Italianate – Constantine, MI
SOLD / Archived Post
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Added to OHD on 4/3/17 - Last OHD Update: 11/3/19 -
21 Comments
285 N Washington St, Constantine, MI 49042
$35,900- 2 Bed
- 1.5 Bath
- 1464 Sq Ft
- 0.59 Ac.
This beautiful two story Victorian home features two bedrooms and one and a half baths. The main floor features the kitchen where you will find high ceilings,a dining area, a living room den area and a half bath. Upstairs you will find both bedrooms and a full bath. All information Represented herein is approximated and individual verification is recommended. Information is not guaranteed.
State: Michigan | Region: Midwest (East North Central) | Associated Styles or Type: Italianate
Period & Associated Styles: Italianate (1840-1885), Romantic Era | Misc: Fixer-Uppers
Period & Associated Styles: Italianate (1840-1885), Romantic Era | Misc: Fixer-Uppers
18 Comments on Italianate – Constantine, MI
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Comments that do not add value to the conversation in a positive manner will not be approved.
Click here to read the comment rules, updated 1/12/20.
Commenting means you've read and will abide by the comment rules.
OHD does not represent this home. Price, status and other details must be independently verified but please do not call the agent unless you are actively looking or interested in the property.
Chestatee, GA
Thanks TeriB for sharing!
Thankfully she has good bones cause on the surface she needs some love.
Taking out the 70′ carpet would already improve it a lot.
I see no evidence of fireplaces in the house although a chimney is seen on one side. Not including a photo of the staircase is disappointing but it may have been enclosed in the past if the house was divided up into apartments. Seems unlikely if the under 1,500 sq. foot floorspace is accurate. Not much to get too excited about from an old house lover’s perspective. Some careful choices in decor could return the Victorian era flavor to this house and perhaps if a mantel is missing, a salvage item could be put back in. Seems reasonably priced for what is offered. A better photo of the outbuilding in back would also be of interest to potential buyers.
It so needs the exterior cornices it doubtlessly had back. the exterior looks out of balance without them.
That large slag glass lamp would look better in the kitchen or maybe in a different house. Love the basement. Exterior of this house is definitely more attractive than the interior.
I like the exterior but inside I would take the carpet out especially in the bathroom. Needs a lot of TLC.
For the asking price I was pretty sure it would be worth taking out the 1970s and restoring this to the home it must have been. I don’t think the neighborhood would let you get your restoration monies out of it in a future sale but it could be a wonderful place to enjoy for a lifetime. Especially if it was landscaped. The garage/shed appears on the google map. Maybe a carriage house since it’s two story. Close to the water activities is a plus. I see two stairways – the white painted one looks utilitarian and possibly enclosed. The stained one (blue carpet) looks open and more formal. If I was a serious buyer, I’d certainly want to see this in person – I’m guessing there is love waiting. Hopefully the roof’s been fixed and wondering if it comes with it’s very own Farmall!!!.
I must admit, I am quite taken with this house as well. I think I see an enclosed back staircase but I also see an open railing in another picture, making me think this might be an open front staircase. I also think there are double parlors (1 possibly has the fireplace) and possibly 4 bedrooms instead of the two listed. It would be great if a photo was taken of the front hall where the open stairs might be as well as the fireplace wall in what I suspect would be the front parlor. Really, not bad for $43K.
I agree that the 2 bedrooms in the listing is likely wrong. I also doubt the square footage is accurate.
This house may not be fancy but that’s what I love about her. With some hard work, she could be a beauty again. That kitchen would have to be replaced. The floors refinished after that nasty 70s carpet is taken out. I don’t mind the painted wood work. The arched full length windows are wonderful. Plus I’m a fan of porches. I can see where a porch swing would go………..
I opened this up expecting to see a wreck inside and am blown away by the beautiful architecture that many of the rooms possess and really, the degree of care this home has received. How many homes of this age have an air conditioning system installed? There are very few houses that I have seen where I would make absolutely no changes, no matter the price point, and at $42,900 this home could be made to be quite smashing. This one has the potential to be quite a jewel. Sigh. I wish my home was sold already. I’d install fireplaces in the blink of an eye. I don’t watch HGTV for nothing.
Do you know what I like about this house, is that it doesn’t look like a small house, I love the windows, I love the clawfoot tub, the kitchen could use a renovation, as far as all the carpeting, like someone else said, maybe it protected beautiful floors underneath. It’s a perfect house for people my age, not old enough for retirement homes but just enough to keep you busy making this your home. I really kind of like this house. I would like a fireplace though, but that’s not impossible. Oh and the tractor out front, well I can already see happy face on hubby LOL.
Philadelphia, PA
What a charming house! I am a total sucker for an Italianate! Yes the carpet is the first thing I would remove, but there is so much to love! The heavy door and window moldings are fantastic. I can’t help but wonder what the staircase is like.
I do spy knob and tube in the basement which it potentially throughout the entire house. That would need to be one of the first things to address.
Less than 43k?!!! I’m in love with the house and its potential and that basement is the icing on the proverbial cake!
A superb house I was expecting a messy interior what a surprize. Wonderful windows and it could be amazing once finished. A real charmer that need some love in it. Regards Kimmie from Englandxxoo…
Constantine is a very sleepy small town – a few years ago they built a bypass for the highway that ran through it (and in front of this house).
I agree that the square footage and room counts seem off – it’s possible there are “bonus rooms” upstairs (bedrooms without closets). And I do believe that you can probably see the St Joseph River from the upper floor – it’s only a few blocks away!
Thanks Kelly for posting it – for the price, I thought she had really good bones.
I agree, at the price she is worth a discussion here. I prefer the small size, but I wonder if that square footage is off. A little work could make her a respectable home again, and while she wouldn’t please the purists, she is still worth a shot at getting her closer to her original state. Thanks for sharing!