest house, built in period style, with a charming loft sits at the back of the property.

Love it: The mere fact that this cottage sits in one of the city's rare protected historic neighborhoods (cobblestone streets on a few blocks) makes this an appealing option.

Flexibility required: As stated, the bathrooms are less than lovely and there are no closets to speak of, but the creative homeowner with extra cash to invest, can easily remedy these drawbacks, that in some ways add to the charm of the place.

Central location: This block of Sixth Street rests just off of Sawyer, between Memorial Drive and Washington, making it an easy shot west toward the Galleria and a quick hop and jump to the skyscrapers of downtown.

Square footage: 1,827. Guest cottage: 500 sq. ft.

Asking price: $399,990 (reduced)

Listing agent: Mike Mahlsted of Martha Turner Properties