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!
Maye says
Amazing bathroom! I’d like to know how to keep that black tile so shiny.
My rental has the same type of tiling, black walls and yellow sink & toilet. But I’ve tried lots of things and my black tile looks ashen.
I’ve tried Barkeeper’s friend, baking soda, vinegar and my tile won’t look shiny. Any tips?
Pam Kueber says
U am not an expert; contact tile manufacturers to find out what they recommend. You can also see this story but I don’t know if it’s the same kind of enamel involved: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Maye says
Thanks for the insight, Pam!
Chris says
Jubilee wax? Not sure but my Mom used to use it on stuff. Or maybe Glass Wax.
meb says
Someone who used to clean my house decades ago used a light coating of lemon oil on the surfaces of tile and porcelain surfaces (not run bottom, not inside toilet bowl) after cleaning, then buff it off. She said it made the next cleaning go much more easily as well as help the sheen.
I recently read of a diy after shower spray that is a mix of water, vinegar, and lemon essential oil. That sounds like something worth trying, and would complement the lemon oil wipe & buff.
Pam Kueber says
See Kohler’s recommendations and note they warn against acidics: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
CarolK says
I need that sink in my bathroom! I’ve already got the tub to match.
Joan massey says
Handsome ensuite love they still have the original garbage can. Amazing so happy that you helped save this house. Manufactures just don’t make things like they used to.
Bette Jean says
My Grams had that kind of can. Very sturdy…almost like bakeolite.
Nanette says
Dreamy perfection!!!! Thank you Pam for helping to save this gem. Wow, I love it. CRANE, even in the tub, so good! Wish I could see this in person.
Phil says
Wow! I love the Crane fixtures!
Amber says
This is my fear if I ever have to sell my house. Granted, we did just buy it a few years. But I put in boomerang counter tops and doing everything to make this gutted 60’s house look like it should!
Donna in SC says
I am redoing my kitchen next year, I hope. ( must find someone to lay linoleum!
I plan to leave my house to my kids, and they know that they must sell it to the just right person, or one of them has to live in it. Otherwise I will come back and haunt them forever!
Felicia Alexander says
What a stunning bathroom! You deserve a medal, Pam, for helping to rescue this jewel of a home and for finding its “forever people.” I simply cannot understand why anyone would want to destroy such beauty for the sake of “updating” which will likely look dated (and cheap) in ten years.
Bette Jean says
Ditto to the 10th degree! Last to this post because of Irma. Just returned to Vero Beach where we did well.
Felicia Alexander says
I’m relieved that you’ve been able to return home, and that you and your home are OK.
CarolK says
Bette Jean, I love how you called your grandmother Grams as I am also a Grams. I was watching reruns of Charmed at the time my first grandchild was born and was inspired by the Hallowell sisters calling their grandma Grams.
Felicia, I’m glad you came through Irma ok and I hope that Donna in SC did, too.
Felicia Alexander says
Carol, Bette Jean is the Floridian. (We’ve only had a few splutters of Irma remnants here in Southern illinois, fortunately.)
Donna in SC says
I did, thank you! Some limbs down, and a couple of chimney leaks, but happy it is over!
Laura's Last Ditch Vintage Kitchenwares says
Oh, my! That does NOT need remodeling!
Molly says
So excited about this house for my parents! I am so grateful for Pam’s awesome tip! Look forward to reading and learning more about the house from Retrorenovation posts!
Pam Kueber says
Molly!!!!!! You get invited for cocktails in the Mahalo Lounge, too, of course! xoxo
Debbie in Portland says
I have the budget model of that medicine cabinet, probably the size of the center section, lights included. (They’re attached to the cabinet itself.) The lights were giving me trouble a couple of years ago so I had it rewired, and now it’s good for at least another 70 years.
I’m so glad this house “waited” for the right new owners.