Specially selected historic real estate for old house enthusiasts.

Moderator

Reply to Kate | 143 comments

21 days ago

I remember on one episode of “Little House on the Prairie,” Pa Ingalls was set to inherit some money. He wanted to buy Ma a gift and asked her what she wanted. She said, “one of those new-fangled jeweled watches that you pin to your dress like a brooch!”

Assuming that series was 100% historically accurate ( 🙃 ), there might have been a fad in the late19th century for them?

16

https://www.google.com/search?q=victorian+ladies+lapel+watch&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizwujN7sH9AhXyN0QIHcL4CJMQBSgAegQICxAB&biw=1564&bih=804&dpr=1.1

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

A very good guess. There was.

For some very nice antique examples and modern copies:

And here as well:

https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&q=victorian+ladies+lapel+watch&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=bUEU0W7dY3d1OM%252CbRCWSkCnUfbrCM%252C_%253B1yYovBtFA4PmXM%252C4BuTykigNPwOjM%252C_%253B7gehA768q_lbQM%252CQkAtcyLIhqHKWM%252C_%253Bm9oyd0wfBlXi5M%252C4BuTykigNPwOjM%252C_%253B7W-EVFnDdABF-M%252C64VGj1h4zRU5ZM%252C_%253BFFO9B5DFYX1Z7M%252C26pq970bProz_M%252C_%253BYWU7VawyQv21_M%252C4BuTykigNPwOjM%252C_%253B_PL2pQ6toqynVM%252C2_MRrSzWZjmBsM%252C_%253BVy3OaokNN3kmMM%252C2fLGpTb1uImQKM%252C_%253Ba0IGmntViBKfnM%252CwS-PH24tBDYlKM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kRbNSpPAPiAFVxRfi7L_xtzEmXmgw&ved=2ahUKEwitmqzU7sH9AhWDIkQIHbtxA4wQjJkEegQICBAC&biw=1564&bih=804&dpr=1.1

My grandmother had a very nice one in a black enameled champlevé case with seed pearls. It matched a pair of black champlevé opera glasses, with pearls on a silver chain. Not certain what happened to them.

6

roxxx | 970 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kate | 143 comments

18 days ago

And I thought they were only for women. Men having their pocket watches on a chain.

0

The World’s Largest Postcard Shop – Mary L. Martin Ltd. Postcards (marylmartin.com)

Moderator

Reply to Kelly, OHD | 14785 comments

21 days ago

You probably already know about this site, but sharing it just in case, and for other readers who love old postcards. This is a rabbit hole, but so much fun:

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Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

oh my gosh! thanks!

4

Dmflask | 63 comments

Reply to Kelly, OHD | 14785 comments

21 days ago

Maybe Kansas. Probably not. Looks “Plains State-y”, but probably south of Kansas. Mansard roofs are rare in Kansas. I blame the possibility of snow build up on the almost flat portion of the roofs. Have to love the gingerbread detail on this little place!

4

Supporter

Reply to Kelly, OHD | 14785 comments

21 days ago

The center point of the camera’s eye was focused to the right of the center of the subject – the house – causing the lens to distort the image so it ‘leans’ to the left.

2

Supporter

22 days ago

I love Nan, Mae & Esther (step-sister) beautiful girls & gorgeous apparel! I had never heard of “Campello” Massachusetts so did a quick search & found this history:
https://kpnabrockton.weebly.com/history-of-campello.html

Here is a house from the above website, also on Plain St. – maybe the second house on the left in Kelly’s postcard?

15

Moderator

Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

21 days ago

I guess Esther is the step-sister to the other 2 girls, so they would be step-sisters also. When going through old family photos, many are badly labeled like that. How many times do you see Mother or Grandpa but have no clue who it is?!

7

Supporter

22 days ago

A truly sweet house with a very smart owner who took many pics of the wonderful garden while it was in bloom. Much unmolested woodwork and original details. Inglenook and other built ins. Not what I expected from the outside. It is in the Summit Hill neighborhood. Street view shows a charming and affluent area.
1926 $394,900
3 bed 2 bath
1,244sqft
6,360 square foot lot
1099 Lombard Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105
The listing: Now, near the eve of the centennial of its creation, this splendid 1926 historical property is available for just the second time in 80 years. Original woodwork, built-ins, doors, glass doorknobs, coves, arches, lighting, locks, wood engraving, inglenook wood-burning fireplace and most fixtures have been faithfully preserved, though you’ll take pleasure in modern conveniences like the updated kitchen with cherry cabinets, Silestone countertops and stainless steel appliances, and the renovated bathroom with clawfoot tub, walk-in linen closet and heated tile floor. You’ll relish every day of spring, summer and fall from the three-season porch on the private, chemical free, nature-filled lot complete with native plants and pollinator friendly perennial gardens, thoughtfully created to provide blooms throughout the year. In a highly walkable location on a very special block on Lombard, this is a rare opportunity to own and cherish a home of vintage style and timeless quality.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1099-Lombard-Ave_Saint-Paul_MN_55105_M75172-82470

Often, when an appealing MN. house is being discussed, some concerns are voiced about the winter weather. I’ve been impressed with how people living there embrace it, find ways to revel in it, and make the most of it. Here’s an example from MPLS:
02-22-2023 Minneapolis, MN – Bed Sledding During Snowstorm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UD7yX33Vko&t=25s

Rather hilarious. I thought the lit bedside lamp was a nice touch. In case anyone felt like reading The Call Of The Wild. You know, as they progressed along Arctic Mpls streets.

10

CvZ1200 | 126 comments

22 days ago

309 Van Rensselaer St, Syracuse, New York, 1912: $119K (https://www.trulia.com/p/ny/syracuse/309-van-rensselaer-st-syracuse-ny-13204–2012158137).

This well-priced house in Syracuse is a knockout! The owners have been careful stewards of its many architectural treasures, including early fixtures. What attention to detail! It doesn’t surprise me that it’s already contingent. The sea of parking lots and utility wires just down the street might be holding the price down, but a house like this would be a strong incentive to move to Syracuse!

18

Reply to CvZ1200 | 126 comments

22 days ago

oh shes CUTE!!! Definitely very well loved and taken care of!

6

Reply to CvZ1200 | 126 comments

22 days ago

Perfection! Even the kitchen is lovely.

6

Supporter

Reply to Lilith | 65 comments

21 days ago

A bit small for me. I hope there’s more of it than the photos show.

0

Supporter

Reply to CvZ1200 | 126 comments

21 days ago

lots to enjoy in this house, much appreciated

4

Supporter

22 days ago

Found this kind of interesting. 1880 Victorian Royersford PA $309.900
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M3765722189

7

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

22 days ago

this one has been posted on here before, still a beautiful building

4

Supporter

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

21 days ago

oh yes. This one was posted on here before.
.c. 1880 in Royersford, PA – Old House Dreams

3

Supporter

Reply to M J G | 5998 comments

21 days ago

It felt familiar. Must have been asleep when I saw it before. Sorry about that.

1

Supporter

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

21 days ago

You know Linda, it is nice to see a house more than once 🙂

10

Supporter

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

21 days ago

Omg no apologies needed. Forced me to see it again too 🙂 plus who knows who else may have missed it.

7

Supporter

Reply to M J G | 5998 comments

21 days ago

yes!!

2

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/20-Park-Ln_Minneapolis_MN_55416_M79986-43500

Supporter

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

21 days ago

Love means never having to say you’re sorry.

Besides, I’ve posted this Mpls house on Cedar Lake three times. Once when first listed, once when withdrawn (but with some pics still available) over the holidays, once when relisted:

Oophs. Technically, I guess this makes four. Oh well. I just know, having seen all my postings, someone will grow increasingly enamored, buy it, and while they are traveling abroad in July and August each year, out of gratitude, they will invite me to housesit.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Spoiler alert: I’m probably not done.

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Supporter

Reply to bobby white | 496 comments

21 days ago

Sounds like a plan to me. Loving the ties!!

1

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5113-Izard-St-Omaha-NE-68132/75868333_zpid/

Moderator

22 days ago

The kitchen in this pretty craftsman will wake you up and make you feel bright and cheery…even without coffee! I actually love the yellow and would try to preserve it somehow. 🌞
The floors and the trim in the rest of this home are in fabulous condition; albeit one or two rooms that have been painted.

Omaha, NE
1916
$380K:

13

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

22 days ago

Need more pics. Nice house but that yellow is just a bit much.

9

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

21 days ago

I’m more concerned about the jacks holding up the beam in the basement! I’d put some footings in and replace those, then paint the kitchen a more subdued yellow.

5

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

I really love yellow as well, but Id probably remove the laminate flooring and the wallpaper on the ceiling and bring some warmth to the room while keeping the walls and cabinets the same color, but restore the trim to the original finish to match the wood flooring

4

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

I like that yellow too, grew up with a yellow kitchen. My mother took the wallpaper down above the wainscoting by cooking maple syrup on the woodstove…

7

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/476-High-St-Candia-NH-03034/170446475_zpid/

Moderator

22 days ago

This 200+ year old home doesn’t look like it needs the wrecking ball AT ALL to me…but the listing doesn’t suggest anything else. This makes me sad.

Candia, NH
1800
$850K:

9

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

22 days ago

That is sad! Wish there were interior pics.

7

Supporter

Reply to Linda | 547 comments

21 days ago

agree, does not look bad and I think the absence of interior photos only sends it in the direction they are hoping for. Sad to send this land into development and only steer it towards dividing it up.

3

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

I wonder if the town has sent out hints that they’d like to see a development in here. More homes=more taxpayers.
from the outside, this house looks nice and solid. I wish they’d put interior photos online! Even if it’s been stripped down to the studs, if it’s got a solid foundation and bones, it’d be a great project for someone with the time and money!

1

Deb P | 19 comments

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

On Realtor.com it is just listed as a lot for sale

2

Barbara V | 2140 comments

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

20 days ago

Agreed, and dashed off a note to the realtor to that effect. Hope others do as well.

0

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/403-E-8th-St-Leadville-CO-80461/89839126_zpid/

Moderator

22 days ago

A pretty little cottage in an old mountain town. I would pay extra for the Great Pyrenees in a couple of the photos. The kitchen has stolen my heart.

Leadville, CO
1888
$449K:

19

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

That kitchen is perfect! At one point in our remodel we had a kitchen queen and a sink, and was surprised at how functional it was.

7

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

that sure is a lovely house and so nice to see the linoleum floor, enameled stove, water heater and metal cabinetry is so neat! how cool to live across the street from an old train engine!

7

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

that kitchen is sooo charming!

3

Sally G | 323 comments

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

Leadville is a very famous old mountain town. It hosts a famous race etc., thus has a cute/quaint town center for tourists and second home owners with real estate pricing to match.

4

Supporter

Reply to Sally G | 323 comments

21 days ago

I am intrigued Sally

0

tyreval | 222 comments

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

18 days ago

Note the horse stalls. These are from the days when horses didn’t get a box stall, just a spot where they stood in one direction.

1

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1223-Virginia-St-E-Charleston-WV-25301/22603028_zpid/

Moderator

22 days ago

This WV mansion is lovely, but I can’t tell what is happening with the ceiling in photos 35 & 36. Is it a mural, with mirrors?

Charleston, WV
1899
$825K:

6

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

From my perspective it looks like mirrors on the walls on that are closest to the rest of the room, and the mural is everywhere else (being reflected in the two huge walls of mirrors. I don’t love it but could overlook that for the rest of the house!

5

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

Wow! Just two things I’d change. I’m not too crazy about the red wallpaper that looks like it has hearts on it. And I’d get a landscaper in to tear up that parking lot and put in grass and gardens!

1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith-Giltinan_House

Moderator

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

20 days ago

That’s quite a place, known as the Smith-Giltinan House and listed on the National Register. Built for attorney and investor Harrison B. Smith (1866-1942), held in the family until 1997 and it’s been a law office since.

1

Jkleeb | 697 comments

22 days ago

Lisbon Maine 1864 $392,500
Built as the Maine Central Hotel in 1864 and converted to a Masonic Lodge in 1928

I am always interested in very old hotel buildings as well as Masonic buildings and this seems like a better than average example. I hope the it isn’t gutted in its next life.

I love seeing the multitude of old Windsor chairs in hallways and stacked in storage rooms. So much better than modern folding or plastic stacking chairs.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8-Oak-St-Lisbon-Falls-ME-04252/2058986458_zpid/?

6

Supporter

Reply to Jkleeb | 697 comments

21 days ago

lots to love here, the chairs you observed, the kitchen cabinets, the meeting room

2

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/8134-S-Calumet-Ave-1N-Chicago-IL-60619/4018228_zpid/

Supporter

Reply to Jkleeb | 697 comments

21 days ago

If there’s enough tourism, it could be converted back into a hotel. Or, make a place full of small to medium sized shops that crafters can rent. This has been done to a few places in my area. Wurlitzer Park in North Tonawanda, NY ( or is it Tonawanda?) is one. Wurlitzer made organs here, decades ago. There are still a few theaters that have working Wurlitzer organs-Shea’s Buffalo is one and the Embassy in Ft Wayne are two.
now that the factory is out of business, the building now contains 2 craft breweries/restaurants, Platter’s Chocolates, and The Tattered Tulip gift shop, and other shops. Very nice use of a local iconic place-the only factory I’ve ever seen that has a bell tower!

1

MrMike | 103 comments

22 days ago

Happy Friday!

Three from me in the Chicagoland area this week:

First is a 1929 Spanish-style condo in a six-unit building in the Chatham neighborhood. Looks like it’s mostly original, and somehow has a basement-level rec room which is fascinating. On a very pleasant block, too. $145K

Next is a 1926 octagon bungalow (so called because the front room bay is shaped thus) in Berwyn IL, one of the centers of the ‘bungalow belt’. Still has the leaded-glass windows! $280K

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3630-Euclid-Ave_Berwyn_IL_60402_M79447-80090

Lastly is this incredible unit in Hyde Park, in this 1917 Jackson Shore Apartments, designed by Rapp & Rapp who were noted for their extensive catalog of movie palaces. In fact, much of the ornamentation in this unit looks like some of the things you’d see in some of their theaters. Views of Lake Michigan! $726K

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/5490-S-Shore-Dr-Apt-3S_Chicago_IL_60615_M83360-19994

On a side note, I don’t know what the policy would be on my submitting to the link share a property that I own, but in the near future I may be in the position of having to sell a building that’s been an all-consuming labor of love for the past six years. There’s quite a bit to the story, but we made it a city landmark as well as getting it on the NRHP. I am exhausting all means/ideas to keep it, but then there’s reality. Alas.

12

Reply to MrMike | 103 comments

21 days ago

That last place is AMAZING, but $16,000 a month in property taxes? Is that right? I live in Seattle and we have pretty high property taxes, since we have no income tax, and our house is worth more than that place but we’re paying less than that annually.

3

Alison | 30 comments

Supporter

Reply to Lilith | 65 comments

21 days ago

Add to that $6000 in HOA fees a month! I think I’ll keep looking, even though it IS amazing.

2

MrMike | 103 comments

Reply to Lilith | 65 comments

21 days ago

I think that’s erroneous – the taxes are probably in the $16k per year range. More often than not in the Hyde Park apartment buildings, the monthly HOA covers the taxes too.

2

DianeEG | 831 comments

Supporter

Reply to Lilith | 65 comments

21 days ago

Would we consider this a “flip” since it sold a year ago for $150K? If so, or if not, it is a throw back to the days when entire wealthy families lived in luxurious architecturally significant apartment buildings. As a side note: A good read is the gossipy and fun: Life at the Dakota: New York’s Most Unusual Address by Stephen Birmingham.

5

btowngirl | 22 comments

Reply to DianeEG | 831 comments

20 days ago

Great book!

1

Supporter

Reply to MrMike | 103 comments

21 days ago

If money was no object, I think I’d just blindfold myself, then play pin the tail on the donkey with those huge apartments! Just lovely, and I didn’t expect to see all that room!

2

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1016-Vinewood-St-Detroit-MI-48216/88157181_zpid/

Moderator

22 days ago

And…one more Detroit home. This one appears to have been cleaned up, and although there is still minimal work to be done – it’s quite beautiful. I was stunned when I opened the listing photos.

Kudos to the owners for preserving the integrity of a 1911 charmer in a city where flipping or bulldozing are the more common options.

The first photo, to my eyes, *appears* to show a humongous ruin next door; however, the street views (as recent as Nov 2022), don’t appear to show that. It could be just the camera angle is deceptive (or my eyes are bad, more likely).

Detroit, MI
1911
$250K:

10

Supporter

Reply to Cora | 2427 comments

21 days ago

I think I’d put a nice front porch on this house. Inside looks great! I’m just getting into gardening, so I can’t tell if the yard has some nice gardens that are just dormant now, or if a lot of work is needed there.

4

1808 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009 | realtor.com®

22 days ago

For the first time in DECADES, one of DC’s last remaining mansions that hasnt been sliced up is up for sale in the ever so popular Dupont Circle. Hopefully someone without a vision of stark white will bring warmth back into the interior.

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Supporter

Reply to DJZ | 726 comments

21 days ago

Intense exterior! The institutional bright white, ouch, I’d need sunglasses to go on tour of this one. Interesting interior.

9

Reply to DJZ | 726 comments

21 days ago

Beautiful but all that white paint makes me so sad. The interior must have been stunning before someone came in with a paint sprayer.

10

CvZ1200 | 126 comments

Reply to DJZ | 726 comments

21 days ago

At least they kept the woodwork. I’ve lived in DC for more than 20 years, and I’ve witnessed countless historic interiors utterly ruined–a process that has accelerated in the last 5-7 years. This seems relatively cheap for a DC mansion. I’m worried that the buyer will have ample extra funds to rip out all the interior detail to create another minimalist warehouse.

5

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/221-SE-7th-St-Gainesville-FL-32601/138113363_zpid/

22 days ago

One of my favorites. I remember when it sold for $820K in 2018. I love the yellow color and the sunburst.

$1,500,000
7 bd 8 ba
5,693 sqft
221 SE 7th St, Gainesville, FL 32601

Single family residence
Built in 1885
0.52 Acres
$263 price/sqft

Overview
Fireplace Victorian craftsman style Beautiful grounds Gas stoves Formal dining room Gas fireplaces

One of the most beautiful Estates in Gainesville Florida. This home was built in 1885 by William Lassiter and has been owned by several famous Floridians. Each owner upgraded the home staying in the Victorian craftsman style to enhance all of its elegance and charm. On the first floor there is a kitchen which would be a chefs dream where you can cook for your family or large parties. There is a breakfast area in the kitchen. Also on the first floor there is a formal dining room, a formal living room with a fire place and several sitting ares throughout. On the first and second floor there are five exquisit en-suites with full bathrooms, all of which have gas fireplaces or gas stoves for your enjoyment. Some of these en-suites have either a balcony or a sitting area. Also on the second floor there is a large laundry room. On the third floor there is an owners suit with 2 bedroom, bathroom, living room, dining room and half kitchen. There is a craftsman style porch surrounding most of the home so you can relax and enjoy the mornings, lazy days or sunsets. There are beautiful grounds with gardens and patios where there have been banquets, parties and a beautiful area for weddings. This home comes fully and exquisitely furiished keeping in mind, all of the elegance and charm of this home. This home is in the South East Historic district and is listed on the Historic Register. To see a video of this home go to laureloakinn.com

8

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/245-W-Jewett-Blvd-White-Salmon-WA-98672/97222189_zpid/

22 days ago

Gorgeous 1910 three story with Mt. Hood, OR mountain view, just across the Columbia river in WA and wrap around porches on two levels.

$1,467,000
5 bd 3 ba
3,712 sqft
245 W Jewett Blvd, White Salmon, WA 98672

Residential, single family residence
Built in 1910
Floor furnace
No data
2 Garage spaces
0.64 Acres
$395 price/sqft

Overview
Original hardwood floors throughout New Price! Take a step back in time! Victorian home in beautiful original condition! Park-like setting. Only 1 block to downtown. The family has owned and maintained it for over 50 years. Original hardwood floors throughout. Furnishings are negotiable! Enjoy all of the natural beauty the Gorge has to offer. White Salmon is a beautiful place to live. Close to windsurfing, skiing, kayaking, hiking, a short drive to the coast or mountains. Nature lover’s Paradise.

13

Supporter

Reply to Kathy | 45 comments

21 days ago

I love the front steps, and that double porch! I’ve never seen anything like that before! Just love this house!

2

Reply to Carebear | 1756 comments

20 days ago

I love those wide steps as well Carebear! I isn’t common I guess.

0

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/709-Rockledge-Dr-Rockledge-FL-32955/80764247_zpid/

22 days ago

A Rockledge Florida gem

$2,500,000
5 bd 5 ba
4,570 sqft
709 Rockledge Dr, Rockledge, FL 32955

Single family residence
Built in 1914
4 Garage spaces
0.81 Acres
$547 price/sqft

Overview
Separate cottage – Incredible island – kitchen Roof-top deck-Big grassy backyard- Fabulous bath- Tile floors- Gas range.

This gorgeous FULLY RESTORED 1914 Indian Riverfront estate is on the County & National Historic Registries! The property encompasses a main home w/front & back porches, 2 detached garages, a 1 bdrm/1 bath garage apt. w/kitchenette, a separate cottage used as a library, a boathouse w/a roof-top deck, a gated herb garden & a big grassy backyard. Superior attention to detail maintains original charm, while contemporary updates create stunning modern beauty. Hardwood & tile floors underscore coffered ceilings, exquisite lighting & masterful millwork. A manteled fireplace centerpieces the living rm. Marbled stone cascades across an incredible island kitchen w/SS appl. & gas range. With a HUGE custom closet & fabulous bath, the upstairs owner’s retreat is a luxurious mix of past & present!

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Supporter

Reply to Kathy | 45 comments

21 days ago

Beautiful!

0

Reply to Kathy | 45 comments

21 days ago

Restored isnt exactly the word i would use. Restored means to turn back to the original state, this house has been modified and renovated. Its a beautiful home for sure, and for a water front property price is reasonable in florida

2

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/260-N-Van-Buren-St-Bay-City-MI-48708/71160171_zpid/

22 days ago

I love the ornate push button light switch cover.

$245,000
4 bd 3 ba
2,662 sqft
260 N Van Buren St, Bay City, MI 48708

Single family residence
Built in 1900
Boiler, electric, forced air, radiator, natural gas
Ceiling fan(s), exhaust fan, wall/window unit(s), window unit(s)
Open parking
4,791 sqft
$92 price/sqft

Overview
Electric fireplace-Master suite-Gorgeous victorian home-Spacious rooms-Gorgeous chandlers-Beautiful woodwork-Laundry room

This gorgeous Victorian home has four bedrooms, three baths with spacious rooms, beautiful woodwork and gorgeous chandlers! This home has plenty of ceiling fans and three wall insert air conditioning units. The family room has remote controlled recessed lighting great for a relaxing night around the fireplace! Home offers walk-in closets in all bedrooms and the laundry room with the master suite offering 2 big walk-in closets. Home sits on a corner lot and is just minutes away from uptown Bay City, restaurants, night life, shopping! Minutes away from US-10, I-75 and M-25. This home includes: stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, microwave, newer roof, heated porch, electric fireplace, windows, doors, a 220 and a 120 amp circuit breaker and more! Home might make a good Airbnb! Seller is related to listing agent.

8

Kate | 143 comments

Supporter

21 days ago

Question: If you buy a house can you move it to another lot or do you need to get a permit or permission from the city to do that before you buy the house? Save for it being part of a nationally designated historical area, is there any common reason they wouldn’t allow you to move a house out of their city/town/state, etc.?

3

John Shiflet | 6605 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kate | 143 comments

21 days ago

Best to contact the City/Town/Village Building Department and ask that question before you buy the property. Even houses in historic districts can be moved (depending on the circumstances) if certain conditions are met. Here’s wishing you good luck in your venture.

9

Supporter

21 days ago

1958, Joshua Tree, CA, 79,000
Posting for its 20 parking spots, probably the most parking spots on any property in Joshua Tree.
1180 Whitiker Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 | MLS #EV23034113 | Zillow

6

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

this is a pretty funny listing “God only knows how long. . .” 😂

5

Supporter

Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

21 days ago

thank you for bringing me to the words listed–I didn’t go there at first, but should have!

2

Sally G | 323 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

One of our more unique listings =)

3

Reply to Sally G | 323 comments

21 days ago

i was thinking the same thing!

1

Supporter

21 days ago

1911, Los Angeles, CA, 649,000
Just a few pictures of this Arts and Crafts, but what is there looks so good. Pretty house.
3450 4th Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90018 | MLS #SR23034555 | Zillow

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Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

that seems like a remarkable price for LA, Kimberly!

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Moderator

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

20 days ago

Thanks K62! A nice little bungalow in almost vintage condition; an early example with a bit of Queen Anne detailing.

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Supporter

21 days ago

1964, Caspar, CA, 1,900,000
The first shot that attracted my attention of the roof, looks like an early Stealth Bomber (of sorts), which I have seen first hand back in Sacramento-I loved the air force base, (McClellan).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McClellan_Air_Force_Base
“For the vast majority of its operational lifetime, McClellan was a logistics and maintenance facility for a wide variety of military aircraft, equipment and supplies.”
15350 Seadrift Ave, Caspar, CA 95420 | MLS #C1-10110 | Zillow

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Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

Wonderful Mendocino coast house. North of Mendocino and south of Ft Bragg so amenities within reach but two acres of serenity once home. Ahh…my kind of place in that part of the world.

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natira | 1160 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

I was just sure I wasn’t going to like it, but I do! Very nice!

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Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

I love this place!

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Supporter

21 days ago

1933, West Hills, CA, 10,350,000
Entertaining home, price is high, but I do not know why it is.
7210 Woodlake Ave, West Hills, CA 91307 | MLS #23-244227 | Zillow

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natira | 1160 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

Because it comes with two cows!

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Supporter

Reply to natira | 1160 comments

20 days ago

Do you suppose they are elderly? Is the buyer acquiring a bovine retirement home?
Cool.

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natira | 1160 comments

Supporter

Reply to bobby white | 496 comments

19 days ago

LOL. The cow I can see doesn’t look old at all. She looks to be in great shape as well.

Of course, that can be deceiving……my neighbor had many cows in their twenties, still calving every year, and always looking great.

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Reply to natira | 1160 comments

17 days ago

But someday those cows will be old, and in need of retirement accommodations.
From time to time, I’ve thought about keeping a few backyard chickens. Then the realization that once they stop laying, I’d be running a retirement home for those chickens and acquiring a new generation of layers, gave me pause. Over the years, that could have been a lot of chickens. I do not live on acreage.
I’ve stuck to growing fruits and veggies.

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Bethany | 3682 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

Almost three acres in an area with some of the highest property values in the country. That’s why.

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Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

it sits on a ton of acreage and its a former monastery

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Ranunculus | 476 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

20 days ago

The property seems to be “kind of a big deal”, as they say. It’s important enough to have its own section in the Wikipedia listing for its original owner, actor Franz “Francis” Lederer!

“Lederer estate and residence

In 1934, with the help of artisan builder John R. Litke, Lederer began the design and construction of his landmark residence and stables on the hilltop of a large rancho in the Simi Hills in Owensmouth, renamed Canoga Park, then West Hills. It is in the western San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California, at the west end of Sherman Way. The house blends Mediterranean Revival and Mission Revival styles.

The residence and stables are both protected Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments. After the house was damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the property was completely renovated. The estate is next to the very large 1845 Mexican land grant Rancho El Escorpión, which was Lederer’s southern rural viewshed and remained undeveloped open space until 1959. The home and grounds are still in the hands of the family.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Lederer?wprov=sfla1

Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Historic-Cultural_Monument?wprov=sfla1

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Reply to Ranunculus | 476 comments

19 days ago

Very cool!

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21 days ago

1922, Walnut, IL, 32,000
Potential and a low price, do not know the neighborhood/town to understand what kind of deal this may be.
203 S Main St, Walnut, IL 61376 | MLS #11728204 | Zillow

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DianeEG | 831 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

21 days ago

A town of 1300 people +/- that has little income producing businesses which is reflected in the low asking price. Could be called a bedroom community to Chicago if someone REALLY wanted midwest country solitude – close to the larger Ottawa/Princeton area.

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21 days ago

1969 Eichler $2,350,000
4bed 2.5bath 2,435sqf
0.23acre lot
235 Clyde Dr,
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
From the listing: ”…rarely available Super-Eichler in Walnut Creek’s coveted North Gate neighborhood, the last Eichler development in the East Bay. Designed by legendary mid-century modern architect Claude Oakland, & built in 1969. this dynamic Super-Eichler is known as the H-Plan , & just 1 of 5 in all the East Bay.
–https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/235-Clyde-Dr_Walnut-Creek_CA_94598_M18082-08848
Not my most favorite Eichler ever, but in recent weeks I’ve seen listings with agents celebrating ”additional living space achieved by roofing over the atrium,” so points for that not having happened here.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/235-Clyde-Dr_Walnut-Creek_CA_94598_M18082-08848

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Reply to bobby white | 496 comments

21 days ago

I love when a house lives well inside and out and the distinction between the two is not really there.

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21 days ago

Zillow now has me on the Des Moines, IA list, so here are a couple from there.
1922 Craftsman/Four Square $265,000 the wood throughout the first floor is very rich and clearly well-cared for; the dining room beautiful
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1518-E-9th-St-Des-Moines-IA-50316/810489_zpid/
***
1898 also in Des Moines at $1,185,000 pricey, updates & a big addition but lots of remaining character, love the fireplace in the foyer
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2834-Forest-Dr-Des-Moines-IA-50312/796391_zpid/

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Supporter

21 days ago

1869 in Brattleboro, VT $159,000 in rough shape but the potential is there:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1149-Western-Ave-Brattleboro-VT-05301/92041322_zpid/
***
1963 MCM also in Brattleboro $360,000 the sunken living room is kind of fabulous, make sure to check out what I can only describe as a pseudo-Roman bath
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/103-New-England-Dr-Brattleboro-VT-05301/92043025_zpid/

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NancyJ | 27 comments

Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

21 days ago

The MCM folks certainly knew how to enjoy life! How fun!

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Morna | 355 comments

Supporter

Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

21 days ago

the 1869 makes me a little sad — it deserves to be carefully restored.

the 1963 — gotta love the under-bedframe lights.

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Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

18 days ago

I can’t believe how many sunken baths I have seen lately!

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21 days ago

1870 Grange Hall in New Ipswich, NH $599,000 converted into 2 lovely units
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/19-Main-St-New-Ipswich-NH-03071/120666222_zpid/
***
1800 diamond in the rough, Athens, NY $195,000
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/36-S-Washington-St-Athens-NY-12015/30490515_zpid/
***
1880 in Orange, MA $249,900 two units, the pantries are wonderful, I think they each have an icebox.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/105-E-Main-St-Orange-MA-01364/216720103_zpid/

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Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

21 days ago

The house in Orange must’ve been a popular style. There’s quite a few that look just like it ( on the outside, at least) here in Lockport, NY.

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Reply to Anne M. | 1417 comments

20 days ago

great shares Anne, love the Athens house and the photos of it!

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https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/628-W-Yandell-Dr_El-Paso_TX_79902_M83960-94927

21 days ago

1910, El Paso, TX, $716.5K:

1914, Temple, TX, $687K:

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/5110-Charter-Oak-Dr_Temple_TX_76502_M98273-30275

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Supporter

Reply to Tony Bianchini | 255 comments

21 days ago

Wow. The house in Temple is wonderful, but the house in El Paso is absolutely superb. The woodwork was obviously designed of a piece, by a very fine architect, with no bits and pieces from local lumberyards or out of some catalog. It is truly one of the finest formal Craftsman homes I’ve seen.

You deserve high marks for finding it.

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https://www.henrytrost.org/buildings/aronstein-residence/

Moderator

Reply to Tony Bianchini | 255 comments

21 days ago

Thanks Tony! The excellent house in El Paso was built for cigar factory manager Siegfried Aronstein (1857-1933), his wife Helen Sternau and their children. Henry C. Trost was the leading architect in El Paso in the early 20th C.

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https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/501-Kansas-St_Larned_KS_67550_M75107-18160

21 days ago

1886, Larned, KS, $142.5K! SO much detail and deliciousness here. I almost can’t stop studying the pictures:

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Reply to Tony Bianchini | 255 comments

20 days ago

this is posted on here

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https://www.oldhousedreams.com/2023/03/02/1886-queen-anne-in-larned-ks

Moderator

Reply to Tony Bianchini | 255 comments

20 days ago

A special one, and definitely worth another share!

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https://www.oldhousedreams.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/E1688289-B420-491C-8D96-C0553A06404F.webp

Reply to JimH | 7829 comments

20 days ago

I made a note to share it earlier in the week, and did not even see it already had been! Fun reading all the comments for that post!

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Rosewater | 8619 comments

Supporter

21 days ago

Test.

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Moderator

Reply to Rosewater | 8619 comments

21 days ago

webp doesn’t display – gotta convert or screen-grab them.

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Rosewater | 8619 comments

Supporter

Reply to JimH | 7829 comments

21 days ago

Riiiight. Wonder why they post ok to my gallery but can’t effectively post the static from there into a comment?
WebP suxxx!

Thanks Jim.

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https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/5179-Quaker-Neck-Rd_Chestertown_MD_21620_M59342-94206

21 days ago

1890 Chapel Converted to a studio
Chestertown, MD
$495,000

I’m not usually a fan of converted churches, but this one was done extremely well I think. It’s not particularly practical but boy does it look good! Chestertown is a cute waterfront town, home to Washington College which was founded in 1782.

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Kirsten | 539 comments

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Reply to Jane | 70 comments

21 days ago

Gorgeous, Jane. I agree…this one is beautifully done. They’ve really worked with the character of the building.

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Reply to Jane | 70 comments

21 days ago

I love this conversion! I wonder if it ever had any stained glass windows?
if you wanted, I think you could add a wall to create a small bedroom.
that but of fencing on the back-is there a back door behind it.? Would local codes and homeowners insurance insist on one in case there’s a fire? Or, given the age, could you get a pass on that?

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https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3526-Hampden-Dr_Trappe_MD_21673_M52509-66104

21 days ago

“Hampden”
Circa 1663
Trappe, MD
$4,375,000

The best part of this house is its exterior though the addition on the far right detracts from its overall curb appeal. (Did they have curbs in 1663?) Except for the floors, I’m also not getting much of a 17th century vibe either. It seems that the old beams were painted white. 😐 But it is a lovely house in a lovely spot.

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Reply to Jane | 70 comments

21 days ago

As it now stands, this is a beautiful home. I’d love to live there.

I met this house years and years ago, while I was working in Washington. It was not nearly so polished, and I miss that in many of these homes, particularly the very early ones such as this. It’s not that I want failing rooves and cracked plaster, with a thicket of weeds around the foundation, and the danger of arson that has claimed so many relatively isolated landmarks. And I am very happy that these tidewater homes are finally being preserved after terrible and surprisingly recent major losses.

However, this interior is so polished that it looks like some of the fashionable, very beautiful, and very comfortable country inns on Maryland’s ‘Eastern Shore.’

At one point, the distinguished architectural historian and preservationist, Henry Chandlee Forman, maintained that no 17th century homes survived in Maryland.

Now, there are always new discoveries, and dendrochronology has proved a true wonder in providing real dates for the construction of early buildings where none existed in the very recent past. Officially, there are a handful of 17th century buildings identified now, although how many of these have used tree ring dating is unknown to me. However, I’d like to see more information on this home’s age than the possibly romantic date given here. It is not listed as one of the state’s earliest buildings.

So far, the official list includes Brooke Place Manor, in St Leonard, of 1652, Old Trinity Church, Church Creek, 1675, Third Haven Meeting House, Talbot County, 1682, The Spring House, Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, 1683, Fort Garrison, Stevenson, 1695, and portions of Holly Hill, Friendship, Maryland, 1698 and later, and Carvill Hall, Chestertown, 1694-1709.

The National Register listing for this house, researched and written by Thomas T. Firth, Jr., suggested a date of 1717 or later, as earliest member of the family, Thomas Martin of Dorsetshire, England, emigrated to Talbot county in 1663. He acquired 200 acres of land, and built a house on the tract, ‘on Dividing Creek a branch of the Choptank River.’ There is no surviving description of that house. He is supposed to have named the tract for a friend in England, John Hampden, although it has had other names in later years, before being renamed Hampden. Thomas Martin married Elizabeth Day, who died in 1676, and he followed her in 1705. The property passed to their son, Thomas II, who died in 1715, (Louis XIV died that same year), leaving Hampden to his sons, Thomas III and John. John died without recorded heirs, so the majority went to his surviving brother. The National Register form mentions that the inventory of Thomas II’s possessions at the time of his death included a chest of drawers with mirror, two feather beds (a rarity), a ‘best’ walnut table and 6 leather chairs (another rarity), as well as ‘considerable‘ pewter. By the standards of the day, he was a very well-to-do gentleman.

Thomas III married his cousin, Jean Thomas in 1717, and the historian who assembled this National Register information believed that he built the present house. In addition, the National Register author wrote the much of the interior retains it’s original paneling, although there were some changes later in the 18th century, and some in the 19th century.

As an historian, it seems very unreasonable to me to believe that the newly arrived Thomas Martin would have erected a story and a half brick dwelling the year he arrived, 1663, even supposing that the reason he named his farm Hampden was because his friend in England had loaned him at least some of the money he used to establish himself in the New World. A substantial brick residence such as Hampden would have required thousands of handmade bricks, a substantial investment for even a well-financed settler, and one that would have required a skilled brickmaker and labor force, almost certainly slaves. In addition, there is no record of any dwelling on the land prior to his arrival, so a date in the early 1700s seems far more logical to me. The interior woodwork, including the open newel staircase, support that date.

Based on what I know about early Maryland architecture and settlements, and the interior fittings, which of course could be later alterations, it appears to be 1725-1750. However, I am not an expert on the architecture of early Maryland as Forman was, and those brick walls could be hiding really early timber.. Certainly that staircase and other fittings are remarkable.

That said, as I noted at the beginning of my diatribe, this is a lovely home. I’d be very, very happy to call it mine. If you have been to the Eastern Shore, than you know it is worth every penny of the price.

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Reply to Gregory_K | 1412 comments

20 days ago

Thank you Gregory for this information. Fascinating! I live near Somerset County MD which has a number of beautiful 18th century estates, but none from the 1600s as far as I know.

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Ranunculus | 476 comments

Supporter

Reply to Jane | 70 comments

20 days ago

Elegantly homey! My favorite style. It’s been decorated so perfectly, I wish I could buy it furnished! Even the pool is elegantly understated.

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Reply to Ranunculus | 476 comments

18 days ago

The shape of that pool is wonderful. In my mind, it evokes the image of a big fat raindrop.

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Supporter

21 days ago

Folks, Kelly has just reposted the wonderful church in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, the one that really, really needs a friend, and soon.

I was studying the interior photographs, because the sanctuary has never looked quite correct to me.

So, I have two observations. I posted these on Kelly’s reposting, but I wanted to know if anyone else thought I might be correct, so I am posting my comments here as well.

SOMETHING I had not noticed in the first posting of this wonderful building: In the photographs of the sanctuary, you can see an early ornamental paint scheme underneath the peeling paint. It must have been lovely.

MORE importantly, look at the proportions of the of the sanctuary. Even for a provincial building by a provincial architect, as I am presuming he was, because of the strong Carpenter Gothic design (Gothique Charpentier?), the columns are not tall enough for the height of the arches.

EXAMINING the photographs of the ground floor interior, there are the usual iron columns one sees, supporting a second floor sanctuary. However, there are also several columns sheathed as those in the sanctuary above. There was no reason to sheath some of the ground floor columns, and not others.

I now believe that this was a 2 story sanctuary, and that the floor was shot across at the balcony height. This was not uncommon for congregations where the interior proved larger than needed, and there was a need for congregational meeting space, a dining room, a library, etc. The great Unitarian Church in Kennebunk was subdivided like this, as were dozens of other churches across the Northeast and the Mid-West.

The fine staircases would still work, as with so many other similar alterations, as they were originally stairs to the balconies.

Think of how extraordinary this interior must have been. Much closer to the salvaged example in the National Gallery I posted earlier.

If I am correct, this interior would have been the equal of the remarkable exterior this church once had.
It makes this that much more important to restore!!!!!

The Nova Scotia church’s sanctuary, as is.
Another view. Notice how the columns are not nearly tall enough for the height of the arches. I do not believe that this was the result of an amateur architect. A building this prominent, for an important congregation, would have enjoyed the services of a professional.
The staircases would have mounted to a balcony circling around the sanctuary.
A basement view, showing the sheathed columns that align with the floor beams. Could these beams have been the structure for the front edge of the balconies, and the few surviving sheathed columns simply the stub bases of the existing columns in the sanctuary above??
Another sheathed column.
An interior of the sort I believe this church once had. This is the interior of the remarkable ‘Chocolate Church,’ 1847, Arthur Gilman, architect, Bath, Maine. Lovely as it is, the church in Nova Scotia would have been far more impressive.
Another view of the Chocolate Church.
The restored interior of the Rideau Convent’s Chapel of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 1887–1888, designed by architect-priest Georges Bouillon, and salvaged for Canada’s National Gallery when the convent was tragically destroyed for a new development. Obviously, the Yarmouth example does not have fan vaulting, but I believe that the original proportions were similar as far as the height of the sanctuary.

SO, any ideas, comments? My apologies if someone has already posted similar comments before me.

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mark | 43 comments

Supporter

21 days ago

That is certainly NOT a Plain Street in Campello Mass. Beautiful homes.

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21 days ago

https://nbss.edu/

NBSS was founded in 1881 as North Bennet Street Industrial School. Our founding mission was to enable immigrants to adjust to their new country by learning the skills needed for gainful employment.

A school that can teach you how to conserve a piano or violin or piece of furniture, or an old book…neat.

The two-year Preservation Carpentry program teaches time-honored skills and engages students who have a love of history, materials, and hand skills—to build, restore, and preserve beautiful structures that last.

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John Shiflet | 6605 comments

Supporter

Reply to Kimberly62 | 3662 comments

18 days ago

Well known Fort Worth, Texas preservationist and author on historic wood moldings, Brent Hull, is a North Bennett School graduate. A shame that there aren’t more schools emphasizing traditional trades and skills. Belmont College, only about 15 miles south of where I live in St. Clairsville, Ohio, has a well respected preservation trades program and I’m sure there are a few others but given how challenging it is to find qualified people to restore old houses and buildings, more programs like these are needed. Thanks for mentioning the well known Boston school.

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https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3001-Mansard-St_Vernon_TX_76384_M75817-24883

21 days ago

1951, Vernon, TX, huge ranch style. Lots to like. Already pending at $399.9K:

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Sue P | 16 comments

Supporter

21 days ago

Hello!
Does anyone have any top tips on the best way to get rid of the last bits of paint when stripping stair/chair spindles? I have sanded off the majority of the old paint and varnish but am struggling with the last parts!
Thanks in advance for any help or advice you all may have.

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Jkleeb | 697 comments

Reply to Sue P | 16 comments

21 days ago

In my experience the last bit of paint seems like it takes forever. I have applied a layer of shellac, let it dry, and then strip that off. The shellac adheres to the small bits of paint and pulls them off when you remove the shellac. The shellac comes off relatively easily. May have to do it more than one time.

Would love to hear any other thoughts.

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Sue P | 16 comments

Supporter

Reply to Jkleeb | 697 comments

20 days ago

Thank you, Joe! I will try this.

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Morna | 355 comments

Supporter

21 days ago

This house was on the site a few years ago, then went off the market. the OHD page is set to Members only.
It’s back at $495,000. The build date of 1900 is highly dubious, based on the roof it looks more 1870s. I can’t tell from the new photos is all the stained glass is there, but it looks like most of it is. Of course the kitchen needs to be back dated, but it’s still a beautiful house. There are some good comments on the OHD page.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/211-N-Cass-St-Middletown,-DE-19709_rb/72945623_zpid/?

https://www.oldhousedreams.com/2020/10/21/1882-second-empire-in-middletown-de/

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MylarBono | 25 comments

Reply to Morna | 355 comments

20 days ago

I continue to wonder why this house went on the market, off the market, on the market, off the market, then went contingent, then back on the market, then contingent, then back on the market. I guess it could be a million-and-one reasons, but it just seems odd. Nice house, not too far from the shore. But has been listed for several years without selling,

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MylarBono | 25 comments

20 days ago

This entrance hall sure is something:

100 Watkins Ave, Bellevue, PA
https://www.redfin.com/PA/Pittsburgh/100-Watkins-Ave-15202/home/74505976

And then 1501 Shady Ave, Squirrel Hill, PA 15217, which is a couple of miles from the first listing, is double the price:
https://www.redfin.com/PA/Pittsburgh/1501-Shady-Ave-15217/home/74750913

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NancyJ | 27 comments

Reply to MylarBono | 25 comments

20 days ago

Wow, that Bellevue home! What a special treat! Not sure if I’d live in the front hall or the kitchen. And that shower is to die for. Absolute perfection!

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Kirsten | 539 comments

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Reply to MylarBono | 25 comments

18 days ago

The Bellevue house is indeed spectacular. Was sure I’d seen it before. That kitchen was stuck in my memory. Looked at the history on the place. It was listed in November of last year and sold in January. Whoever bought it turned around and put it right back on the market for $20K more than they bought it for. Interesting. Wonder what’s going on there…

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Reply to MylarBono | 25 comments

14 days ago

That’s a cool house in Bellevue PA my friend! Wow..

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SamIam | 1 comments

20 days ago

$925K Grass Valley, CA https://www.rdesignconsultations.com/GVhilltop.htm (MANY thanks on behalf of its Interior Designer owner/creator who specializes in Vintage design.)

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Supporter

20 days ago

1911 Craftsman $2,995,000
3 bed 4 bath
2,729sqft
5,290 square foot lot
2303 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

Very Nice. Almost all the woodwork is unpainted. Pleasant kitchen. I would remove the second bed (?) from the primary bedroom and turn that area into a reading nook, with my favorite books placed on those shelves. I wish there was a larger lot. There will be more planting opportunities when the lawn comes out. Looks like a busy street, as its name would suggest.

From the listing: For Over 110 Years This Swiss Chalet-Craftsman Estate home Has Been An Iconic Architectural Symbol To The Legendary Neighborhood of Bluff Park. Anchoring The Corner Of Ocean & Kennebec, Facing The Pacific Ocean In The Heart Of Bluff Park Lies This Magnificent Gem. Bluff Park is one of Long Beach’s Most Distinctive Historical Districts With Architecturally Significant Structures And Historical Residential Mansions Along Long Beach’s Expansive Pacific Coastline. Attributed To The Famed Firm Of Meyer & Holler-Quality Design & Craftsmanship Are Immediately Apparent Upon Entrance. The Home Elegantly Reflects Its Bungalow Styling In The Heavy Wood Structural Elements, The Plain Square Butt & Shingle Siding Use Of Natural Materials & Informal, Asymmetrical Planes Combined With Low-Pitched, Multiple Gabled Roof & Wide Eaves. Large Front Entry Porch Shaded By Wisteria Vine Welcomes You Home & Leads You To The Impressive Entry Foyer. Hand Selected Clear Redwood Paneling, Honey Colored Wood Beams Run Across the Coffered Ceilings–
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2303-E-Ocean-Blvd_Long-Beach_CA_90803_M12956-10551

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Ranunculus | 476 comments

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Reply to bobby white | 496 comments

20 days ago

GORGEOUS Craftsman, incredible location, great view, luscious woodwork! It deserves better staging or at the least to be vacant–the existing mish-mash of furnishings is distracting and painful to see.

This beauty calls for a full collection of classic Arts & Crafts pieces, positioned as the original architect would have anticipated!

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https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/424-Hammond-Street-Bangor-ME-04401/91872918_zpid/?

Supporter

Reply to Ranunculus | 476 comments

20 days ago

The staging is weird, isn’t it? I agree with you, that house deserves period appropriate furnishings. I’m also pondering what to plant in front and, in the light of day, I’m suspecting that’s artificial turf, not grass. Although, it’s not mentioned as such anywhere. For oh so many reasons, I rather despise artificial turf.
I’ve just realized that the view includes a working lighthouse: And there’s a fog horn further out! LOVE the sound of foghorns.
https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=338

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Jkleeb | 697 comments

20 days ago

Bangor ME 1895 $104,500

Needs work but there are good to work with. Not sure what’s going on with the crack in what appears to be the foundation. Posting mainly for the tin bathtub in the wood frame. After the foundation work getting that reinstalled would be my top priority🙂

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lYvkOkifJ4

20 days ago

Video of the Little Rock mansion I shared, last week:

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Supporter

20 days ago

1936 $2,749,000
3bed 2bath 1,962sqf
t0.24acre lot
104 Whitney Ave,
Los Gatos, CA 95030

–The listing; ”This historic home was originally built in 1936 as a stagecoach stop and bunk house, this three bedroom and two bath Los Gatos Spanish style home was extensively remodeled including the plumbing. This OId World home is filled with sophistication, yet boast new world amenities such as a chef’s quality kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, gorgeous bathrooms and fabulous outdoor spaces with a built-in barbecue, putting green and relaxing hot tub. The main bedroom and second bedroom were originally private rooms of the bunk house and still boast the original call bells (not operational). The smoke house has been converted to the laundry room with newer plumbing. Throughout this approximately 1.960 square foot home you will find touches of the old bunk house! The roughly 250 square foot basement features a walk-in safe with the original door from the bunk house days. Enjoy this Downtown Los Gatos neighborhood with rare walking distance to all three top schools, shopping and dining!”
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/104-Whitney-Ave_Los-Gatos_CA_95030_M11553-75141
Some paint stripper, some color on the walls, different wall behind the range. No grey walled bedroom. No carpets.

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Supporter

19 days ago

1939 $2,500,000
2bed 1bath 384sqft
13 acre lot
1850 Katee Ln,
Palmdale, CA 93550
Well, this is different. Usually when there are no interior pics in this price range, I anticipate the realtor will be promoting tearing it down. I’m not sure what the thought is here, other than it was perceived to be too dangerous to go inside. Risk of being mauled, and all that. BIG dogs? I want to see pics.
Satellite image shows multiple outbuildings.
From the listing: This unique property has a separate barn without permission. Enjoy four seasons and breathtaking views on the wraparound deck all. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning on the beautiful patio without permission. Not guaranteed. Buyer to do their own due diligence regarding property all information to verify with professional. The possibilities are endless! Buyer and buyer agent should never contact to tenant directly without listing agent’s permission. Beware of big dogs. Seller asks if buyers and agent can please wear protective wear. Property be Sold ”AS IS”. Price negotiable. Come take a look at your future place!
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1850-Katee-Ln_Palmdale_CA_93550_M29957-66306

Palmdale is a city in northern Los Angeles County in the U.S. state of California. The city lies in the Antelope Valley region of Southern California. The San Gabriel Mountains separate Palmdale from the Los Angeles Basin to the south.
In August 1956, an unpiloted out-of-control Navy drone flew over Palmdale while Air Force Interceptor aircraft tried to shoot it down with unguided rockets. Many rockets landed in and around the city, starting fires and damaging property.

The Battle of Palmdale:
Aftermath
The incident resulted in damage on the ground. The Mk. 4 rockets were fitted with point-detonating warheads that armed on firing. Of the 208 rockets, only 15 were discovered undetonated.[1]

The first set of rockets started brush fires 7 miles (11 km) northeast from Castaic which burned 150 acres (61 ha) above the old Ridge Route near Bouquet Canyon.[2]

Some of the second set of rockets reached the ground near the city of Newhall. In Placerita Canyon, one rocket was seen bouncing along the ground and starting a series of fires near a park, while others set fire to oil sumps owned by the Indian Oil Co. The fires reached within 300 feet (91 m) of the Bermite Powder explosives plant. Other rockets started fires in the proximity of Soledad Canyon, near Mount Gleason, burning more than 350 acres (140 ha) of rough brush.[1]

The final set of rockets were fired while the Scorpions faced Palmdale; many landed within the town. “As the drone passed over Palmdale’s downtown, Mighty Mouse rockets fell like hail.”[1] “Edna Carlson, who lived in the home on Third Street East, said that a chunk of shrapnel from one Air Force rocket burst through the front window of her home, ricocheted off the ceiling, went through a wall and came to rest in a kitchen cupboard.”[2] More rocket fragments completely penetrated a home and garage on 4th Street East. One rocket landed right in front of a vehicle being driven west on California State Route 138 near Tenth Street West, of which one tire was shredded and many holes were punched through the car’s body.[8] Two men in Placerita Canyon had been eating in their utility truck; right after they left it to sit under the shade of a tree, a rocket struck the truck, destroying it. Many fires were started near Santa Clarita, with three large ones and many smaller ones in and around Palmdale.[9]

For a fuller description of the military action aka our tax dollars at work:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Palmdale

Typical of the High Desert, Palmdale has an arid climate (Köppen climate classification BWk), and it is part of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b.[25] Winters are cool to mild, with daily normal minimum temperatures at or just below freezing from late November until late January, and the coolest month, December, having a normal mean temperature of 44.4 °F (6.9 °C).[26] Summers are hot and nearly rainless, with July and August, tied for the hottest month, having a normal mean temperature of 81.2 °F (27.3 °C).[26] On average, annually there are 52 mornings with a minimum at or below freezing, and 35 afternoons with a maximum at or above 100 °F (37.8 °C).[26] The normal annual rainfall is 5.90 inches (150 mm),[26] occurring on an average of only 27 days.[27]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmdale,_California

GOOD LUCK PROSPECTIVE BUYERS! I am rooting for you. Yes I am.

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celeste | 147 comments

Supporter

Reply to bobby white | 496 comments

19 days ago

Meth cookers, perhaps? Hazmat suit advisable for this strange one.

2

Supporter

Reply to celeste | 147 comments

19 days ago

Oh. I thought they meant protective padded gear against dog bites, in case any of the dogs took offense to their presence. Maybe they want people to wear hardhats in case something caves in. In any case, ”strange,” indeed. The owner has been trying to sell, on and off, since at least 2002. In 2014 it was offered as a $1k per month rental.
In 2015, the property’s asking price was $499,900. The listing was then removed until relisted in 2021 at the current ask.The value might be attributed to the land..

1

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/49-Ice-House-Cyn_Mt-Baldy_CA_91759_M25018-27605

Supporter

19 days ago

1936 $360,000
1bed 1bath 728sqft
7,350sqft lot
49 Ice House,
Mount Baldy, CA 91759

Comfy cabin in a beautiful setting. Lots of unpainted woodwork. A sore thumb Home Depot bathroom sink/ cabinet is my opportunity to repurpose a second hand dresser, painted in some pleasant color. Also put some color on the paintable portions of the walls. Not a whole lot of area. Maybe my once in a lifetime chance to splurge on Farrow and Ball paints.
Would make a great vacation home. Can be lived in year round but I’d need an addition for my library.
It appears that the kitchen is associated with the bedroom, in that the only dining sort of table I can see is a picnic table in the bedroom. Why not?
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From the listing:
Drive right up to this 1 of a kind magnificent home It truly is a home not just a cabin with the a grand stone entryway and the most utmost privacy that you cannot see Mt. Baldy Road or hear it but you can drive right up to the cabin that you can live in 364 days out of the year This is a Forest Cabin with an existing land lease for $700 per year and the land lease will be renewed around 2030. This cabin has an expansive lot and there in no other cabin blocking your astonishing view and there is a long driveway for tons of parking You truly can hear the sounds of nature here as the lot is so expansive with wide open spaces and plenty of room to just sit out and enjoy the sounds of nature with an incredible front door stone patio designed for entertaining and bird watching and so much more. The front door hardware down to the kitchen hand crafted cabinetry crafted with love & care are just a few examples of the intricate finishing touches that make this cabin truly spectacular The owners have taken incredible care of their home away from home The roof, plumbing, septic tank, lighting, flooring, electrical, everything have been meticulously cared for. You can truly just move right on in with out a worry or care.

–

8

Petrovich | 13 comments

19 days ago

1900 Craftsman $549,990
4 bed 1 bath
1,532 Sq feet
3 Acres
1897 West St, Wrentham, MA 02093

Someone save this gorgeous craftsman cottage on THREE ACRES. Realtor suggests now owner could tear down for new construction.

https://www.zillow.com/homes/1897-West-St-Wrentham,-MA-02093_rb/57520351_zpid/

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