Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargains: 333 Harding Way, Galion, OH

Just when you think a bargain can't get better, the price gets reduced! in this case a 7,100.00 cut to ONLY 72,900.00.

Corner Bays, Towers, and Balconies... Oh my! This is classic Victorian exuberance in full display. SIX bedrooms, three baths, 6 off street Parking spaces and mixed use zoning could allow for  a variety of uses.

More Information HERE

Monday, September 29, 2014

Historic Envy: 715 Main St.Wheeling WV

Wheeling WV is a great river town that is off the map for many looking for historic homes who might be looking at Cincinnati or Pittsburg. We love Wheeling and this great Italianate townhome is a prime example of some of the historic architecture available at attractive price points. In this case ONLY 149,500.00

Great parlor and Formal dining room and some over the top lighting are evident here in this classic home. The home looks like it may be slightly earlier than the 1885 date (maybe 1870) and it looks like a later Victorian update took place as the fireplace mantles are of a 1895 period

I especially like the river view and the slightly slower pace of wheeling is what many crave.

More info on this great home Here

Friday, September 26, 2014

Midwest Mansion, Historic "Hill Place" is on the Market , Indianapolis

It's sort of a 'stop the presses' moment if you follow historic preservation in the Midwest.  National Landmark Registered "Hill Place' is on the market and at only 750K I predict not for long. This 1850 era Italianate is one of the finest restorations in the Midwest and rare example. So next weeks Friday Fix will be a large list , I promise, but I know you would all want to know about this.

What the realtor says: "Hill Place is an outstanding early example (circa 1850) of Italianate architecture whose historic importance has been recognized by The Dept. of Interior by being listed on the National Register. Multiple brick arches support the massive structure that rises 3 floors above. Awarded Indiana Landmarks restoration award, the interiors are at once historically correct & aesthetically stimulating including the most incredible two-story library, imposing staircase and choice finishes."

Its are to see a renaissance Victorian interiors like this one and its a credit to the Kellers who meticulously restored this home over the last couple of decades. This house is labor of love and it shows

Aside from its grandeur it has the "grand library" which was artfully crafted by opening up the floor from the basement to second floor and creating a remarkable space.

This is the kind of kitchen I like to see modern and functional but not looking like a spaceship landed in an old house.

Basements in old house are often relegated to mechanicals but not here. Brick and stone are part of the interior design in the gentleman's billiard room.

Every room in this house exudes period elegance. Putting bathrooms in an 1850 era house is often a difficult proposition, this is done seamlessly here and while up to date it looks good in this house.

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, 7116 square feet. It does not get any better than this!

More info : HiIl Place

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Want to Live in a Landmark? 136 Eel River Ave, Logansport

Ever wanted to live in a Landmark? Well the  Tower House" in Logansport may be just what you are looking for . MOST of the hard work has been done and its bargain priced at 32,000.00.

This circa 1878 House is on the bank of the river in Bankers Row National Register district. Exterior restoration has been completed under the direction of Indiana Landmarks.
 
 
We have a new roof, new furnace and A/C, 200 amp service, new Pex plumbing , new water heater, some exterior brick work completed, and the tower has been replaced.

More information about how you can own a landmark is Here

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargain: 68 W Street, New Vienna, Ohio

Small town living isn't for everyone but if you crave peace and quiet of a small town, New Vienna Ohio, may be a real Midwest Preservation Bargain at only 69,900!

Nice entry
From its wrap around porch, sunroom and great woodwork and entry, this is a classic example of a well maintained Victorian home. Remove that Vinyl, put a period paint job on the outside and you will be the talk of the town.


Great period tile surround
4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2176 sq feet. Immaculate well maintained nine room home with natural woodwork, beautiful wood flooring, formal dinning room with walk in closet/pantry , enclosed porch and bonus room. Updated eat-in-kitchen with work island. Newer energy efficient furnace.

More info: New Vienna

Monday, September 22, 2014

Historic Envy: 3rd Street, Louisville KY

Quite pleased with today's "Historic Envy" piece. One of my fondest memories is restoring a home about a block from here on 4th street, a huge historic house that I remember finishing the parlor and formal dining room, moving in all my period antiques and relaxing in my parlor and I knew exactly what it was like to live in the Gilded age of Victoriana.

Gracious  seat for your waiting guests
Today's historic envy piece is what Old Louisville is all about, the grand opulent mansions of the Victorian Era.
Victorian opulence
1704 S 3rd is 6110 Square feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, over the top woodwork and a grand entry.
Great light fixtures and mantle
Most importantly, at 497,000, you can own a real mansion for the price of studio apartment in New York city or a tacky 3 bedroom tract home in suburbia of many major cities.

Love the floors and hanging rail
The listing: Old Louisville Mansion in move-in condition. Updated kitchen, master bath & laundry, hall bath and mechanics. New roof. Spectacular original features include: lead glass, doors, stained glass windows, 7 fireplace mantels, ornate plaster ceilings & wood work, original shutters & light fixtures and gorgeous staircase! First floor: entry room, living room, dining room, gathering room, kitchen, walk-in butler's pantry, half and full bath. Second floor: Master bedroom, master bath, laundry, hall bath. and 2 additional bedrooms. Third floor: bedroom, family room, kitchenette and full bath. Full basement with outside entrance: brick and concrete floors, bathroom and rooms for office, playroom, exercise room and storage. Alley access with parking area & room to build a garage. Fenced yard.

Imagine the cream of Victorian Society who entered these doors!
More information about this grand lady can be found here: 1704 S 3rd St


Friday, September 19, 2014

Friday Fix: Great Homes under 25K!

Every Friday we will put together a special collection of Victorian homes priced UNDER 25K! Some need everything, some are actually livable and most could be made 'campable' while you restore them. Think about that! A Victorian Home for less than a Econo car. In some cases, less than what you pay for one months rent! Hear that, East coast folks!


Large home located in Flint's Historic District. Hardwood floors, fireplace, and large front porch.621 Stone street is priced at ONLY 7,725.00 (NOT A TYPO) . Michigan has some of the best bargains in historic real estate right now as it works through the foreclosure glut. 5 bedrooms , 2975 Sq feet ona 1/4 acre lot.  LESS than three bucks a sq ft acquisition! More Info: FLINT

Another great Michigan city is Saginaw and this home at 521 Waller is just 8960.00. 1688 sq foot we love the second floor Bay window. A great Craftsman color scheme on the outside would transform this home into something really special. More info: SAGINAW

St Louis is experiencing a great rebirth as more an more of its neighborhoods get rediscovered and restored.3726 Michigan Ave is a great example of the St Louis  "Italianate" Bungalow. Built on a raised brick  foundation these homes have a lot more space than it appears. Now personally, I'd replace the glass block on the lower level or maybe some stained glass over it.  Paint the windows a proper Victorian Color and this house will shine again. 2 Bedrooms 1 bath this is the perfect home for the preservationist who is downsizing or a person doing their first restore. Love the patterned brick! Priced at only 12,500.00. More info: St Louis

Evansville Indiana, has some great homes and many neighborhood are under restore as rentals are being converted back to single family. This house at 1302 Cumberland is a cute Victorian cottage that is ready to be restored. The outside is ready for Fresh paint and eth inside needs it all, but a sound house and a great starting point at only 6500.00. More info: EVANSVILE

Todays' Friday Fix Cover home is an interesting one. I am not sure what the story is here but its a very unique property. The house has some very nice Italianate details and the "corner building' resembles some old interurban or streetcar stop buildings I have seen. This would be an idea Live/work home. One could restore the main house into something really special and have that 'shop' space which would be ideally suited to be a coffee house, antique store, or maybe an artist studio. Priced at 21,900! This  is a low acquisition cost. More information: ROCKFORD

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Series : The Cozy Cottage: Albany Indiana

In todays cozy cottage series we travel to Albany Indiana:Charming qualities of small town living one of Albany's first homes. This beautiful home was built in 1867. A two story home including a second floor balcony. This home boast 3 very nice size bedrooms, 1 down and 2 up with 2 full baths.

 Master bath has claw-foot bath tub. The home has 2 fireplaces one being in the living room, gas log. The other in the master bedroom is electric which also heats. In the kitchen there are new cabinets and new bamboo flooring.

There is beautiful woodwork throughout the home. The stairway to the upstairs is amazing with a great landing area leading to the upstairs balcony that overlooks the front of the property

 Property still has the original smokehouse that is now used as a workshop. Nice back porch to relax with privacy fence and a one car detached garage. Owner has replaced previous furnace with a new high efficiency furnace that make home much more heat. Priced at ONLY 92,500.00

More info about this great cottage: 148 S Broadway

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Midwest Preservation Bargain: Stuebenville Ohio

539 4th Street is Steubenville Ohio is a large Italianate Mansion for sale at a very affordable 125,000.00!

5 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2700 sq feet with nice mantels, stained glass and nice features and live in ready.

More info Here

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

New Series: Main Street Preservation Opportunities: Paris MO

This is the first in a new series that will be periodically exploring great "Main Street' Commercial properties that might be ideal for someone wanting to start a small business. The National Trust Main Street program has been a major factor in many small town renaissance efforts. Business district turnaround is often one of the harder things to do but is essential to preserving many small towns and making restoration of historic homes viable.


Today we look at Paris MO. Yes there is a "Paris" in Missouri.  Its a great small town and this prominent building would be a great redevelopment opportunity as a live/work.

Huge Commercial building in one of the best spots in Paris, right on Main Street at the corner of the 4-way stop. Across the street is the Paris National Bank and JACS American/Mexican Restaurant. Lots of room in this building with some improvements already done. Currently the building is being used as a Hunter/fisherman sporting good store. Upstairs used to be 3 different apartments that could potentially be turned back into 3 apartments again.
 

The main floor has plenty of big open windows open. to Main Street for store displays and advertising. The Gun store that currently is in the building will be moving locations in town, so it will be open to any new business! Also was a Flower store and a Hardware store at one time. The building has 2 one bedroom apartments and 1 two bedroom apartment. Would make for great rental again with some work. Bargain priced at only 39,900.00

Listing info: 121 Main St Paris MO

Monday, September 15, 2014

Historic Envy: 108 Lincoln Street, Williamsport Indiana

Williamsport is located on the Western edge of Indiana. It is home to an incredible collection of Victorian era homes and this Historical Gothic home in town is no exception

Sitting on 2.2 acres, this home is 4472 square feet,, has five bedrooms, 2 baths, and grand entry hall .


 Stained glass, high soaring ceilings, this home is original and unique! 7 fireplaces, wide hallways. 

Priced at 84,000.00 we are envious of whomever the next owner will be. More information Here

Friday, September 12, 2014

Friday Fix: Great homes under 25K!

Every Friday we will put together a special collection of Victorian homes priced UNDER 25K! Some need everything some are actually livable and most could be made 'campable' while you restore them. Think about that a Victorian Home for less than a Econo car. In some cases, less than what you pay for one months rent! Hear that, East coast folks!


313S 10th in Quincy Illinois is With people downsizing the shotgun cottage is 12K! Home has been gutted and ready for restore. The great thing about small houses is it doesn't take much to restore them. More info: Here

115-121 7th Street is a historic townhouse double in Hannibal MO. Priced at 14,500 a lot of work has already gone into these homes. Some nice woodwork and historic details here to. More info : Here

501 N Vine is in Monroe City MO, priced at an incredible 22,500.This is a huge historic home in the heart of Monroe City, MO. This home has 16 total rooms, all original wood work, pocket doors and staircase. If you are in the market for a historic home to remodel then this is the one for you. This home still has overall a pretty good foundation and the wood floors are sill in pretty decent shape. All the original wood work is already there and waiting for someone to make them new again. This home would be beautiful with the right person with the time and money. More Info: Here
912 Bauman in Akron Ohio, is our Friday Fix cover home and is priced at 12,000.00! This great early craftsman home has a lot going for it.  Things like leaded glass windows, built in bookcases, Porte Cochere, I mean seriously think of this restored with a nice period paint job. 6 bedrooms 2 bath 3245 sq feet! More info Here