> About a block from me, there is a house which I affectionately refer to as the "chocolate mint house."

Less than a mile from me, there is a house known locally as "The Trash House." It looks like anything but trash. It's a two-story brick modern colonial with a fountain in front and a large brick six car garage on one side mirrored by a guest house on the other side. There is a front gate with enough brick and iron to build a house with a fence around it. The front yard appears to be about 8 or 10 acres. I can't determine the size of the back yard which doesn't show from the road.
Yes, it is somewhat more elegant than any other house in the neighborhood, especially mine. Why "The Trash House?" Well, the owners started a trash pickup service in an area which had none. They operated it for several years, building up the business until they were able to sell it for millions. $6 mil to $60 mil, depending on who you ask. When the business sold they started construction and people began referring to it as "The House That Trash Built,"
later shortening it to "The Trash House." It does nothing to harm area property values and serves as a landmark. I give directions saying, "South on highway 11 and turn right at the first street after you pass The Trash House." Works every time.
How"at the real trashy house"ard