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!
Joel says
Next time you find a time capsule house like that, please call me first.
mike daniels says
wow! what a beautiful bathroom. Im looking forward to seeing the rest of the house. so cool . I’m wondering do you know what happened to the original family that had the house since 1948 ? love to hear their story
Mountainwoodie says
That is absolutely stunning! My 1938 house has a very similar bathroom in pink and maroon……but this one is so much nicer. I spent 2 1/2 years removing beige paint that the flipper had sprayed on EVERYTHING. Unfortunately the idiot scuffed the tile to make the paint adhere. If anyone has a secret substance to use to polish tiles that have been scuffed please let us know.
Pam Kueber says
I recommend you consult with pros — especially given that tile, old and new, can contain hazards — such as lead. For more info see my Be Safe/Renovate Safe page >> https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe << and in particular the story on the potential for lead in old tubs, sinks and tile.
Carl says
That has to be one of the best bathrooms I’ve ever seen!
judy h. says
If someone would have asked me to desgin my most wished for gorgeous MCM bathroom. I could never have thought of something so glamorous! This bathroom is so MINT, it looks as it is was constructed yesterday! There are too many marvelous things in this bathroom for me to mention. I must say, the very first thing that grabbed (yanked) my immediate attention are those fabulous black shiny tiles contrasted by the beautiful blush sink, tube and toilet. All the rest is delicious decorative icing!
Hunter says
I have the vapors, I need my smellin’ salts……
meb says
Me as well. I’m just giddy someone loves it the way it is. I’m just blown away that folks think they could put something better in!
Lori Ruonavaara says
It’s beautiful! I purchased a home built in the 40s and my main floor bathroom has mint green and black tiling. The sink is original as well as the mirrored medicine cabinet. I wouldn’t change it for anything! Many of the other features of the home are still original and they’re going to stay that way! Kudos to those who see the beauty in mid century design!
Danita says
Made my husband’s day! His father started plumbing in 1948 and this bathroom is indicative of good workmanship. That plumber was proud of his work! Crane Dialeze fixtures – the best! My husband had worked on many of these types of bathrooms in the 1950s & 1960s. So sad that all people want to do today is remodel, so am VERY HAPPY to learn there are others that appreciate fine workmanship and are willing to keep original. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer says
Wish, I could have an older home. ????
Evan says
You CAN! Ours is for sale right now, LOL (FSBO) We’re in Oregon. Ours isn’t mid century (1936 Tudor), but we need to downsize so we can go on to our next project, a 1947 mid cent ranch that needs our love 😉 And, we can’t wait!
Karen says
GEORGEOUS bathroom!! To absolutely die for. You can see yourself in those black wall tiles. And don’t even talk to me about ALL THAT CHROME! Thick and chunky and pristine! The sink and medicine cabinet are treasures. Thrilled for Duane and Mary that your neighbor had you, Pam, to help save this gem! Hope you get your dream of having your daughter live in your house and you live in Duane and Mary’s. But wait…what about all the work you put in to the Mahalo Lounge? haha ‘Doncha just hate clueless realtors? Our houses are all MCM bi-levels and a realtor in our neighborhood keeps underpricing them if they have original bathrooms or kitchens laughingly saying we MCM lovers are trying to pass off these rooms as “retro” AAARRRRGGGHHH!!
Looking forward to seeing pics of more of this lovingly maintained house. Congrats to the original owners for not bending to the tv-imposed pressure of gutting everything for dare I say the evil words, “open concept?”
Karen
Pam Kueber says
My daughter loves the Mahalo Lounge — she’ll keep it forever and pass down to her kids!
Jana Stuller says
This look so much like my grandparent’s 1950 bathroom, not black tile but it looks a lot like it, they had the wall hamper shoot that went to the basement, and a matching scale!
I love this!!!
Jennie says
Agree, alas I believe laundry shutes are no longer up to fire codes, Pam can you confirm?
Pam Kueber says
I do not know, Jennie. Consult with your local authorities.
Jeremy B. says
As a (non-clueless) realtor, that is just the way it goes. Unfortunately, if you want a premium price you have to have a boring house. HAHA
I have been searching for a gem like this in my area, but they all have been ruined. Fingers crossed the right one shows up at the right time. If i have to show one more grey home, with grey walls, and white trim, and fake looking grey laminate flooring i will puke pink tile myself.