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This Spectacular New York Home was Designed by the Esteemed Charles A. Platt — And I Want it!

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

  I live just north of New York City, so I’ll admit that when it comes to historical homes, I’m a tad bit spoiled. A number of homes in and around my area were built by the crème de la crème of hotshot architects—at a time when architects themselves were a rare breed and accessible only to the very wealthy. Case in point: This jawdropper of a home in Rye, New York, built by the esteemed Charles A. Platt—a pioneer in the American Renaissance movement in architecture whose clients included the Roosevelts and Astors.   ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN TO YOU WHY YOU NEED THIS HOUSE.  

    Because: LOOK AT THIS DUTCH DOOR!       Also: THIS DINING ROOM. (right?!)       Platt designed this home in 1904, on a deep 1.3-acre lot. This theme here is symmetry, and that’s not by chance. This was a time in our country’s history when we were overflowing with self-confidence and the belief that America was, for lack of a better term, the “modern empire.” Our buildings reflected this sense of pride and nationalism, and looked to stately, classical architecture for inspiration (translation: no penny-pinching here, folks.)       Can we all agree that this herringbone brick floor is the bee’s knees?             Wait. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE GARDENS. The architectural history buffs among us won’t be surprised to see how well the landscape and the home play off of one another, as if it’s all just a seamless, perfect composition. Platt was also a landscape designer, and his gardens—many of which were based on formal European designs—were as impressive as his buildings. More than that, though, the landscape was thought to be as crucial a part of each home’s design as the rooms themselves.       Pool? Check! Formal boxwood gardens? Check! A serene terrace from which to sit back and enjoy this perfect set-up? Check!         The asking price for this beauty is $4,150,000, and you can view all the details over at Houlihan Lawrence (who, by the way, have their finger on oodles of amazing luxury homes for sale just north of the city.). In the meantime, here’s the description copied directly from the listing, in case you (like me) can’t seem to get enough of this place.   With the impressive provenance of a 1904 design by Charles A. Platt, renowned architect of the American Renaissance movement, this iconic residence with its classic symmetrical design is timeless. Set back from the road on an enviable 1.30 acres with a series of level lawns surrounded in beautifully-designed formal boxwood and flower gardens, it’s ready inside and out for today’s style of living and entertaining.   Dutch front door opens to a paneled entry, with marble floor and powder room, introducing the well-proportioned, light-filled rooms featuring a front-to-back living room with centered fireplace; library with fireplace and walls of custom cabinetry, and a paneled dining room, also with fireplace and wall of windows overlooking the gardens and the inviting pool. The designer kitchen has white marble counters with complementing herringbone brick floor, designer appliances, breakfast area, a side sitting room, adjacent screened-in porch, and a butler’s station with upper glass front cabinetry and cherry counters. The second floor master suite has a fitted dressing room, fireplace, a luxury bath; and finishes with an additional five bedrooms, two with fireplaces, two full baths, powder room, and a laundry room. The lower level has a wine closet and loads of storage. Outside, a covered dining terrace overlooking the gardens and pool is a magical setting for al fresco entertaining. And a tucked-away 3-bay garage offers approximately 650 square feet of walk-up storage on the second floor. Timeless and turnkey to every detail, this impressive heart of Rye residence is moments to every convenience, and a short 35 minute train to Grand Central Station.      

AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/this-spectacular-new-york-home-was-designed-by-the-esteemed-charles-a-platt-and-i-want-it/

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The Brady Bunch House is for Sale!

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

  If I could only cough up $1,885,000, my childhood dream of being Cindy Brady might be one step closer to reality. (Hey, you have to admit, that family had fabulous taste in houses.) Check out this super fun listing from Douglas Elliman!  

  11222 Dilling St, North Hollywood, CA

  3 bed, 3 baths, 2,477 sq.ft. Asking Price: $1,885,000   The beloved television home of The Brady Bunch has come to market after almost 50 years. This iconic residence is reportedly the 2nd most photographed home in the United States after the White House. Featuring perfectly preserved 1970’s decor, it boasts one of the largest lots in the neighborhood—over 12,500 sqft. Enormous, lush backyard gardens & lawn, completely private & serene. Located on a quiet residential block, property also borders the Los Angeles River, which is a unique street-to-river orientation. Living space quote may not include Garage conversion/expansion of downstairs Family Rm added after original construction. 2 Master Suites, one up/one down plus generous entertaining spaces that flow uniformly from one to the next and to the outdoors. Gated motorcourt plus large separate garage provide parking convenience.Whether inspired by the TV family or the real life surrounding neighborhood, this residence is a perfect postcard of American 70’s style and its special culture.   For more information, visit the full listing over at Douglas Elliman!    

    AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/the-brady-bunch-house-is-for-sale/

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This New York Estate is the Most Amazing Historical Home I’ve Ever Stepped Inside

  by Elizabeth Finkelstein

Living in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley, I’m surrounded by incredible old houses. I see them every day; I gawk at them, I take pictures of them, I drag all of my out-of-town guests on long neighborhood walks, and I talk ad nauseam about them. My entire town is eye candy; frankly, it’s why I live here. Every so often, the opportunity presents itself for me to visit an old house being sold nearby. AND I JUMP AT THE CHANCE.   As you probably know by now, the fabulous team over at Houlihan Lawrence has been sending buckets of gorgeous historical home listings our way, which we’ve been lucky enough to showcase on CIRCA. When they asked me to spend a bit of time looking into the story of this amazing estate for sale in Dobbs Ferry (just 15 minutes from my house, and a hop, skip and a jump from New York City), I was practically squealing with delight.   I mean, can you blame me? As much as the photos show off the home’s features, this one really has to be seen to be believed. The texture, overall feeling of history and quality of the materials are just things you can’t capture in a photo.   THIS HOUSE HAS SPOILED ALL OTHER HOUSES FOR ME.     Here’s the thing: I see a lot of amazing old houses, but this one is really special. THIS ONE is much more than just incredible architecture. I actually feel a much deeper personal connection to it, because it reminds me a bit of the home I grew up in. As you all probably know by now, CIRCA comes from a very personal place for me, having been born out my frustration in watching my parents try to market and sell my 1850s Greek Revival childhood home. It was a house that my parents restored with their own two hands, much as the owners of this house did when they purchased it 16 years ago.   My parents’ house was in such bad shape that the realtor who sold them the house said that they were the first people who would even get out of the car when he pulled up with them to show it. Of course, 30 years later, when they went to sell it, it was a showpiece. Yet it was going to take a special buyer—and they had a very hard time finding them. Inspired by my parents’ story, I started CIRCA with the intention to build a large community of people who already loved and understood historical homes. People who couldn’t imagine buying anything BUT an old house.   I digress. Let’s get back to this house. THIS kind of house is why I started CIRCA. Though I have to be honest—when I first drove up to it, it made me a bit nervous. The outside is so unbelievably spectacular that I was bracing myself to be woefully disappointed with the interior (I could already picture the all-white walls and open floor plan).       So, you can imagine my delight when I pushed open the 5-foot wide front door (seriously, it’s the MOST AMAZING DOOR I’VE EVER SEEN) and saw that the inside is even better than the outside.   This is the first thing I saw:       RIGHT!?!?   I have been in a LOT of old houses, but I have never, ever been in an old house like this one. The house has EIGHT WORKING FIREPLACES, one of which is in an inglenook. And when I met the owners (who raised 5 children here), and heard how much love and care went into restoring every single detail in this home, I knew why it felt so special. Because this is a house that has been loved very deeply.   See this? Quarter-sawn oak paneling EVERYWHERE. It’s almost unreal.           A few things were very obvious to me as soon as I stepped inside. For one, I could tell that this house has been meticulously cared for. Having grown up in a restoration project, I can say from experience that you simply cannot restore an old house to this level of detail without becoming familiar with every nook and cranny.   I was struck when I first entered this house at how light it felt despite the dark wood. And the owners told me that the many, many windows were so filthy when they bought the house that you hardly saw any light come through. You can imagine how dark it must have felt. And they restored EVERY SINGLE ONE.       (Another thing you can’t tell from the photos is that the dining room windows have the most beautiful opalescent detailing in this wonderful blueish/purple color. Amazing.)       Also, I could tell right away that this is a house with pedigree, because every single appointment has been meticulously designed. Like many of the old estates along the river, this was built as a summer house. Michael and Mary Van Beuren were the original owners, and they came from extreme wealth; Michael was an heir to the Campbells Soup fortune and Mary’s father was the successor to John Rockefeller as CEO of Standard Oil. It was built by a very esteemed architect by the name of Algernon Bell and was known as the “Tee House” and later as “Topside”, and it’s thought that all the little T’s in the stained glass designs are a nod that those names.         I’ll say one final thing about this house, and that is livable the house feels despite its size. No one wants to feel like they’re living in a museum, and in a 9,000 sq. ft house of this stature, it’s a challenge to balance the preservation of history with the comfort of modern convenience. There’s a careful art to that, and it’s something I like to call working with the house. A lot of people TRY to do this, but they don’t get it right. They update the kitchen and bathrooms to the latest trends, and break up the flow of the home. And once that gone, there’s no getting it back.   These owners did not make that mistake, and so it’s difficult to know when you walk around the house which parts are new and which are original. It all just feels right.       The kitchen is newer, and yet it maintains the proportions, the tones and the materials that are carried through the rest of the house. The garage is actually an addition in disguise; it blends so seamlessly with the rest of the house that one would swear it was part of the original configuration.       The icing on the cake? There’s an art studio in the tippy-top. OBSESSED.     Thank you to the amazing team at Houlihan Lawrence for allowing me the opportunity to get to know this incredible property, and here’s hoping it lands in the most loving hands! For more information, contact Rory Tishelman (914.671.1757) or Carolyn Joy (646.246.8949), or visit the full listing on CIRCA or over at Houlihan Lawrence.        

    AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/this-new-york-estate-is-the-most-amazing-historical-home-ive-ever-stepped-inside/

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This Unassuming New York Cape Has the Most Spectacular 1940s Interior

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

  Never judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to old houses. This ca. 1945 Cape Revival, marketed by the lovely team over at Houlihan Lawrence, is cute enough from the outside. But I was absolutely blown away by the magnificent period-perfecr interior. Now THAT’S something you don’t see everyday! Here’s hoping the next owner doesn’t change a thing!  

  59 Beekman Drive, Carmel, NY

  1 bed, 2 baths, 1,393 sq.ft. Asking Price: $189,000   Custom-Built Cape Cod, built in the 1940’s by a group of German craftsmen with details you won’t find in any other home. Custom wood work is featured throughout the house: built-in desk & shelves in the spacious living/dining room with wood burning fireplace, large classic kitchen with stainless steel appliances. A one car garage and mature gardens.   For more information, visit the full listing on CIRCA    

    AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/this-unassuming-new-york-cape-has-the-most-spectacular-1940s-interior/

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Send Us Your Vintage Photos

I grew up in a Greek Revival home in upstate New York that my parents poured decades of love into restoring. The photo above is my mom standing in front of the house when she and my dad first purchased it over 30 years ago. This photo inspired CIRCA Houses, and it’s now inspiring our new social media series for Throwback Thursday!   All are invited to join in the fun! Send us your back-in-the-day old house photos, along with a little note about where the pic was taken, and we’ll add it to our cache to be featured on our Facebook page and our Instagram feeds. That pic of you on the front steps of your parents old house on the first day of 2nd grade? Send it in! That campy lake house you vacationed in during your childhood? Yes! Family vacation photos from 1980 with an adorably historic Main Street in the background? Love it!   Please send all photos to letters@circahouses.com

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/send-us-your-vintage-photos/

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15 Houses Under $50,000: May 2018 Edition

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

Ever since I started writing this particular column several years back, a funny thing has happened: I’ve started to become a magnet for cheap, old fixer-uppers. They seem to come to me in my sleep. They arrive daily in my inbox. People have even stopped me on the street to tell me about them. (Yes, this IS my dream-come-true, in case you were wondering.) It occurred to me one day that I’m aware of more cheap old house listings than I know what to do with, so I started a special Instagram feed @cheapoldhouses as a place to share them with others who can’t get enough fixer-upper eye candy. The feed has done so well that I’ve taken a short hiatus from our standard 10 Under 50K post on CIRCA. But I’m back now, ready to share with you a handful of the most gorgeous homes for sale under $50K that are ready and waiting for your TLC.   (If you come across any beautiful old houses for sale for under $50,000, send them along to us at letters@circaoldhouses.com)   Also… We don’t personally represent any of these homes. We’ve provided a link back to the original listing in the description for each home. Click through if you’re looking for more information!    

1  136 Chestnut St, Danville, VA   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of Friends of the Old West End   $44,420   Exterior painting and repairs are already underway on this unique Queen Anne style cottage. Built in 1891, the cottage was updated in the 1920s adding the porch lattice and a rear addition for a “modern” kitchen. Overall, the condition of the structure is very good, with nearly all architectural features intact and restorable. In addition to its decorative trim, the front porch is graced by a stained bead board ceiling in good condition. The front entry door features a fanlight transom. A fifteen light front door and six light side panels complete the front entry. The house retains five arts and crafts fireplace mantles with their cast iron surrounds and decorative doors. Bead board wainscoting is present in the entry hall and dining room. A nice rear yard completes the picture. Tentative architectural plans call for keeping the original four front rooms intact as a living room (or study), dining room, family room, and master bedroom. Those plans also suggest incorporating a new master bath and walk in closet, two bedrooms with generous closets, hall bath, kitchen with breakfast area, and a laundry closet in the rear. Those plans are freely available to prospective purchasers. But hurry before the Danville land bank completes the interior themselves. This one is truly a find. The cottage was originally built by Herbert Lee Boatwright, a local tobacconist. A successful businessman, Boatwright later owned one of the Millionaires’ Row mansions just a few hundred feet away. Boatwright’s sons were known for their excellent marriages – one to the daughter of a U.S. Senator and the other to the daughter of Virginia’s governor. Rehab and occupancy covenants required. Brokers protected. This property is located in the Old West End (OWE) National Historic District. One of five National Register districts in Danville, Virginia, the OWE boasts the finest and most concentrated collection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture anywhere in the Commonwealth. But it’s not just the architecture. Located adjacent to our city’s flourishing downtown River District, the Old West End is a community of friendly people with a passion for preservation and restoration. Make your home in our welcoming neighborhood and our just-right city. It’s nicer here. Come join us.  

        2  411 Broad St, Camden, AL   Source: RE/MAX Tristar   $36,000   MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!! Located on Broad Street close to downtown Camden, this home needs love and it can become a treasure!!! It offers two living areas, large eat-in-kitchen, 2 Bedrooms, and Storage Room downstairs, with 1 Bedroom upstairs. Also, upstairs is room to expand, if needed. The property includes a 1 Bedroom Apartment joined with open patio. Come see this home and be sure to notice the ancient Magnolias either side of the walkway! Current taxes: $349.47  

          3  106 Gorham St, Fayette, OH   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of Welles Bowen Realty   $45,000   Victorian style home waiting for your finishing touches. Bed & Breakfast home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 baths. Built in 1862, present owner re-wired house after it was purchased in 1998. Double lot with mature shade trees.  

        4  292 Main St, Florida, NY   Source: Zillow, courtesy of Copper Cove Realty   $28,000   Own a piece of local history! Former school converted into a single family home. In need of much TLC – needs extensive foundation and interior repair. No heating system or kitchen. Plumbing & electrical need a lot of work. It will take a solid investment, & a lot of dedication to bring this old house back to life! Ideal for someone interested in a labor of love, could be perfect for an art or photography studio. Building consists of (3) 22×30′ rooms & (3) 16×10′ rooms. Property is sold “AS IS”!  

        5  23 W Washington St, Grafton, WV   Source: Zillow, for sale by owner   $49,999   This historical Victorian is one block from the Mother’s Day Shine in Grafton, WV. Grafton is also the home of Anna Jarvis, founder of Mother’s day. The layout of this home would suit it perfectly for a bread and breakfast. Top floor is a two bedroom apartment with it’s own entrance. Each level of this three story home has it’s own outside entrance. There are six fire places, five with the original mantles. Renovating this home is a big project and only the truly dedicated need apply. $49,999 as is or $69,900 with a new metal roof which I am waiting for contractors to start. $5,000 down balance over 20 years at 12%APR with no prepayment penalties for paying off early. There is the possibility of purchasing additional properties around near the home for expansion & parking. This is not a to own this is a sale on a deed of trust. Qualified buyers only. Easy financing.  

        6  590Z Ch. de l’Église, Saint-Armand, Quebec, Canada   Source: zonevendu.com, courtesy of Olivier Maurice   $25,000 CAD   Unique project! Opportunity to convert this church into an incredible living space. Rare opportunity on the market.  

        7  133 Lock St, Lockport, NY   Source: Zillow, for sale by owner   $24,000   The Stickney house is a 2 1/2 story stone house located on a double wide lot with the original Gasport limestone carriage block and octagonal hitching post still intact. The home is in a quiet neighbourhood just a few minutes walk from the Lockport locks, lake effect ice cream, Steam works coffee etc. Some renovations have been completed, but much more is needed!  

        8  307 Halifax St, Warrenton, NC   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of Preservation North Carolina   $30,000   Exuberant display of elaborate woodwork; picturesque setting on a hill among some of the finest homes in Warrenton! Early 20th century homage to some of Warren County’s finest 19th century houses. It’s exuberant display of elaborate interior and exterior features run the gamut of Georgian, Federal and Greek Revival styles. Built in 1932 by Janice and Peter Seaman, who was in the lumber business and a skilled woodworker, the Seaman House is a testament to their appreciation of architectural refinement. Decades of neglect have resulted in severe water damage and collapsed floors. The house will need all new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, structural repair, roofing, a new kitchen and bathrooms. The house is located in the National Register district and may be eligible for tax credits. Though the property is overgrown, the house and outbuildings fading, it doesn’t take much imagination to see the beauty and quality of the estate. The outstanding woodwork and spacious well-laid out rooms within a stately house situated on a slight rise with mature trees and boxwoods calls out to be preserved. Warrenton is about a 1-hour drive from Raleigh via US Routes 1 or 401; an hour from Durham via I-85 and about two hours from Richmond, VA via I-95 to I-85.  

        9  2474 Napier Ave, Macon, GA   Source: Zillow, for sale by owner   $40,000   Designed and built by famous Macon architect Alexander Blair, who designed Macon?s Grand Opera House, this Napier Heights home was Blair?s personal residence until the mid-20th century. Retains historic features – parquet floors, mantels, and trim. Sold AS-IS, requires rehabilitation and comes with single-family, owner-occupied covenants.  

        10  612 Sherrod Ave W, Covington, TN   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Property Place   $40,000   ***INVESTOR SPECIAL*** Home is being: *Sold AS-IS *WHERE-IS * *Termite Damage* Home will have to be completely renovated. This home is located on a big beautiful lot and back yard is fenced. Home features aprox. 12 ft. ceilings down stairs, formal living and dining room, big kitchen.Beautiful wood trim downstairs and pocket doors. Front porch and back deck not in good shape. Please, be careful getting to front doorand some floors in bad condition. Caution enter at your own risk.  

        11  4595 Hwy 18, Rose Hill, M   Source: Realtor, courtesy of J.E. SMITH REAL ESTATE   $40,000   Home is 115 years old according to tax records. Very nice older home place. Home has 14′ ceilings , interior is basically all wood ceilings, floors, and walls.  

        12  413 N. Bond Street, Plains, GA   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of CENTURY 21 Americus Realty, Inc.   $48,000   Single Family Detached – Pretty 3 bedroom 3 bath home located in Plains, GA adjoining Pres. Carter’s farm. This home offers large porches for relaxing afternoons and morning coffee. This home offers updated baths and kitchen, hardwood flooring specialty wood walls and several fireplaces. Needs a little paint, repairing and plenty of love! Large private lot. Take advantage of this unique property. Call Mary Kathryn 229-938-8541.  

        13  6865 Nc Highway 94, Fairfield, NC   Source: Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty   $39,900   One of the oldest homes in Fairfield just minutes to Lake Mattamuskeet. This piece of history deserves some TLC. Cypress built with original heart pine floors in 1809. They don”t build them like this anymore! Large .65 acre lot boasts mature trees which provide plenty of shade. The home has 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen, foyer and parlor/living room. Back porch is enclosed. Front porch is covered.  

        14  1418 NE Perry Ave, Peoria, IL   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Jim Maloof Realtors   $21,900   EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN HISTORIC PEORIA! LOTS OF NATURAL WOODWORK, LEADED GLASS, HUGE WALK-THROUGH PANTRY, COFFERED CEILINGS. NEEDS SOME WORK TO BRING IT BACK TO IT’S ORIGINAL GLORY!  

        15  702 Mulberry St, Louisville, GA   Source: The Georgia Trust   $15,000   The Little House in Louisville, GA is a rare grand example of residential Gothic Revival construction in Georgia. With 5,200 square feet situated on .66 acres, the house was built in 1876 at an estimated cost of $4,000 and features remarkable detailing both on the interior and exterior. The first floor features a dramatic central stair with original curved handrail, 15 foot ceilings, etched glass transoms over interior doors, and full height windows that open onto a full wrap around porch. Plaster crown and frieze are intact where visible, although drop down ceiling tiles and water damage has obscured the detailing in some rooms. The upstairs features four well sized rooms with simpler detailing. Original mantels and hardware are found throughout. There are two symmetrical additions on the rear of the house, including a large kitchen area. Located one block from the historic commercial district, the house would lend itself to use as a bed-and-breakfast or professional office space, as well as a private residence. The Little House is endangered by significant leaks in the roof, left unattended for several years. Rehabilitation will require significant investment of time and capital. A new roof is an immediate need, along with repair of water damage. The exterior siding and detail require inspection, repair, and paint. All systems, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC will need to be repaired and updated. The Louisville Downtown Development Authority recently gained control of the property with the goal of stabilizing and saving the house. The DDA has temporarily patched the roof to prevent further deterioration.  

        Bonus #1  848 Vine St, Poplar Bluff, MO   Source: Zillow, courtesy of Mossy Oak Properties Mozark Realty   $39,900   Known as the “Castle on Vine”, this one-of-a kind Victorian style home is rich in Poplar Bluff history and is a clean slate to add your own personalization. Channel your inner Chip and Joanna to make this a great Bed & Breakfast, Boutique, Museum or venue. The electric has been updated on the main level. This home is part of the Missouri Preservation Society and can be tax deductible to restore.  

        Bonus #2  2798 Batesburg Hwy, Batesburg, SC   Source: Zillow, courtesy of Covenant One Realty & Etown Realty   $29,900   Full of potential! Looking to rehab or are you an investor looking for that next income producing property? This is iconic property has so much to offer for the buyer who’s ready to put the work into it. Home is in need of total renovation, inside and out. Great thing is the septic system is about a year old and the well is in great working order. The lot has been recently surveyed with new plat and corners marked. Second level is currently unfinished but if finished could potentially bring the square footage to over 3,000 sqft. Property has been cleared of all debris, downed trees and dozens of tree stumps. Also has a detached 2 car garage. Call agent to schedule all showings!  

        Bonus #3  3088 State Route 145, Preston Hollow, NY   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Country Views Realty Inc.   $39,900   This 3 bed 1.5 ba home is waiting to be brought back to its former glory. Originally the Parsonage for the Preston Hollow Baptist Church, it has the character you would expect from this era. On the exterior, period architecture can be seen on the roof & window cornices, paneled front door and bluestone sidewalks. Inside, arched doorways, tin ceilings & wood floors are in the parlors. Beautiful wood newel post & railings. Lots of natural light. Summer kitchen w/vaulted ceilings can be an office etc.  

    Love cheap, beautiful old houses?

  Follow CIRCA’s Instagram feed at @CheapOldHouses, on which we showcase only gorgeous historical homes for sale for under $100,000.

      AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”        

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/15-houses-under-50000-may-2018-edition/

[kylejosephus]

A Historic District on Fire: You Should Move to Danville, Virginia!

by Elizabeth Finkelstein. Photos courtesy of Friends of the Old West End.

  Ok, Danville is not literally on fire. But hear me out. The city’s Old West End National Historic District has 43 historic homes for sale – half for under $50,000. These homes range from 1,400 square foot cottages to 5,000+ square foot Millionaires’ Row mansions. There’s something for everyone.

Sure, I love ogling beautiful homes, but behind every gorgeous house is at least one person with a vision and a passion. And that’s really what makes my work at CIRCA so delightful. Of course, I’ve always known Virginia to have one of the most striking collections of historical homes of any state in the country. But when Danville’s homes started popping up on CIRCA, my jaw was literally on the floor. (If you need a visual, check out the incredible Victorian home at 137 Holbrook Avenue, which is shown above, for sale for $154,900.)

The group responsible for helping revive this very special part of Danville is known as the Friends of the Old West End, and I’m designating them my official old house heroes.  

You’ve never seen stained glass like you’ll find inside 161 Holbrook Avenue, for sale for $369,900. 

I asked the group’s executive director, Paul Liepe, to tell us a bit about Danville and the Old West End National Historic District. Here is what he said:

Danville is a low-cost-of-living city on Virginia’s border with North Carolina. It’s the right size to have big city amenities with a small town feel. The Old West End, one of five local historic districts, boasts the finest and most concentrated collection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Commonwealth.  

The Victorian jewel at 854 Main Street, is for sale for $229,900. 

  855 Main Street, a Victorian mansion, is for sale for $152,000. 

    Located adjacent to the city’s flourishing downtown River District, the friendly people in the Old West End have a passion for preservation and restoration.  

838 Green Street, a fixer-upper in the Old West End, is for sale for $74,120. 

  The c. 1925 Colonial Revival bungalow at 120 Chestnut Streetis for sale for $107,300. 

    A unique public private partnership has allowed the historic district’s community organization, Friends of the Old West End, to promote the sale of homes in the city’s land bank. In addition, their website includes homes for sale by owners as well as links to conventional real estate listings. More about the district and the city? You’ll find that too. Even more? Subscribe to the free Old West End Gazette.  

The c. 1891 Boatwright House at838 Green Street, also in the Old West End, is for sale for $44,420. 

  871 Pine Street, in the Old West End is an Italianate beauty dating to 1870. It’s for sale for $44,800. 

    Keep checking back on CIRCA for more Danville homes, or visit the website of the Friends of the Old West End for even more real estate eye candy.      

AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan, their son Everett and beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/a-historic-district-on-fire-you-should-move-to-danville-virginia/

[kylejosephus]

If You Don’t Buy This $44,960 House, I Will!

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

  Much as I love what I do for a living, it can sometimes wreck havoc on my life. BECAUSE I WANT ALL THE HOUSES. Can you blame me!? LOOK AT THIS ONE. It’s $44,960. It hurts. I want it. The little fan on the front landing! The staircase! The built-ins! The pocket doors! EVERYTHING!!!! Seriously, just look at the photos.  

  213 S Park St, Streator, IL

  5 beds, 2 baths, 3,160 sqft Asking Price: $44,960 (foreclosure)   Marvel in this historic 5 bedroom, 2 bath home with beautiful built-ins and eye-catching woodwork throughout. Notice the intricate staircase and stained glass window that lets in the day’s light. The living room features a wood burning fireplace with detailed mantel. The spacious master bedroom has a nook area, perfect for a nightly reading area! If 3,160 square feet isn’t enough for you, there is a walk-up attic that could be an amazing master bedroom/office area/etc. 2 car detached brick garage. Run as fast as you can; you don’t want to miss out on this property. Schedule your private showing today!   For more information, visit the full listing over at RE/MAX 1st Choice    

  Psst… love fixer-uppers? Follow our Instagram feed @cheapoldhouses where we feature gorgeous historical homes that are LOADED with vintage beauty and for sale for under $100,000.

    AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/if-you-dont-buy-this-44960-house-i-will/

[kylejosephus]

This is the $90,000 House You Need in Your Life.

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

  As you all know, I cannot get enough of cheap, beautiful old houses (I have an entire Instagram feed devoted to them.) This morning I happenstanced upon this Gothic Revival beauty and nearly fell on the floor. I WANT IT!!! Just look at the window in the upstairs hallway.  

  414 N Main St, Harrodsburg, KY

  4 beds, 2 baths, 3,510 sqft Asking Price $90,000   This spacious old home was begun around 1856 by M.B. Pulliam and completed by Daniel Curry in 1857. Steep gables decorated with gingerbread, and walls of board and batten are textbook features of the Carpenter Gothic Style. Daniel Curry was a noted mid-nineteenth century builder as well as a Kentucky legislator. This is Harrodsburg’s house of seven gables. The front porch features four sets of paired columns spaced to frame the handsome doorway complete with sidelights and transom. A double lancet window/doorway opens onto the second floor balcony formed by the flat porch roof. The interior of the home retains its original woodwork and flooring. The home has 11 rooms plus 2 baths. A real gem for someone who appreciates the character of older homes and wants to own a piece of history. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   For more information, visit the full listing, courtesy of Ritchie McGinnis over at RM McGinnis, LLC    

  Psst… love fixer-uppers? Follow our Instagram feed @cheapoldhouses where we feature gorgeous historical homes that are LOADED with vintage beauty and for sale for under $100,000.

    AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/this-is-the-90000-house-you-need-in-your-life/

[kylejosephus]

15 Houses Under 50K: January 2017 Edition

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

Just because I know that most of you have long lists of New Year’s resolutions that begin with “fix up an old house” (am I right?), I’ve rounded up 15+ gorgeous historical homes for sale for under $50,000 that are just waiting for a little TLC.   And lest I forgot to mention it, if you LOVE cheap old houses as much as we do, make sure to follow our other Instagram feed @cheapoldhouses on which we showcase only gorgeous historical homes for sale for under $100,000.   (If you come across any beautiful old houses for sale for under $50,000, send them along to us at letters@circaoldhouses.com)   Also… We don’t personally represent any of these homes. We’ve provided a link back to the original listing in the description for each home. Click through if you’re looking for more information!    

1  89-91 Market St, Salem City, NJ   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of RE/MAX Connection   $49,900   Ageless beauty abounds, with this historic gem that awaits its new owners. The Alphonso Eakin house and adjoining historic property boast tons of original woodwork, fireplaces and all the Victorian Charm one could ask for. This ‘diamond in the rough’, located across from the Salem County courthouse and offices, would make a great professional office or be a beautiful home with all the historical significance desired.This one of a kind property is priced to sell, so do not hesitate. Make your appointment to take a walk through yesterday, today. Property being offered “as is” Sale includes 93 Market St., which is currently tenant occupied.  

        2  200 S Main St, Mount Gilead, NC   Source: Preservation North Carolina   $39,000   The 1 1/2-story Haywood-Taft House is located in the picturesque Town of Mt. Gilead on a large green lot on Main Street just south of the downtown historic district. This home has an inviting pattern book-inspired front porch draped with carved and sawnwork ornament, a spacious, Georgian-plan interior with mantels in nearly every room, and many other original features. An unusual slate chimney on the rear kitchen wing wall exemplifies the wealth of materials enriching the buildings in this charming Uwharrie Mountain town.  

          3  110 W Elizabeth Street, Paris, IL   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of Coldwell Banker Heart of America Realtors   $19,900   Historic all brick home built in 1905. 4 beds and 2 baths, Lots of natural woodwork, built-ins and wood floors. Needs TLC. Sold as-is. Schools and utility suppliers unknown. Sq. ft. from assessor site.  

        4  81 W Louisville St, Clayton, AL   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Altisource Homes   $26,500   Great opportunity to own this 7 bedroom 2 bathroom single family home. This property built in 1904 features hardwood flooring, a wrap around front porch, and has approximately 4,071 square feet of living space on a 0.67 +/- acre of land. Bring your ideas and design and see how you can transform this place into just what you’ve been looking for.  

        5  129 N 14th St, Griffin, GA   Source: ERA Sunrise Realty   $49,000   1920s rehab waiting for YOUR special touch. Can you imagine all the improvements you can make with so much space to transform? Possibilities are limitless with this property. This house is located blocks away from shopping and dining. Home is handicap accessible with front porch ramp. Fireplaces in main area and master bedroom. House is vacant. Go ahead and check it out.  

        6  320 N Commerce St, Aulander, NC   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Freeman Realty   $28,900   CIRCA 1900 – This two story farm style house is anxiously awaiting a new owner whose dream it is to restore a turn of the century home. Located in the small town of Aulander, NC, this home features an open kitchen, dining and family room area. There is also a downstairs bedroom, bath, laundry room and a living room/parlor. The front foyer boasts a beautiful staircase that leads to two additional upstairs bedrooms. Several of the rooms have original mantles and many charming features of the home are still in place, including the front door with top and side transoms. Situated on a nice 1/2 acre lot, you’ll also find a classic country style front porch, a side entry porch and some outbuildings. Priced to sell, below tax value, this home is in need of repairs and is ready for someone to lovingly restore it back to its former beauty.  

        7  203 Church St, Trenton, SC   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Woodward and Associates   $50,000   Are you up for the Challenge? Come to Trenton and restore this 1890’s home that needs a complete remodel. Once a beauty in it’s time and could be once again. Cash Buyers only.  

        8  1500 Berkley Ave, Bessemer, AL   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of Great Western Realty   $48,000   Historic beauty in the heart of Bessemer southside. Great old world charm wrap around front porch. Heart pine wood floors through out, transom windows over doors, all original wood baseboards and doors, tall celings. Six fireplaces, basement has old meat storage room. Not far from the Moody Mansion. Come grab your piece of history. Motivated Seller.  

        9  32 High Street, Orange, MA   Source: Estately, courtesy of Godin Real Estate   $50,000   Stepping into the past, this is a large 1850’s Mansard roof home and barn with frontage on High St. and North Main St. Located next door to the Orange Historical Society, there are nice views to the southeast. Many intact architectural features to be found in both buildings. Property will not qualify for all types of financing.  

        10  411 N Main St, Georgetown, OH   Source: HER Realtors   $34,900   NICE, HISTORICAL STYLE HOUSE, GREAT LOCATION IN TOWN. NEEDS SOME REPAIRS. BUT LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, THIS HAS ALL THE CHARM OF THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, JUST NEEDS YOU TO BRING IT OUT! 7 DAYS ON MARKET BEFORE OFFERS CAN BE LOOKED AT SELLER MAY ACCEPT AN OFFER ANY TIME PRIOR.  

        11  412 E Lyle St, Milford, IL   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Rosenboom Realty Inc.   $48,900   Some work started on this huge Victorian–you can finish! Original woodwork, gorgeous open staircase, beveled and stain glass windows, pocket doors. Some new drywall. Lots of HW floors. 2nd floor bath roughed in. Newer furnace. Newer kitchen and bathroom. Huge floored attic. 2 staircases. “Other” room is butler’s pantry off kitchen. “Bonus room” is open area on 2nd floor off main staircase. Tremendous potential to restore a once-beautiful home!  

        12  506 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC   Source: CIRCA, courtesy of Keller Williams Lake Norman   $40,000   VICTORIAN CHARMER IN NEED OF TLC. Come see this Victorian beauty with 12 ft ceilings, floor to ceiling led pane windows, 5 cast iron wood burning fire places. Located in the Historical District of Salisbury and just minutes from I85, local shopping, dining and entertainment. Roof was replaced by the town of Salisbury and some of the siding repaired as well. With all of the original architecture throughout the home, the details on the front door, staircase, windows, this could be a show stopper  

        13  460 N Cypress St, Florence, AL   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Karen Rose Real Estate   $46,800   UNA area location. 2 Story traditional built in 1901. 4 or 5 bedrooms, 2 baths. Upgrades include Central HVAC, Aluminum siding. composition shingled roof. Large asphalt parking lot at the back. 10 to 12 FT ceilings, original fireplace mantels in 4 rooms. Large eat-in kitchen. Great location This close to University of North Alabama, the neighborhood is mixed with single family residences and also multi family apartment buildings. Other historical homes in the neighborhood are being updated and restored. Alabama Redemption Rights may apply. Open for Owner occupant and investor offers, cash only. Proof of cash funds to purchase is required with your offer.  

        14  465 S Main St, Canton, IL   Source: Keller Williams Realty   $14,000   Sold as is.  

        15  1317 S Maple St, Carthage, MO   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Realty Executives Tri-States   $53,800 (close enough!)   Great investment opportunity! Electrical has been updated and the hot water heater is newer. There is central heat and air for the downstairs. With a practical remodel this property has potential to be cozy and endearing. The entryway leads into a spacious living room and on into a formal dining room with a built-in hutch and shelving to showcase family heirlooms. The upstairs features 2 very large bedrooms with window seats and the remodeled full bath boasts a charming claw-foot tub. Come visit this property, sit on the front porch under the decorative ginger-breading and listen to the bustle of the Maple Leaf City.  

        Bonus #1  109 S Trenton St, Rutherford, TN   Source: United Country – Southern Lifestyle Properties, LLC   $40,000   Old funeral home converted to a home for a large family. Five plus bedrooms and three baths in a small West TN town. Several fireplaces and hardwood floors throughout. Large lot with a 3 car and 1 car garages. This would be ideal for a large family or could be converted again to a multiple family investment property. So many possibilities, you will just have to take a look. Contact Bradley at 731-431-9479 or Meegan at 731-343-0404 to see this one of a kind property.  

        Bonus #2  12 Amherst Ave, Ticonderoga, NY   Source: McDonald Real Estate Professionals, Inc.   $48,900   Historic 1925 home in the Old Village District of Ticonderoga needing some TLC. Hardwood floors, classic wood moldings, doors banister and brick fireplace all in excellent condition. Slate roof, covered porch, and new furnace.  

        Bonus #3  8090 Route 36, Tylersburg, PA   Source: Realtor, courtesy of Burford & Henry Real Estate Services   $37,000 (would LOVE to see the inside of this one!)   This historic Stage Coach Stop holds endless possibilities. Commercial uses abound for this property located in the heart of the area’s recreation activity. Just imagine the wonderful home the huge rooms lend themselves to. Turn your dreams into reality with this fascinating offering!!      

Love cheap, beautiful old houses?

  Follow CIRCA’s Instagram feed at @CheapOldHouses, on which we showcase only gorgeous historical homes for sale for under $100,000.

      AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”        

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/15-houses-under-50k-january-2017-edition/

[kylejosephus]

Save This House! An Endangered Arizona Ranch With Architectural Pedigree

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

Our friends over at the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation (THPF) tipped me off to a pretty stellar, ninety-acre historical property in imminent danger. They describe it as “a 1938 guest ranch designed by Margaret Fulton Spencer, one of American’s first women architects,” and “a survivor of Southern Arizona’s golden age of Guest Ranching.” How fun is that? But because it’s for sale and lacks any preservation protections, the ranch could be purchased and torn down, if it doesn’t fall into the hands of a preservation-minded buyer.

Preserving a place like this seems like a no-brainer to me, but it’s amazing how little regard there seems to be for history, at least when it comes to big developers. So, for the trillionth time in my life as a historic preservation professional, I find myself asking, “why, why, why don’t people get it?!”

But you guys get it, right? Of course you do. THIS IS WHY I STARTED CIRCA.

I mean, just LOOK at this place. It’s gorgeous (By the way, many thanks to Jude Ignacio and Gerardine Vargas, who took these amazing photos for the THPF).

    Here’s a bit about the property, from the THPF:

The home is situated on a ninety-acre tract of rolling foothills in the Tucson Mountains, surrounded by untouched Sonoran Desert and centuries-old saguaros, stands Rancho de las Lomas, a surviving iconic example of Guest Ranch architecture and the most important design achievement of one of America’s first female architects, Margaret Fulton Spencer.       During the early 1940s, Las Lomas hosted numerous parties and events. Famous guests including Clark Gable, Hopalong Cassidy, Eleanor Roosevelt and Frank Lloyd Wright. In March of 1943, the Chicago Tribune noted that in the early 1940s the Ranch hosted and was the location of the Geneva College for Women, a progressive women’s school affiliated with Mount Holyoke College previously housed at the Chateau de Bossey in Celigny, Switzerland.       Today, Rancho de las Lomas is for sale. Sitting on just under 90 acres, this remarkable property is at high risk for redevelopment. With no preservation easements, no historic designations, and few regulatory options, the future of Margaret Fulton Spencer’s most important architectural work in its undisturbed desert setting is at risk of being lost forever. With a thoughtful preservation plan and a preservation-minded buyer, this property could make an incredible boutique hotel, extended-stay winter retreat, or luxury spa.    

  TFHP’s website goes into much more depth about the history of the ranch and the threat that it currently faces. If you’re interested in being a part of the effort to save it, check out the real estate listing or contact the THPF at info@preservetucson.org. And don’t miss these amazing historical photos of the ranch, courtesy of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation Archive.    

  AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/save-this-house-an-endangered-arizona-ranch-by-one-of-americas-first-female-architects/

[kylejosephus]

There’s an Incredible Frank Lloyd Wright House for Sale Just Outside of NYC

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

Houlihan Lawrence has a pretty spectacular portfolio of homes for sale just north of NYC (In my next life, I’m hoping they’ll hook me up with that crazy-beautiful Tudor estate that I’ve been swooning over all week). I nearly fell out of my chair this morning when this c. 1948 stunner landed on CIRCA, and knew immediately that something this good could only come from the master himself: FRANK. LLOYD. WRIGHT.

It’s located a mere 50 minutes from NYC, and, like all of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses, seems to blend seamlessly into the landscape (it sits on over an acre). This is the real deal, guys—even the furniture has Wright’s name on it. Then again, who’s looking at the furniture? I’m sure your eyes are still glued to the carport. I WOULD BUY IT FOR THE CARPORT ALONE.      

11 Orchard Brook Drive, Pleasantville, NY

  Asking Price $1,500,000   The Sol Friedman House is an extraordinary masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, nested on a bucolic site in renowned Usonia. Documented by architectural photographer Ezra Stoller and featured in numerous publications including Architectural Forum and the NY Times. Full-time home or amazing hidden retreat up a private drive approximately 50 minutes north of Manhattan. Presenting home-as-art, an innovative overlapping circular masonry design uniting structure and nature. Inside, the curving living space gives a sense of movement and connectivity to the outside, not unlike a tree house floating in the woods. Magnificent stone center fireplace & marvelous oak built-ins and furniture, designed by Wright himself, shows his genius in their utility. Just adjacent to the main house, atop the properties rising stone wall is a distinctive concrete formed pedestal carport; a mushroom seemingly growing up from the ground. A private residence respected and cherished.   For more information, visit the full listing over at Houlihan Lawrence.    

  AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/theres-an-incredible-frank-lloyd-wright-house-for-sale-just-outside-of-nyc/

[kylejosephus]

The Interior of This Pittsburgh Fixer-Upper is Blowing My Mind

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

  When you do what you love for a living, and make it as public as I have made CIRCA, a funny thing happens: People start “thinking” of you a lot. Or, at least, they say they do. For me, this usually comes in the form of “I thought of you yesterday because I drove by a crazy looking salvage dump and you would have loved it,” or “Have you seen so-and-so’s house yet? You should become friends with her just to see her staircase! Thought of you as soon as I stepped inside!” or “You saw that amazing house that was just listed in XXX town, right? It totally made me think of you!”

I really should just wear a shirt that says “Skip the Niceties, Let’s Just Cut Straight to the House Talk,” but I think it’s probably a little obvious at this point. (And for what it’s worth, I’m totally ok with this, so please, world, DON’T STOP.)

Last night, my neighbor, Hope (who loves old houses and beagles, just like me) told me about this ridiculously beautiful house for sale in Pittsburgh—where the architecture never ceases to blow my mind. I’ve always been more of a small, cozy space kind of girl, but have long admired people who endeavor to fix up huge, old mansions. Check out the moldings, have you EVER seen anything like them? Amazing, right!?  

  311 Highland Ter, Pittsburgh, PA

  5 bed, 4 baths, 3,692 sqft Asking Price $299,900   Built in 1910 by famed architect Frederick Sauer this stately home sits in the hills overlooking Aspinwall. Just waiting for the right person to return it back to its former glory, the house features approximately 3600 Sq feet of living space. Architectural details include a magnificent staircase with a huge stained glass window, ornate moldings, pocket doors, original hardware, teak fireplace mantel in the dining room and a billiards room in the basement. Each bedroom has its own fireplace. The all brick exterior has two covered porches, newer roof, newer lined gutters, newer driveway, newer retaining wall and sewer line. This home has been owned by the same family since 1920 and is being sold ‘as-is’   For more information, visit the full listing over at Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty    

  Psst… love fixer-uppers? Follow our Instagram feed @cheapoldhouses where we feature gorgeous historical homes that are LOADED with vintage beauty and for sale for under $100,000.

    AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN

Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Nyack, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”

from House Retoration Tips https://circaoldhouses.com/the-interior-of-this-pittsburgh-fixer-upper-is-blowing-my-mind/

[kylejosephus]

Top 11 Garage Issues and Solutions

The garage door is one of the most useful devices in the home. It has been making lives of homeowners quite convenient for decades. In addition to that, it has also been upgraded in the recent years to have a full layer of security for the home. It is already becoming an indispensable part of the home.

However, you cannot avoid having problems with your garage door. Although it is sturdy, there will come a time when you’ll have issues due to broken parts or just normal wear and tear of daily use.

Here are the common garage door issues and solutions to help you during those tough times where your garage door won’t work as it should:

1. Door doesn’t close all the way to the floor. This probably is one of the most common garage door issues and solutions. Often, when this happens, the close limit switch may need some adjustment. It may not be adjusted according to your door’s height. If this is not the case, check if the garage door is binding when it has to be lowered or raised manually.

2. Garage door doesn’t open fully. If the garage door opens but stops short halfway it may be caused by the up limit switch or by damaged rollers. If it’s the former, check your switch and adjust it accordingly. The switch is usually a lever found at the end of the track. If it placed too far, the door will stop before completely opening. Adjust it by moving it closer to the motor. If it’s caused by damaged rollers, the only solution is to replace them with new ones.

  3. Door only closes halfway and then reverses. This is caused by a broken cable, worn-out extension pulley, an improper adjustment of the close limit switch or bent tracks. When you encounter this problem, make sure that you call the professionals for this issue.

4. Motor doesn’t stop running. This can be an unusual problem for starters but can be quickly solved. This happens when you first install your garage door opener and you’ve miscalculated the garage door height. It is often caused by the up-limit switch that’s not placed properly. If your motor won’t stop running, you might have to readjust your up-limit switch and place it farther from the motor.

5. Door opens slowly and awkwardly. This usually happens when the springs are broken or have problems. What you can do is replace the spring with new ones that match your garage door. Although this can be a difficult and dangerous task, it is doable for experienced homeowners. You can also hire a specialist to repair your springs.

6. Garage door reverses after touching the floor. When the door leaps upward right away after it hits the floor, you have an issue with your close limit switch. To solve this problem, adjust the screw on the switch in small increments. Test the door and check. Continue the adjustments until the door stops even when on the floor.

7. Door doesn’t operate with either keypad or remote. When you first encounter this problem, check the power supply on your garage door opener to rule out this cause. This issue can be triggered by different things. Replace the batteries on your remote and check the wiring on the keypad. Ensure that the antenna is not damaged. You might also want to consider reformatting your keypad or remote.

8. Garage door won’t stay open. This is often caused by broken spring system as it is responsible for lifting the garage door. Check your springs found on top of your garage door. If you have a broken spring, you need to replace it right away as this can be a serious issue.

9. Door is uneven. A slanted or uneven garage door is often caused by a broken cable or worn-out spring cable pulley. A quick fix to this problem is to replace the cable or springs with new ones.

10. Garage door won’t open. This issue might be caused by bent tracks or broken springs. Once this happens, you have to replace the broken parts with new ones.

11. Door doesn’t open in winter. If you live in areas that have cold winters, then you might be experiencing this issue quite frequently. There will be times when your garage door won’t open properly during winter. If this is the case, adjust the sensitivity of the opener by looking for a screw on the motor. Refer to your opener’s manual in order to adjust the sensitivity accordingly.When it’s cold, the rollers might get stiff. So, you’ll need to lubricate your rollers.

The post Top 11 Garage Issues and Solutions appeared first on A Click Away Remotes.

from House Retoration Tips http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/garage-issues-and-solutions

[kylejosephus]

New Year’s Promo [2018]: Buy Rowe AMI and TouchTunes Jukebox Remotes

It’s New Year time and it’s that time of the year where gift giving can be stressful. This is especially true if you have a lot of friends and family that you need to find gifts for. Make sure that you find useful presents.

If you have family or friends that are into jukeboxes or have jukeboxes at home, then it might be a smart move to gift them with jukebox remotes. Often, these get broken too easily and people replace them too frequently. This is why handing out a remote or two will be a great gift idea.

Where to purchase remotes

The top jukeboxes used today are the Rowe AMI and the TouchTunes jukeboxes. Make sure that these are the brands that your friends or family are using so you ensure that you’ve purchased the right one. There are different options for buying Rowe AMI and TouchTunes remotes. You can go withthe usual electronic retail stores in your area. However, you have to keep in mind that you have to make it through the holiday rush. Ensure that the remotes you’re looking for are compatible with the jukeboxes that your friends or family owns. Another place to check out is online listings. Websites such as eBay or Amazon give you a ton of options when it comes to jukebox remotes. There are many online sellers from different parts of the world who are posting their items. When going this route, make sure that you buy from a trusted seller with excellent feedback and good return policies.

New Year Promo for Jukebox Remotes

If you’re on a budget, Press On Products has a New Year promo for their Rowe AMI and TouchTunes remotes. When you buy a 10-remote pack, you can get an extra remote for free.

This promo goes for both Rowe AMI and TouchTunes remotes. So, you don’t have to only give a single remote. You can definitely gift them a few remotes to last them a pretty long while.

The remotes come with a money-back guarantee so you have the assurance with every purchase.

The perks of gifting Rowe AMI and TouchTunes remotes

Jukebox remotes are more useful than you ever thought they would be. For someone who uses jukeboxes quite a lot, the remote can be a convenient accessory to have. Most remotes that come with jukeboxes are flimsy and get broken quite easily. Replacement remotes, such as those from Press On Products, are made to be durable.

With the Rowe AMI A1 jukebox remotes, these come with extra features that owners will find useful. It has three mic options and four channels ready. The volume buttons are paddles and found at the center part of the remote. The overall design is improved. The A1 remotes from Press On Products now has a leash cord for those who want a mounting option so it doesn’t fall and break. Each remote has its leash cord attachment and batteries for immediate use.

The T1 TouchTunes jukebox remotes, on the other hand, are custom-designed by Press On Products. The remote is compatible with all of the TouchTunes jukeboxes. It has extra features with SureGrip plastic molding technology that makes it less likely to be dropped. This is great for those who have coin-operated jukeboxes. This set comes with a free battery cover. In case the remote falls and the battery cover breaks, you now have a replacement battery cover. You no longer have to deal with a duct tape solution for your jukebox remote.

The post New Year’s Promo [2018]: Buy Rowe AMI and TouchTunes Jukebox Remotes appeared first on A Click Away Remotes.

from House Retoration Tips http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/buy-rowe-ami-and-touchtunes-jukebox-remotes

[kylejosephus]

Basics and Replacement: Genie Garage Door Carriages

Garage door openers are necessities in today’s busy home. It is difficult to go without a garage door opener, especially if you drive every day. Aside from making home life quite convenient, garage door openers also add a layer of safety and security to your home.

As a home staple, you have a ton of options when it comes to garage door openers. There are different manufacturers to choose from when you’re in the market for a good garage door opener. One of the top garage door openers is the Genie.

Genie as a brand

Genie is one of America’s trusted consumer brands. Originally founded in 1923 by Alliance Manufacturing Company, they produced different industrial, military, and consumer products. It was in 1954 that the company started to manufacture its own garage door opener and named it Genie. It was the first of its kind as it was a radio-controlled and mass-produced garage door opener. In 1958, Genie was an innovative leader in the industry and created the direct screw drive opener. In 1994, Overhead Door Corporation purchased Genie and it solidified the brand as a reliable name for customers.

Genie garage door opener carriages

The carriage assembly travels on the screw-drive rod whenever the garage door is closed or opened. It is also called the shuttle. This links the garage door to the rail. It is the gears that pull the carriage along the garage opener’s rail, which in turn opens or closes the garage door.

Genie 34107R Excelerator Screw Drive

Genie 35263R Chain Glide Carriage Upgrade Retrofit Kit

Genie 36179S carriage screw drive replaces model 20414R

Genie 36179S carriage screw drive replaces model 20414R

Genie 36435AS Carriage for ReliaG series

Genie Belt Drive Carriage Assembly 20462R

Genie Chain Drive Carriage Assembly 21784R (20438R)

Replacing your Genie carriage

You know it once you have problems with your Genie carriage. If the carriage does not hold the drive or it skips, then it’s time to replace it. You might also want to troubleshoot it. If it’s irreparable, then you might have to go and replace it entirely.

To do so, follow these steps to remove the old carriage:

• Prep your door and your opener. Make sure that you have unplugged your garage door opener and you have properly closed and locked your garage door. This is necessary to make your task faster and safer. • Pull the emergency release cord. Doing this disengages your garage door opener and makes your door manual. • Pull the cotter pin out. Using pliers, pull the cotter pin out from the hole on the carriage assembly. Once it’s out, the bar that connects the carriage to the door will fall. So, be careful as it might hit your nose or face. Save the cotter pin. • Unscrew the bolt. Loosen the screw that holds together the closed limit switch. You need to get the switch out of the way in order to slide out the old carriage. Lift the limit switch and set it aside. Make sure that you mark where the limit switch was originally placed so you won’t have any problem in returning it later on. • Remove bolts and nuts at the end of the rail. In order to slide out the old carriage out, you need to remove the bolts and nuts found at the tip of the rail. You have to keep the rail in place with a ladder or tie it to a rope so it wouldn’t fall down. • Slide out the old carriage. Once the pins and bolts are removed, slide out the old carriage.

After this is done, you need to install the new carriage by doing these steps:

• Slide in the new carriage. With the rail hanging, slide in the replacement carriage. Apply some lightweight lubrication on the drive on the carriage. Make sure that it’s facing the right way. Ensure that it passes the limit switch’s original location. • Insert the rail bolts and screws. Replace the bolts and screws found at the end of the rail. • Return the limit switch in place. Slip the limit switch back in its original location and replace its screw. Push back the cotter pin in place to secure everything. • Pull up the emergency cord. Finally, return the emergency release cord back into place.

The post Basics and Replacement: Genie Garage Door Carriages appeared first on A Click Away Remotes.

from House Retoration Tips http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/genie-garage-door-carriages

[kylejosephus]

Garage Door Hardware: Hinges, Rollers, and Springs

The garage door is the largest and heaviest moving part of the house and is usually made to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Garage doors are durable and can last for decades to an end, depending on how these are used and maintained.

These doors are made up of different parts that ensure the entire garage door is in good order. Through the years, however, your garage door and its parts might encounter wear and tear. Some parts might get rusty or broken and will eventually affect the operation of your garage door. Once this happens, you may have to fix or replace the parts of your broken garage door.

Here are the parts of the garage door that get broken most often than not:

Garage Door Hinges

Garage door hinges are usually located in between the third and bottom parts of the garage door. The hinges keep the sections of the roll-up doors together. These can also be found on bigger and heavier garage doors. If they are broken, hinges usually make a squeaking sound once you open or close the garage door. Some doors also have sagging sections, which may be corrected by fixing the hinges.

Hinges are usually embossed with a number that shows the size of the hinge. Use this to find a replacement hinge for your garage door. Unfortunately, old hinges become so rusty that it’s hard to decipher the number. If this happens, just manually measure your garage door hinge. To do so, place it on a level ground. Measure your hinge from the ground to the center of the top hole.

Here’s a quick guide on the hinge number for every measurement: hinge number 1 is for those with 5/8” to 3/4″, hinge number 2 is for those with 7/8” to 1”, hinge number 3 is for 1-1/8” to 1-1/4”, hinge number 4 is for those with 1-3/8” to 1-1/2”, hinge number 5 is for those with 1-5/8 to 1-3/4”, hinge number 6 is for 1-7/8” to 2”, hinge number 7 is for 2-1/8” to 2-1/4”, hinge number 8 is for 2-3/8” to 2-1/2”, hinge number 9 is for 2-5/8” to 2-3/4”, hinge number 10 is for 2-7/8” to 3”, hinge number 11 is for 3-1/8” to 3-1/4”, and hinge number 12 is for 3-3/8” to 3-1/2”.

Garage Door Rollers

The garage door rollers allow the garage door to travel safely up and down through the garage door tracks. These rollers come in different materials such as plastic rollers, steel rollers, and nylon rollers.

When replacing your rollers, keep in mind that these are identified by the size of its diameter and stem. For the standard two-inch garage door track, the roller with 2” diameter and 4” stem will work. Larger doors with three-inch tracks use the three-inch rollers.

Next, make sure that you purchase the right make of your garage door roller. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Find one that works for your garage door.

Garage Door Springs

The garage door springs help in counterbalancing the weight of the door to make it easier to open and close it. These come in two types: the torsion and extension springs. Torsion springs are usually located above the closed garage door while the extension springs are found at the top of the upper tracks.

With a broken spring, your garage door might quickly fall to the ground or look crooked when going up or down. You might find yourself in a dangerous situation with a broken spring as the door. This is why you need to replace it right away once you see the signs.

In choosing the replacement spring, you need to consider the length of the spring, its diameter, type of ends, and the direction of its wind. Make sure that you purchase the right spring for your garage door.

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from House Retoration Tips http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/hinges-rollers-and-springs