Second Empire Cottage: Fowler Indiana

While you see  many Second Empires In cities like Cincinnati or St Louis in the Midwest, this form of architecture is rare in Indiana and rarer still in small towns. So when we found this Second Empire Brick Cottage in Fowler Indiana we had to share it with you.

Priced at 70K its a tad optimistic but the house is  rare style appears to have been recently updated but would be a good base for a period piece restoration.

1474 sq feet and two bedrooms, 2 baths , this home has good size garage and sits on a generous size lot.

More info:602 E 6th Street

Mansion Fixers: The Piqua Club, Piqua Ohio

History for sale, what can you say? Seven Bedrooms, 10,401 sq feet and the building has its own historic postcard. On the market for 250K, it my be a bit of a fixer, but its a grand fixer!

This building was the  Piqua Library for many years and previous to that, a Gentleman's Club. There is much more square footage than listed on the tax records. The basement and west wing provide an approx. 8000-10,000 sq.ft.

4 floors including a ballroom on top floor and basement. The Ground Level is handicap accessible. Operable dumb-waiter for moving items floor to floor. Previously zoned Multi-Use Commercial. Property has it's own parking lot that holds up to 6 cars. Heat is Boiler/Steam in good working order.

If you are in the market for a mansion fixer, this certainly fits the bill. More info: The Piqua Club

Midwest Preservation Bargains: 824 Main St Coshocton OH

It's not often we feature a house with no interior photos but this big Queen Anne in Coshocton caught our eye. Priced at only 64,900 its looks interesting enough on the outside it might appeal to someone and sometimes you find a remarkable intact interior on some of these homes.

This looks to be a classic Queen Anne and we think if you yanked off that vinyl you would find a classically detailed Victorian under it.

We say that based on the Tower details at the top. Note the garland swag detail at the tower where we presume would have been the beltline before the witches hat. Also note the curved top widows on the front gable and on the second floor above the front door. We can see this home with its porch restored an it was probably the grandest home on the block at one time.

So if you are as curious as we are maybe you'd like more info and if you look at please share your interior photos with us: 824 Main St

The Country Life: A stone Victorian, 228 N Eliason Rd, Centerville IN

It's been a while since we have had a "The Country Life" feature and we are looking but great homes with land are getting harder to find, but we think we found a good one today.

This is  foreclosure priced at only99K and strikes us as a bargain since it was on the market pre foreclosure at 189K . This home is on 1.89 acres and is near Centerville. Centerville Indiana is a great town on I-40 and is about 1/2 way between Indianapolis IN and Columbus OH. Its a great town with lots of antique shops and is just a few minutes to Richmond IN.

This is a late Victorian in a modified Queen Anne style and we love the turreted front porch. You will note this is a stone house and that's unusual but not uncommon in the country where the fire departments were some distance away.

The interior is beginning to lean towards the craftsman and Edwardian styles as one can tell by the staircase.

There is a very nice mantle with tile surround in the entry and we can't help but thing there are probably some nice hardwood floors under that carpet, and look at those pocket doors!

The kitchen appears to be recent and is serviceable as it.

It would not be Indiana with out a basketball hoop in front of the garage.

This huge barn looks sound and could possible be converted into a great home or maybe a place for an antique car collection or even an off the beaten path antique shop.

Good schools in the county too, this would be a great place to call home in retirement or a great place to raise a family. More info: 228 N Eliason Rd

Friday Fix! Great Midwestern homes 25K or less!

Its Friday and we have scoured the Midwest looking for some great restorable homes priced at 25K or less.

1015 Hays Park In Kalamazoo is a great home with picket fence out front and a interior with lots of potential. Priced at 18K its a great place to start.

More info and photos: 1015 Hays Park

3142 Sunshine Ave is located in Cincinnati. Its a great restoration project and priced at only 6500.00 and being a small 'empty nester' sized house, the actual cost of restoration will be small.

We love the original Model T carriage house. More info: 3142 Sunshine Ave

643 Jefferson St is in Quincy Illinois and need top to bottom restore but at a 10K sales price, you can't go wrong on this brick  cottage.

More info: 643 Jefferson

Our Friday Banner home comes from St Louis and at 13,7 for a 5 bedroom brick home we think this one can work.

Inlaid  floors, beamed ceilings and nice stairs and mantels area a great start here.

More info and photos: 5810 Julian Ave

Preservation Envy: 213 Elm St. Kalamazoo, MI

We are certainly envious of this restored home in Kalamazoo MI offered at 349K.

The Delos Chappell-Stewart home from 1880 was awarded a 2013 Historic Preservation Merit Award for its painstaking restoration. You have not only a 5-bedroom main house but an equally elegant one-bedroom carriage house apartment for investment income. This home is a jewel of the Stuart Historic District.

 

 Its owners have shellacked the interior woodwork, have lovingly restored the gorgeous stained glass windows, and have preserved the heritage of its one-of-a-kind use of different woods for each room.

 

 

This is not just a museum of 19th century artisanship but a true working home; custom-made cherry cabinetry throughout the modern kitchen with double ovens, gas cooktop, buffet servers, and pantry (with original doors and hardware). No expense was spared in replicating the ornate wall coverings or preserving the fireplaces.

No detail has been overlooked in the exterior maintenance (including all copper gutters) or the lavish grounds surrounded by a Lee Ironworks fence.

More info and photographs: 213 Elm St

Midwest Mansions: 1547 Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago

Perhaps you saw our 17,000 sq. ft. mansion on Mansion Fixers and said I'd love a big house but don't have the time. Well todays 18,590 sq. ft. Totally restored mansion might fit the bill.......if you have the Eleven Million it takes to own it. If you think that high this home was first listed for 18 M in 2013.

Designed by renowned architect August Fiedler, this magnificent 1891 Romanesque-style estate rests on an exceptionally large lot in Chicagos premier neighborhood, the Gold Coast. Impeccably restored, the home combines elaborate, timeless details with state of the art, contemporary amenities.

Original stained glass, mosaic tile and marble fireplace surrounds complement modern conveniences. Stunning hand-carved doors lead the way to a grand foyer and double staircase.

The expansive main level also,,features a sunny living area, a library, solarium and grand dining room adjacent to an incredible kitchen complete with stained glass skylight and butler and walk-in pantry. Traulsen, Miele and Wolf appliances are included. Further modern upgrades include a full-size elevator, a beautiful two-story high iron and glass solarium and sidewalk radiant heat. On the second floor, the master suite boasts an opulent bathroom, bedroom, sitting room and double walk-in closet. The second and third floors feature additional large bedrooms with luxurious, private bathrooms and expansive storage, a study, a ballet room and an oversized family area. Perfect for entertaining, the lower level offers an expansive catering kitchen and bar, with plenty of open space. The lower level also includes a mother-in-law suite with full kitchen. Lush, English-style gardens confer the home with a sense of unparalleled serenity in the heart of he city. Located above the homes 8-car garage is a charming two-bedroom coach house, complete with access to a spacious rooftop.

More info: 1547 Dearborn

The Ultimate Mansion "Fixer" : 809 Jefferson St, Huntington IN

This home has been featured on numerous blogs, yet it remains unsold and on the market for over 200 days. Do you NEED a 17,492 sq ft home? Probably not but surely someone is out there who can not only afford the initial reasonable cost of admission but has the "deep pockets" required to bring this grandest of mansions back to its former glory.

A rare opportunity to own a piece of Huntington history is now available. The Purviance House was built around the turn-of-the-century and was the premier home on historic North Jefferson Street. The home features over 9,000 square feet on two levels. This square footage does not include the basement of 4,500 sq. ft. or the attic with 20' ceilings that was planned to be a ballroom with another 3,900 sq. ft. The total square footage of the house is 17,492.

The owner has invested over $500,000 in preserving the structure but has decided not to renovate the interior. This property will require much renovation as there is currently no HVAC, plumbing, electrical, kitchen or baths. The woodwork is original and there are 10 fireplaces throughout the house. The grand staircase was a work of art including stained glass windows, a seating area and a mosaic tile fireplace. There is, also, back stairway. The views from the two balconies are phenomenal overlooking downtown Huntington. This property could once again be a beautiful home in Huntington with your ideas to finish the restoration. Federal Tax Credits could be available to a new owner along with possible State Credits so speak with your financial planner.

More info, (and tons of photos) : Purviance House

Midwest Preservation Bargain: 604 Spring St, Piqua OH

This home sits in the Central Business District in Piqua Ohio and would be excellent as a live/work or restore to grand single family residence,.

This home has some excellent features including several cast iron /slate mantels, original woodwork and great trim detail.

We like the exteriors classic lines and an interior that could be period perfect post restoration.

Priced at a very reasonable 54,600 for this 3 bedroom ,2 bath home on a 5663 sq ft lot.
More info: 604 Spring St

Midwest Victorians: 230 Park Ave Franklin Ohio

This classic Victorian is located in Franklin Ohio and priced at a very reasonable 114,900.00

This home has some great mantles, fretwork and pocket doors and a light restoration will make a world of difference.

Three bedrooms 1 1/2 Bath and a two car garage this 1896 Victorian will make someone a great home.

More info: 230 Park