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!
normadesmond says
Gorgeous.
Krista says
So very beautiful!!! The family who owned took such dear care towards the home. I’m sure the new family will treasure it!!!
meb says
Indeed. They loved their home. ????
John M says
Truly a beautiful mid century bathroom. I especially love the floor, the recessed cosmetic cabinet and that fabulous mirror and chrome medicine cabinet. And the waste paper basket! Glad you found a new owner who appreciates instead of depreciates the rare gift they now own.
Debbie says
I have a 1963 MCM ranch for sale right now, and just WISH there was a realty site JUST FOR those of us who love older homes…. I just know (hope!) someone is going to walk in and LOVE the yellow and blue tiles in each bathroom and the original Hotpoint ovens in the kitchen, among other attributes of this lovely home I’ve LOVED for almost 24 years….
Mary olson says
There is a site called Circa. It is all old houses for sale. Ours was on there.
Felicia says
Hi, Debbie,
There IS a realty website for those of us who love older homes. It’s not strictly preservationist (you do see some at-least-partly-remuddled houses here among the gems), but it’s a good start:
circaoldhouses.com
Best of luck to you. My husband and I are preparing to get our 1970s rambler-with-walkout-basement ready to list in a VERY slow market in a rural area, so I know what you’re going through.
meb says
I agree, and hope an older home lover falls for your place. ???? Do you have a link to the listing? Maybe a RR follower near you is looking for a place right now!
Lisanne Freese says
Where do you live?!
Debbie says
Thanks for the info, everyone ~
It’s already listed on HAR (Houston Assn of Realtors) so I don’t know if I can individually list in Circa, but I’ll find out!
I live south of Houston (30-45 min away)
Not all of the features are pictured here, as they were professional photos for listing….
A friend of yours would like to share this listing on HAR with you. Please follow the link to HAR.
http://www.har.com/u/2e57b5c6
Felicia Alexander says
What a lovely home, Debbie. Such a light and cheery family room! The beamed ceiling, brick fireplace surround, and built-in bookcase make it really special. Best of luck selling it, hopefully to someone who will preserve its MCM charm.
Debbie says
Thank you!!
When I can I’ll add pictures of the lemon yellow tile bathroom ~ 🙂
Felicia Alexander says
Those will be delicious eye candy, I’m sure. Looking forward to them!
meb says
Wonderful, Debbie! I’m totally digging the round sofa and chair (bring on the curves!), as well as the brown wall oven. Lovely yard, too. ????
Gretchen says
The tile and fixtures are to die for!!! I’m so glad to hear that the house is going to people who see it for the treasure it is.
Neil says
This really is a gorgeous movie-star vintage bath! I suggest they remove the heater cover, and have it stripped and chrome plated.
Voila!
Diana says
That stunning bathroom proves they REALLY don’t make ’em like they used to! It has more than stood the test of time.
Everything about it is fabulous — it’s stylish, elegant, clean, streamlined, efficient — why would anyone want today’s cheaply made and cheap-looking fixtures instead?
My hat is off to the families who kept this lovely vintage bathroom intact, and congratulations to the new owners.
Henry Vroom says
This truly is a beautiful bathroom and I’m glad some people are keeping history alive by keeping it the same. Too many people remodel to the “current” trend which will only be outdated again in 10 years. I have a well constructed pink bathroom that I kept in Florida, redid the terazzo floors, kept the original perfectly working toilet and bath faucets, and only had to repaint and replace the vanity.
Scott says
Thank goodness this bathroom was saved. And your story touches on a very important point I just found out from a friend who sold his own house last month. Houses being sold by owner are completely shut out by realtors as if they don’t even exist, so to be sure you’re seeing all the houses for sale you’ll also need to check out sites like ForSaleByOwner and Zillow.
Lisanne Freese says
Absolutely positively check ForSaleByOwner! We sold our nearly original 1931 bungalow fsbo on ForSaleByOwner to a couple looking for a bungalow that hadn’t been wrecked by renovation. They walked in and were floored by all the unpainted maple woodwork, the tasteful maple kitchen (I installed myself!) and the updated from the studs up yet retro-looking bathrooms.
Chris says
I Love this tile!! It looks so beautiful.
I am not a pink fan and I love to see other bathrooms.
Gray and maroon are good too. But this bathroom is just wonderful.