So proud: I helped the time capsule house two doors away find owners who LOVE it and don’t want to change a thing. Can you believe: This house sat on the market for at least six months, because, word is, all the buyers who made their way through were put off because it would take too much remodeling.
The house had been on the market all this time when finally, I was talking to my friend Molly, whose parents were looking to move to town. I mentioned the house, which was For Sale By Owner, not on the MLS. Molly arranged a showing for the very next weekend and ka-boom, her parents — Duane and Mary — jumped on it. They were thrilled by the house. They are “old house people,” like their daughter. Like me. Like us! Welcome to the neighborhood, Duane and Mary!
Since they confirmed the deal — and then, after they closed — I’ve walked through this lovely mid-century modest house at least four times and must say: All the folks who passed on this house missed a great thing. This house is amazingly well built, full of time capsule features that are going to make you drool, and after Mary and Duane make just a few housekeeping updates, move-in ready. Updates that I am aware they are making: Refinish wood floors, repaint a few walls to colors they prefer, add a rain gutter to the back, and update the electric to handle modern electronics. Otherwise, this house is good to go!
The house was with the same family since 1948. The dad was a plumbing contractor. This explains a lot, because the bathrooms are all fantastic.
But most fantastic of all: This en-suite master bathroom. I am telling you: The black wall tiles, liner tiles, and porcelain mosaic floor tiles — are pristine! I’ll show more of the house over the next few days, but let’s start with this glamorous, romantic, 1948 bathroom.
All the fixtures and hardware are original, high-end Crane that look like they were installed yesterday. Original, every bit, down to the shower head (note the “Crane” detailing on the escutcheon/base), the shower curtain bar (okay, not the shower curtain!), the towel bars, the recessed cosmetic box, the faucets, the light switch cover (okay, I spot one GFI-conversion on the electric outlet), even the trash can!
Even the Venetian blind and the radiator cover.
The mirrored medicine cabinet is a treasure to behold. It has three sections — each section opens — and the two tube lights still work.
I am even in love with the hot- and cold-water shutoff switches. Oh, and the nickel-plated legs and integral towel bars on the sink.
Peoples, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Mary and Duane! There are welcome cocktails in the Mahalo Lounge your future!
Mary Buckley says
I shudder to think someone might have ripped this beauty out!
Sarah says
Absolutely!!! I was literally taken aback to see the gorgeous pictures and try to comprehend anyone wanting to demo that bathroom.
Julie says
Stunner! I cannot believe the condition of the medicine cabinets and the blinds (how on earth do you maintain a set of blinds for 70 years?!). The tile shines like a mirror, and those faucet knobs are amazing. I’m glad all the unappreciative buyers got out of the way for Mary and Duane.
Paige says
Absolutely gorgeous!
Nancy says
Wow. Can’t wait to see more.
Dave S says
OHHHHH my! That is a outstanding example of a home cared for and loved. The new owners will have many more years of use. I have a friend in Lewiston, NY with a bathroom that has just amazing tile in light green. What impresses me about my friends homes is the corner pieces and tiles around soap dishes and cures in ceiling all were made for the space. When these homes were built the craftsmanship and detail was expected even in modest homes. I’m glad these neighbors of yours don’t want to destroy the workmanship and design of the bathroom.
Karin says
I am swooning. Lucky buyers. It’s Streamline Moderne heaven. This is one of the most stunning original bathrooms I’ve ever seen. Thank goodness it wasn’t remodeled. What color are the tub, sink and toilet? My monitor is reading them as pinkish beige. Great post-can’t wait to see the the rest of the house.
Dan says
Why, I’d feel just like WALLACE BEERY in that glamorous jewel box!
Carolyn says
Unless the original owners’ sales description of their house was “At least there’s a roof over your head”, I’m fairly certain they highlighted the special features before potential buyers called for an appt. Of course, these types of buyers would also go into the Pabst Mansion and “update” it!
While most realtors around here (SE WI) still just list #bdrms/baths, a couple have been listing “well-maintained” type of house. I’ve seen a few that referenced “Mad Men” and cocktails on the patio or Better Homes & Gardens design. But mostly it’s been a terse “needs updating”, completely missing the point of what’s there.
Seriously, why re-model if it ain’t broke?! Oh…because they want to put their personal stamp on it – to look just like everybody else’s house!
Looking forward to seeing what else is in store for us as this story unfolds.
Retroski says
That is really stunning- the bathroom and the fact people wanted to “update”. You might think they would’ve highlighted the wonderful original details, and marketed it to the “old house” folks. Unless the market there is full of folks who are so going for the match the Jones’ look. That lack of imagination can be frustrating but I’m glad it found the right owners.
When an original home in my neighborhood (1968) went for sale I campaigned for the remodelers to preserve what they could of the original details. The crazy wallpaper was replaced by paint but I’m happy to say it was a tasteful “update” that could be retro’d up if the new owners chose to do so. Tasteful as in there was enough retro bones to it.
Felicia Alexander says
How did the story of your neighborhood house turn out, Retroski? Hopefully the house was sold to people who love the retro details and preserved them.
Retroski says
Hard to say! The house has been on the market since summer, and still is. Most houses in this neighborhood were updated post 1980s-2000s and boast that kind of a look. Their appeal lies in that they’re large and well built, and in a good school district. So that explains the typical buyer but I’m hoping it’ll appeal to a millienial family with a creative eye.
By “campaign” I mean I left some info about the RR page about retro home buyers and some info about the restore in case they wanted to donate the old appliances.
By “tasteful updates” I mean they did update things like some lighting, tiled floors and toilets, but did keep some other originals like the kitchen cabinets and some vanities.
What impressed me when I saw the home in its original state during an estate sale (“shaved” maroon and olive shag rugs, paneling, light gold appliances, crazy wallpaper and all) was how lovingly kept it has been, and I think the original owners paid for extra upgrades like hardwood floors when most homes here had chip wood subfloor for carpet.
It was a happy house and guess I can say a prayer it finds the new right owner!
lynda says
Wow, that is a pristine bath. It is a very large bath for that era, especially since it is a master bath. I love all the details too, including the shut off valves!
la573 says
The great condition of the shut-off valves surprised me. I’ve worked on many old bathrooms and kitchens and that style of shutoff is rarely still in one piece and functional after 50 years. Usually they won’t turn, won’t shut off completely, or crumble if any attempt is made to do so.
meb says
Regular maintenance/upkeep has to be part of the equation.
Dana says
Wow! We just bought a 1947 house and want to redo the bathroom in period style. This is fabulous!