Saving Old Houses (2026)

24/06/2024

TALK ABOUT A GLOW UP!!!

~Last week on Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House ~

Ya know, your really have to see the before to appreciate the after! This classic circa 1920 Craftsman-style bungalow was seriously down on its luck. Lackluster and, well, kinda ugly, it now has curb appeal for DAYS! This is the power of respecting our old houses and, of course, the right period paint colors!

When our scout first sent photos of the house, something about that dormer was just SO wrong… One closeup pic showed me all I needed to see to know that we had something great to restore. Recreating this original open balcony (yup, most of it was GONE) was a highlight of the season!

Thanks to .lifestyle whose genius idea to install a planter box that brought color UP and that code-height railing DOWN. Not to mention, her interpretation of the homeowners simple taste brought those long-neglected interiors to life in the most inviting and wonderful way!

With the team doing what we do best; bringing life back to old houses, these awesome homeowners can now live their American dream of home ownership in the most eye-catching house in the neighborhood!

And ya know what’s even better??? ALL of this happened working with a limited budget - it just took a little vision and a whole lotta elbow grease! 💪🏼

~ If you haven’t had a chance to watch this INCREDIBLE transformation, or if you have an want to see what’s next, you can find Who’s Afraid of a Cheap Old House streaming on Discovery+ and HBO Max! ~

After 📸

23/06/2024

3153 Thurgood Marshall Hwy, Kingstree, SC

An awesome circa 1850 Greek Revival fixer-upper on 173.2 acres!!! 😍 Marketed as “Lot/Land”, you won’t find this listing if you’re looking for a great old house instead of a vacant parcel. Yup, this once-grand house has been totally discredited by the listing agent. The exterior shows no signs of structural damage; the ridge is straight, the sills are level, and the detail appears to be intact form a circa 1870 renovation - so what gives? Just another example of the wrong agent failing to represent the right property for its full potential (and who posts listing pics with his thumb in the way. How much is that commission again? 🤔). Featuring double galleries, gracious entries at each level, an early semi-detached kitchen joined by a now-enclosed breezeway, interiors that are, hopefully, just as intact as the exterior, and one heck of a setting, this one promises to clean up like the hidden gem that it is!

From the listing: “Active farm with lots of timber & teeming with deer, turkey & other wildlife. Excellent hunting opportunity with many trails capable of taking 4-wheelers & side-by-sides. Old farmhouse on property needs major repairs. Property consists of 4 parcels: 45-226-059, 45-226-073, 45-226-004, 45-226-063”

Absolutely no information for bedrooms and baths and no SF provided of amazing old house potential on 173.2 acres offered by Phil Ward of ERA Leatherman Realty at $910,000!!!

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3153-Thurgood-Marshall-Hwy-Kingstree-SC-29556/246682360_zpid/

22/06/2024

🚨 HAPPENING NOW!!! 🚨 Not exactly the post I had planned, but here we are…

The City of Commerce, GA recently acquired this early 20th century double-pen workers cottage located at 76 High Street; easily a contributing building and immediately adjacent to an established National Register Historic District. Under the completely incompetent advisement of certain City employees that the structure was of 1950s construction and of no importance, City Council approved destruction of this cottage by practice burn for the volunteer fire department. They may not be grand, they may not be elaborate, but these cottages are key to the historic development of southern railroad cities and warrant protection!

It appears that Commerce Main Street, a program designed to “revitalize downtowns and commercial districts through PRESERVATION-BASED economic development and community revitalization” has failed this historic city… yet, again… This is only a sign of more bad decisions to come…

I encourage you to take a moment; reach out and express your concerns. Let’s lend our voice to ALL of the old houses!

FOR WHO TO CONTACT (the responsible parties):

Natalie Thomas - Downtown Development Director & Main Street Manager Commerce at City of Commerce
Email: [email protected]

Matthew Hailey - City Manager
Email: [email protected]

Alternatives to 🔥: The City has available to it grants and incentives not available to the private sector that would assist in the rehabilitation of this property. (Instead of the 21 GRAND of CITY FUNDS allocated to destroy this house). What an incredible opportunity missed to LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

07/10/2021

So, WHY is the Gatewood House needing to move (AGAIN)??? Well, in a well intended but perhaps ill-advised relocation back in 2014, a move that ultimately saved the historic house, it was placed so close to another significant historic structure that both are compromised. New owners want to ensure the future of the Gatewood House but also want to be able to walk out of their home without finding themselves under another house!
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A reminder that the first open house will be Saturday October 9th. (That’s in three days!) Lunch will be served by our gracious hostesses who are showing us true southern hospitality. Come for the barbecue, stay for the old house! And then take it home!
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📸 pic 2 courtesy of Tugaloo House Movers

06/10/2021

You guys have really being giving the Gatewood House some love! 🙌🏻 I mean, I’m pretty sure that is what broke social media yesterday!
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Check out these interior shots showing the rare and beautiful details of this 1806 Federal, both past and present. Wow!
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The Gatewood House must be moved from its current site and is such an important and deserving historic property. An OPEN HOUSE is coming up THIS WEEKEND, so come on out and see what all the excitement is about! Our awesome property owners are hosting a barbecue and are really working with us to save this amazing old house! I hope to see you all there!!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Be sure to see Wednesday’s post to learn more about WHY the Gatewood House needs to move!
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27/09/2021

What’s the best way to start off the week? A SAVED old house, of course! I have been informed that the Judge Brooks House has been saved and is about to be off on a new adventure.
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“Adventure?”, you ask? Why yes! It is heading off for a little R and R (Restoration and Rehabilitation) in the tropical island of Oahu where it will be resurrected! Now THAT’S an old house adventure!
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26/09/2021

FABULOUS AND FREE just about says it all! The circa 1806 and 1812 Gatewood House has gotta go! This architecturally significant Federal house has been moved twice to save it from demolition and, no, I can’t tell you how it ended up on 11 foot piers and practically on top of another Federal house!
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The simple but finely details exterior features beaded siding, stepped casings, and a wonderfully large and elaborate cornice. Inside, the rooms are grand and gracious with 12’ ceilings on the main level, STUNNING period mantels, JAW-DROPPING original corner cabinets, and so many sophisticated details popular in the early 19th century!
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With a full three stories of living space, the hall-parlor plan includes two living rooms, a library, a dining room ready for even the largest gatherings, a more recent kitchen wing, six bedrooms, two bathrooms, and three winding staircases! 🤩
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The Gatewood House is a rare opportunity to save a high-style vernacular Federal house with a well documented history and an original floor plan that can so easily work for how we live today. Come see it for yourself at the October open houses! MORE INFORMATION is available on my website: go to “Houses to Save” and click on the image of Gatewood House. 50 + pictures and additional information are currently being added to the webpage, so please bear with me!

https://www.savingoldhouses.com/gatewood-house

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23/09/2021

I’ve just learned that my favorite crazy exuberant eclectic Queen Anne/Colonial Revival is endangered by demolition!!! As I understand it, the circa 1901 Carmean-Hatcher Mansion will need to be moved but, short of that, I’ve got nothing. 😑
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Do any of you guys have more information or can you tell me who to contact??? Let’s figure out a way to save this fantastic old house!
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📸 by Trevor Babcock

21/09/2021

715 Dickinson St, New London, WI
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What’s your favorite thing about this circa 1910 Shingle Style Colonial Revival?!? Is it the dramatic roofline, the original woodwork, or the pocket doors? Could it be that shady front porch? Maybe it’s even the 1950s Ming Green bathroom!
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From the agent: “GLORIOUS CHARM & CHARACTER - 'Turn of the Century Lady' w/INCREDIBLE French Doors, Hardwood Floors, Wainscoting & Beaming! Enter the Grand Front Porch to a SUPERSIZED Living Room GORGEOUS FP, French Doors, HW Flrs & BEAUTIFUL Staircase leads to Bright, Sunny Dining Room open to HUGE Kitchen w/Cabinets Galore, APPL INCL & Hidden Storage Areas! Office Den w/ Massive Built-Ins, Half Bath PLUS 1st FL Laundry! Two sets of Staircases lead to BREATHTAKING Master BR PLUS 2 ADDT BRs & FULL BA UP, PLUS 3rd Floor 'Ready to be Finished'! Full Basement, landscaping, 2+ Car Garage on double city lot!”
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3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2,098 SF of AMAZING old house on .33 acres offered by Sandra Dufrane Century 21 Ace Realty at $229,900!!!
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14/09/2021

If you like this door, you’re going to love the circa 1806 and 1812 Federal house that goes with it!
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NEXT UP TO SAVE! This one has all the bells and whistles so stay tuned for ALL the details - coming soon!
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13/09/2021

315 S. Main St, Fitzgerald, GA
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WOW!!! This grand circa 1910 Colonial Revival has so much potential! With beautiful stained glass and spacious rooms with high ceilings, this one promises to be a show-stopper. Original mantels, beautiful millwork, and heart pine floors are all just waiting to be restored!!!
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From the agent: “Historic Home located in the heart of downtown Fitzgerald. Since the early 1900s this home has been a grand feature of Fitzgerald's Main Street. Located next to Paulk Funeral Home and zoned Residential Professional, this is the perfect spot for an AirBNB, BnB, Insurance company, Law Office, Doctor's office, Event Center, Spa, ect. For almost 50 years was a prominent attorney's office but currently being used as a residence. The building features 6 bedrooms or the equivalent to 6 offices with one being used as a conference room, 2 half bathrooms, 1 full bathroom with a shower, and a reception area. There are 2 kitchen areas one upstairs and one downstairs. Parking in front on Street as well as in back with alley entrance. There is a large shop in the backyard as well. Home is being SOLD AS IS. Call today to tour this building loaded with possibilities.”
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6 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 4,144 SF of awesome potential on .28 acres offered by Lindy Bengston Keller Williams GA Communities at $149,900!!!
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23/08/2021

26800 Cash Corner Rd, Crisfield, MD
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Back again and STILL AMAZING! This circa 1790 and later telescoping house is just too cool and so, so, so ORIGINAL! It really has the best of each period of its construction; transitional Georgian mantels and paneling, gorgeous federal casings, and every detail, quirk, nook, and cranny that we love about old houses all on over nine acres!!!
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From the agent: “This one of a kind property is a historical gem in dire need of saving! You are transported back into time the moment that you walk in the door. Built in the 1820's and boasting a deep documented history, the home is listed on Maryland's top ten list of endangered historical properties. With some love and attention it could be restored back to its former glory. Situated on over 9 acres of natural beauty, there is plenty of room for exploring and getting back to nature. The property is close to the waterfront town of Crisfield. Attractions near by include Somer's Cove Marina, and Janes Island State Park. Make sure you look through the documents attached to learn even more about the property! Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history! Purchase includes parcels 27 & 29 , Tax map 72.”
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3 bedrooms and 1,776 SF of awesome potential on 9.25 acres offered by William Quillin of ERA Martin Associates at $74,999!!!
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Saving Old Houses

24/06/2024

23/06/2024

22/06/2024

07/10/2021

06/10/2021

27/09/2021

26/09/2021

23/09/2021

21/09/2021

14/09/2021

13/09/2021

23/08/2021

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