Here’s a house flip story that, for once, we love: “I don’t typically rehab anymore,” said Ginger Fawcett, a St. Louis-area realtor and on of the original board members for ModernSTL, “but my father purchased the larger land parcel to subdivide. He didn’t have any interest in the house itself and was going to sell it to a rehabber who wanted to rip out the kitchens and baths. I just couldn’t let that happen.”
Chock-full of pristine original features, the house needed just the right bit of TLC. So, Ginger snapped it up and embarked on a flip, Retro-Renovation-style. She found old school repair guys to repair the stove, installed New Old Stock light fixtures in a few key places, replaced some of the home’s flooring, and gave the fantastic original bathrooms a spit shine. Now, Ginger’s freshly polished midcentury jewel is on the market, in move-in condition awaiting a new owner who appreciates the midcentury flair of the home. We will say it again: All the best stuff is in St. Louis!
Ginger writes:
Wasn’t sure if this would be of interest to you or not. It’s a mid-century ranch in Crestwood (St. Louis) MO that we just rehabbed but kept and enhanced the original mid-century features including repairing the appliances (they all work now). We replaced a few fixtures with NOS fixtures as the original owners had added ceiling fans over the years. I’m a real estate broker in St. Louis and I oversaw this project myself, as I couldn’t stand the though of original Lumiline lighting and pristine original boomerang counters going in the dump.
I asked Ginger for more details about the home and the repairs that she made, and she replied:
The home was built in 1960, and the land has been owned by the same family (until it was bought this year by the new owner) since the 30’s. The previous farmhouse was torn down in 1959 to make room for a new “state of the art” modern home. At one time they owned all the land around it and operated it as a farm up until the 1980s, when they sold off most of it for a new development behind the property. They still worked the land and sold their produce at the Soulard Market in downtown St. Louis. Rumor has it that they had German POW’s work the land from time to time during WWII in the 40s!
The “outdoor” bath and office off the back of the house was where workers cleaned up and took breaks. There were two huge old barns on the property for equipment. and they used the kitchen in the basement for canning their produce at the end of the season.
They must have been the neatest people on earth as the home was so clean you could eat off the floors even though nobody has lived there full-time in several years! In addition the original boomerang White Skylark counters, bath/kitchen fixtures, lighting and tile are in nearly perfect condition.
We kept everything that was original or had it repaired by a “old school” repair guys. The stove was the only item not working at all but it was a simple fix (love old appliance guys), so it’s running great now. Both the oven and stove are Suburban brand by the Samuel Stamping and Enamel Company from Chattanooga (bought by Roper in the late 60s).
The floors through much of the home were hardwoods covered in carpet, but under the living room, laundry and under 1980s vinyl in the kitchen was old linoleum that unfortunately could not be saved as it had gotten too brittle and was full of carpet holes.
We refinished the bedroom floors and replaced the hall, laundry and living with matching hardwoods. However, we couldn’t do that in the kitchen, as it would require pulling out the cabinets, and we were afraid that could damage the cabinets and counters. So instead, we used this really cool rubber tile product that is waterproof, requires no wax or maintenance and can be replaced easily one tile at a time if one gets damaged. We thought it added a very cool retro look, is soft to walk on, and didn’t add much height to the flooring, which was a requirement in the kitchen. (We looked into linoleum but were afraid the waxing and polishing might damage trim or cabinets during install).
UPDATE: We had lots of questions about the floor tile so asked Ginger for more info. She wrote:
They sell them at Lowes and Menards special order (at least they do here). The actual manufacturer is Perfection Floor Tile (not sure if they sell retail). They were easy peasy to install (cutting was the worst part as they are pretty thick and my hand was suffering for several days). However, they don’t require glue or anything as they snap together beneath the tile. We used the “leather look” shown on this page: http://www.perfectionfloortile.com/pg_Tile_Style.html
We re-installed all the quarter round to keep the edges sealed. I think most people will need some sort of edging to hide any cuts.
- [This kitchen reminds us of Nathan’s 1962 NEVER USED kitchen — you know, the one that went super-viral a few years ago.]
I was one of the original Board Members for Modern STL so I do a lot of mid-century home sales and have a special spot in my heart for the ones that are in good original condition. As a result I somehow ended up taking on this project, and I’m so glad that I did.
It’s not quite as unique in terms of the architectural style, but I have never seen one with such pristine original features!
Here are some of the highlights I am using as I prepare the marketing materials for our Twilight Open House this Friday:
- Price: $299,900
- Year Built: 1960
- Square footage: 2,100
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3 full/ 1 half
- Immaculately preserved in its (almost) original condition including brilliantly designed original MCM light fixtures such as rare and collectible Lumiline under cabinet lighting (with extra light bulbs), a retractable atomic pendant, and dozens of original square recessed lights.
- Hallmack rotating toothbrush holder and double sliding door medicine cabinet
- Original Emerson Pryne Exhaust fan/heater (50+ years and still functioning as designed)
- Lumiline Under Cabinet Lighting
- Vintage chrome leg wall-mount porcelain sink with towel bars
- Hudee ring metal rim vintage sink in hall bath and kitchen
- Recessed square housing lights in family room and throughout basement.
- Second kitchen with drainboard sink and working stove
- Hidden pocket doors throughout.
- Original hand carved front door with Schlage starburst hardware.
- Huge walk-up attic
- Oversized garage with original solid wood door and unique mid-century style overhang.
- Flying saucer pinhole light in family room
- NOS starburst glass shades in hallways.
- Double door walk-through closets in each room (with lights).
- Pristine tile in shower and baths and floors. Original
- Built-in cutting board in kitchen
- Real solid wood paneling in family room, trim, moldings and built-in plant stand cabinetry.
- Original doors and moldings (unpainted)
- Beautiful brick and stone exterior
- Deep soffits for cooling
- Built-in stone planter beds at front porch
- Coved/curved plaster moldings in living room
- Etched glass shower doors
- Natural light pass through upper window between baths to allow exterior light into interior bath.
- Original plans for house
- Ventahood with double fans and Lumiline light.
- Electric Suburban stove top with griddle
- Original Suburban oven with unique top/bottom broiler (Suburban was bought by Roper)
- Huge walk-out lower level with 1/2 bath and partially finished
- Beautiful mature peony’s and stately oaks
- Tons of exterior outdoor lighting
- Garden room and full bath from exterior porch
- Lovely patio and pathways
- Extra storage everywhere!
From the charming exterior brick and stonework to the gorgeous tile in the bathroom, we are smitten with this home! How fantastic that Ginger was willing to take on this project to help preserve this home for a lucky midcentury lovin’ buyer. Talk about going above and beyond for the love of retro — great job, Ginger!
Link Love:
- Mega thanks to realtor Ginger Fawcett of Live Local Real Estate Group for letting us feature this fabulous property.
- All photos © Reed R. Radcliffe / TripleRPhotography LLC
Karen says
This is a beautiful home, Ginger. What is the wall paint color in the picture of the front door? It’s exactly what I’m looking for for my living room.
Joe Felice says
Someone PLEASE tell me what that brick is in front and on the fireplace!!! Here in Colorado, back in the day, we called it “Miami brick,” but when you mention it today, no one knows to what you are referring! It has driven me crazy for 30 years now. I would even like to know if it’s still available. My friend’s mom specified it on her 1964 rancher, and it still amazes. But if you Google “miami brick” you don’t get anything other than places in Florida that sell bricks. I don’t know about other areas of the country, but here in the Denver area, that brick was extremely popular in the ’50s and ’60s (as was, unfortunately Johns-Manville siding which was manufactured here, but contained asbestos).
I happen to love this home and its “style.” it reminds me of the ramblers of the day. (One of those, like my dad’s, would look pretty cool in the driveway!) A word of caution to the owner: PLEASE replace the motor in the original Emerson exhaust fan(s). As a property manager, I have seen too-many fires caused by those. Before the late ’80s, those motors were NOT thermally protected (to shut off if they overheated), and would ignite anything around them. Usually that would be insulation, and gunk inside the housing and ducts that built up over the years. You can still keep the exterior part of the fan, so the look doesn’t have to change, but a $5.00 motor could save a home or a life. Also, watch out for the corners of the stove hood. I recall cracking my head open on one very similar to the one pictured. When Pam tells you to be on the look-out for “vintage nastiness,” she s telling the truth! And that doesn’t just mean asbestos, bad wiring, lead pipes or lead paint.
It looks like there is one pink bathroom, but the fixtures have been replaced with white, and another bath that is salmon in color. Can we qualify that as a shade of pink and admit this home to the club??
The price is a steal, especially for so-much land. If that home were in the Denver area, it would list for $800,000, easy. I don’t understand what’s going on here with our crazy prices. Pretty soon, no one’s going to be able to afford to live here, which will be sad.
pam kueber says
Hi Joe, the bricks on the fireplace might be what we tend to call “Roman bricks”. We did this story — many many styles and colors available — https://retrorenovation.com/2015/04/13/where-buy-roman-brick/
Thanks for the warning on the old fan housings. Yes, readers should have all this stuff checked out by pros when they move in! Be Safe/Renovate Safe — https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Lynn says
Gorgeous. This is a couple of blocks away from my 1960’s brick ranch in Crestwood. Mine also has many original features. Pam did a story a few years ago when we first moved in about my “Wilma Flintsone Bathroom” with the very unusual Formica vanity. Besides that brown bathroom, we also have a pink one. The toilet and sink had been replaced over the years, but I recently found a pink American Standard toilet at Habitat for Humantiy in the “right pink” to match the tub. It was $12.00! We took it to a car wash and hosed it down with some bleach. Perfect condition and perfect match. My home also has some of the few remaining “awning windows” in the neighborhood. Most people have replaced them, but I love mine. I crank them open and turn on the attic fan. It doesn’t even matter if it is raining, because the windows keep the rain out. I’ll probably be going to the open house on Friday.
I grew up in Crestwood, and remember when my Mom would go to that house to buy bags of tomatoes from the farmer.
Lynn in Crestwood
pam kueber says
Love LoVe LOVE your bathroom, Lynn! Here’s the story –> https://retrorenovation.com/2012/03/13/wilma-flintstones-1960-bathroom-vanity/
Diane Katherine H says
My grandmother had the swan shower doors in her pink bathroom, I always loved them. Thank you for your work on this, Ginger. I wish I could move there.
Amy in Sacramento says
Love the house, LOVE this real estate agent! We definitely need more agents like Ginger to preserve gems like this home. I hope you find the right buyer who doesn’t want to change a thing. (Take applications and encourage the seller to reject anyone who plans to gut it!) I heard about a vintage trailer seller who rejected multiple buyers who planned to gut his trailer and turn it into a taco or hot dog stand. (Or a mobile fashion shop.) He loved his trailer and wanted it to remain a camping trailer so he quizzed interested buyers about their intentions. (Maybe these homeowners/sellers can do the same?) Anyway…great job, Ginger!!!
Melinda says
Thank you, Ginger, for saving this home. I am so jealous of whoever gets to live here!
Built in planters and pink bathrooms!
Lisa Sharp says
I just bought a 1963 home. It’s largely still original. The kitchen flooring needs replaced, what are the tiles you used?
pam kueber says
Hi Lisa,
You can also check out all our flooring research under Kitchen Help/Flooring here: https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/flooring/
And be sure, when dealing with old materials, that you know what you are working with — more info and links on our Be Safe / Renovate Safe page https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Lisa Sharp says
Thanks, Pam and thanks for always reminding people to be safe.
pam kueber says
🙂
Amarissa Parker says
What a gorgeous home! So glad that Ginger so lovingly brought out the beauty and uniqueness of this home for someone to enjoy. Bravo!!!
Traci says
My favorite part is the shower doors in the pink bathroom..to die for!!
John says
The details! Would love to find out more about that rubber floor in the kitchen.
Ginger Fawcett says
I posted this early in the conversation but will post again here:
They sell them at Lowes and Menards special order (at least they do here). The actual manufacturer is Perfection Floor Tile (not sure if they sell retail). They were easy peasy to install (cutting was the worst part as they are pretty thick and my hand was suffering for several days). However they don’t require glue or anything as they snap together beneath the tile. We used the “leather look” shown on this page: http://www.perfectionfloortile.com/pg_Tile_Style.html
We re-installed all the quarter round to keep the edges sealed. I think most people will need some sort of edging to hide any cuts.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Ginger, I added this to the main of the story!
John says
Thanks!
JustanotherPam says
More thanks!