AGE: 114 years old at purchase
CONDITION: Poorly cared for. Blackened, ground-in bubble gum on hardwood floors, graffitti on inside walls. Structurally and mechanically sound. Antique door handles, banister, window panes, etc.
NEIGHBORHOOD: 2 blocks from a high crime corner. Residents woken many nights by gunfire and sirens. Drug dealers arranging meetings on sidewalk within 5 feet of the house.
RESTORATION: Replaced roofing, siding and a few broken windows. Added sky lights. Painted and repaired walls, ceilings and trim. Repaired, sanded and stained floors throughout.
RESULTS:
In two years we transformed the house into a solid, good looking home. We were told by neighbors that the house had gone from the worst looking house on the block to the best looking house on the block. Our hearts, souls and dreams went into our home and we still both miss our farmstead, which we had to sell after 2.5 years.
Both partners have bought new, smaller houses within a mile of the old farmstead. We are both working to make our current homes reflect the same eco-friendly values and life choices evident in our Earth Loving Urban Farmstead.
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