Old House Porn

Every Friday, I get an email from Oldhouses.com  which is always good for a round of "I gotta retire and get the hell out of here."

These are older houses, often in terrific condition, at ridiculously low prices (by Washington, D.C., standards, at least). 

Most of these houses are in small towns just off the freeway... or waaay off the freeway in some cases, and many are also in depressed towns where the only employer was the local pickle factory.

Still....

Another fair warning:  a lot of these houses are more house than anyone would want, many are far from maintenance free (ever paint a "painted lady??) , and some of the towns are too small for an active mind. 

That said, there are exceptions.

Appended below is a small sampler..... enjoy!

$ 397,500, 1917 Colonial Revival, Bennettsville, South Carolina: 
Restored 15 room Colonial Revival home located in town historic histrict on a beautifully landscaped 5 acre lot. Hardwood floors, 7 fireplaces, large crown molding.  Restored custom kitchen, elegant staircase, garage shop, guesthouse,wraparound porch with portico.

$270,000, 1885 Victorian, Historic District, Kershaw, South Carolina:
Featured on HGTV’s “Restore America” as well as “South Carolina Homes and Gardens” and “Old House Journal”, this 1885 Queen Anne Victorian was completely renovated in 2000. Renovations were expansive and included new wiring, plumbing, porches, balcony, hardwood floors and HVAC. This “painted lady” features 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a laundry room and pantry off the master bath. The beaded board ceilings are 11ft downstairs and 8 ft upstairs. The formal living room, foyer and the family room all have original tongue and groove wainscoting. The kitchen, living room, dining room and family room all have functioning gas log fireplaces. Three other fireplaces exist, the master bedroom and two bedrooms upstairs. The custom pool, pergola, landscaping, and irrigation system was installed in 2004.

$299,000, 1930 Beck and Tinkham Mansion, Jamestown, New York
This estate features 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths in the family living area. (video) The servants quarters includes 2 additional bedrooms and a common bath. Interior design has recently been professionally updated with warm, rich tones. Custom moldings and trim work throughout. Front entry boasts tiled flooring, leaded windows, dutch front door and leads to a spiral staircase. The expansive formal living area includes oversized, fully functional wood burning fireplace. First floor also includes library, formal dining room with wall coverings imported from France and fireplace, family room, 1/2 bath and multiple accesses to rear stone patio. Many updates including architectural shingled roof, newer boiler, electrical service, and cosmetics. Radon remediation system installed. New electric service recently installed. This exquisite home is located on a private drive and sits on an acre of land. Fenced in rear yard great for kids and/or pets.

$349,900, 1880 Queen Anne Victorian, Monroeton, Pennsylvania
17.57 acres, 2 car garage, barn,  paved driveway, garden, patio, wrap around porch, built in cabinets, grand staircase, stained glass windows, walk-in closets, city sewer.
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