Photo: Picket Fence Pretty: Wood floors and a clawfoot tub would make the Cleavers happy.

Cute is the operative word at the white Victorian cottage at 1701 Hoffman Street in New Monterey--a fact that owner John Berlin acknowledges readily. "It''s just got so much charm," he says. "And come on," he laughs, "it''s got pink trim."

There''s even a white picket fence around the front yard, that leads into the large grassy side yard.

Features like bay windows, some with stained glass, lots of angles and nooks and crannies, gingerbread trim, and that bygone detail of eras past--a front porch--give a nostalgic feel to this home built in 1907.

"It''s got a really cozy mudroom entrance," says Berlin, referring to the nook off the porch that has white-painted wooden shutters and an old bench to sit on to remove shoes before entering the house.

The 1740-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home was partly remodeled a few years ago. Some of the most attractive updates include a new kitchen with Corian work surfaces, Cherry cabinetry, and a generous pantry.

But much of the original character remains: a pass-through between the woodpile in the large side-yard and the dining area allows for easy stoking of the old wood stove. A newer marble slab surface behind the woodstove provides attractive functionality.

Exposed dark wooden trusses support the high ceilings and add more of that authentic feeling in the large living room. Old wood floors cover most of the home, and in the downstairs bathroom, a clawfoot tub with a handheld shower offers the chance to bathe in true Victorian style.

Niches in the upper walls of the downstairs bedrooms offer innovative storage solutions. An open area between the laundry room and the back bedrooms offers space for an office, a lounging area, or for the odd Nintendo game or two.

Seven skylights throughout the home, more recent additions, bring more light into the already sunny house.

A large open room upstairs with lots of storage provides a master suite that Berlin enjoys. "My favorite room is the upstairs--with all of the room and the balcony," he says.

Although there is currently only a half bath in the upstairs suite, a closet next to the bathroom could be remodeled to include the shower that is currently located in the downstairs laundry room. Parts of the house, which sits behind large pine trees, offer Bay views to Santa Cruz. And in preparation for an even more unobstructed view, the roof over the master suite has been reinforced to accommodate a hot tub, some serious star-gazing, and big blue water views.

The land to the north of the house is owned by the city, but is leased to the owners of the house. Neighborhood parks abound, and a trip down Hoffman Street offers some major water and city views on the way to the shops of Lighthouse Avenue. "It''s a really neat quiet neighborhood," says Berlin. "Everybody''s been here for awhile."

The house has the potential to be remodeled to fit the needs of a new owner, while still maintaining its heritage. "It''s got nice curb appeal and history," says Realtor Chip Aronson.

Price: $589,000. 1701 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. Contact Bert or Chip Aronson at RE/MAX Monterey Peninsula at 625-3535.