Old House Dreams

via Realtor.com

I have been bitten by the old house bug once again.  Even though there are things I love about my house, like the expansive views, there is a core part of me that still longs for an old house.  I miss the interior features of the house we left last year, but definitely do not miss its main street location.  

While looking at Realtor.com yesterday, I spied this new listing.  There was a note of panic in my husband's voice when I took my computer into his office and said I had found a newly listed house I wanted to see.  I understand that anxiety-- we have moved every year for the past 3 years, and it is so much work, on top of everything else that we struggle to keep up with.  Nonetheless, we went to see the house.

The pictures from the website are awful and do not highlight the coolest features of the house, like both sets of pocket doors separating the parlors from the main hallway/entry way.  The house was built in 1907 and is basically a large foursquare with Victorian-style trim and three-sided bays in the two front rooms.  It has 10' ceilings throughout the main level.  There are 2 bathrooms, both with claw foot tubs.  The overgrown yew bushes completely obstruct the front porch and front door, which is surrounded by sidelights and topped with a leaded-glass transom.  Most of the plaster walls are covered with 1970's era paneling, but all the original trim and doors remain intact.  The original floors are also intact, although the finish is badly worn in some of the rooms.  

Here is a poor quality photo of the staircase:

via Realtor.com

It shows the paneled walls (yuck) but also shows the style of the trim.

There are obvious cosmetic needs, but those are less concerning than the potential needs of the electrical system and the plumbing.  We have only taken a cursory look and have not had anyone inspect the place, so there are a lot of unknowns regarding its true condition. The roof, exterior, and foundation seem to be in good repair.  The furnace is older but allegedly works fine.

This house is more than we need, twice as big as the one we are now living in.  The yard is one sixth of the size of our current lot.  There are neighbors close by, and streetlights.  Plus, the house needs a fair amount of work at best.  It is not practical and possibly not even affordable, depending on the overall cost of improvements.

She is a grand, old dame, however, and a girl can dream.

Until next time...

Anne