Check out this house that’s on the market in the neighborhood where I grew up.
This house is next door to one of my best friend’s houses, but I don’t remember it. When I showed her the listing she said, “Oh yeah, the haunted house!” which sounded familiar, but I still can’t picture this house being next to hers. Apparently we refused to trick or treat there because, y’know, ghosts.
This is just one of many historic houses in the area. I had friends who lived in Queen Anne Victorians and Colonials. The house I grew up in is a Dutch Colonial (I think? I’m sure my dad will weigh in) built in 1905 1912. But when I was a kid, those houses were just houses. I didn’t know to appreciate glass doorknobs and windows that slid up and down on ropes and original hardwood floors.
And just look at these details…
This house is priced at $1.95M even though it clearly needs a ton of work. This isn’t like the bargains on that Cheap Old Houses show on HGTV. But with a staircase like that — and a turret! — I sure hope someone buys it to fix it up, not tear it down.
I love this peek at the inside of the turret.
That’s sort of what it would look like if you could shrink down and stand inside the Victorianna’s cupola.
At least I can build as many Victorian dollhouses as I want, for way less than two million dollars…
UPDATE: As noted by my dad in the comments, the house I grew up in is NOT a Dutch Colonial but a sort of Craftsmany-thing that defies definition. No wonder I love Craftsmans.
In other news, if any of my readers have been looking for a Bill Lankford Place for All Seasons dollhouse, here’s one on eBay that has had progressive price drops for several months. It started around $1,500 and is now down to $355 (plus shipping, or local pickup in Florida).
It includes a bunch of furniture pieces that I suspect are Cassidy Creations kits, but might even be genuine Bauder-Pine. At this price I’d be tempted to buy it if I didn’t already have one.
Emily is a freelance writer, miniaturist, and adventure game enthusiast.
Love that turret! (Oh why did they paint that one fireplace?) Gorgeous house, deserves to be saved, and great inspiration!
Gorgeous! I love the details.
DUTCH COLONIAL?????!!!!! What are you thinking? The Baker’s house (with a gambrel roof) is a Dutch Colonial. Our house actually defies a clear definition. The closest description is a turn-of-the-(20th) century Shingle style bungalow (sort-of). Since it has a full second floor it is not really a bungalow. It has a Mission/Craftsman look and feel but not strictly that.
I will send you a photo that you can post if you want. (Or see the Google street view–but the wooden driveway wall is now replaced with stone.)
And although the city water records say it was built in 1905, it was actually built in 1912. I have a copy of a transcribed (not original) copy of the building permit. The water and sewer lines were installed in the street when it was created in 1905 but the house was built later.
P.S. Note all the water damaged ceilings and floors and broken windows in the “haunted house” photos. Inspiration for a future “tear-down” miniature? ;-{ )>
Love, Dad.
Haha I knew Dutch Colonial wasn’t quite right, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it actually is. The dormer with the bank of windows across the front is what made me think Dutch Colonial, but I was pretty sure it didn’t have a gambrel roof.
Also I thought 1905 sounded wrong! But the internet is always right, isn’t it?!
Well, now I see where your love of houses came from. What a neat neighborhood to grow up in….
This house was recently on the site oldhousedreams.com. I love the site as I love old houses, but it gives me inspiration for my miniature houses!
Ooh, thank you! I’ll share that with my friend.
Also I’m bookmarking that site. :)