Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Fixer Upper

Have you ever fantasized about buying a fixer-upper to renovate?
I certainly have!  
So when a "friend of a friend" mentioned that he had found a wine country retreat in our neighborhood, we drove by for a look-see.

Although we have driven by this house a million times, we had no idea that it was abandoned, and as neglected as it is.  It seems like no one has lived here for at least 10 years.  
I don't know the story on this house, but Mr. A and I were imagining all sorts of stories, even wondering if it is haunted!

A craftsman, built in the early 20's it felt like old, rural California, harking back to a time long ago when the road in front was probably a gravel country road.

Trying to take a photo of the interior, I discovered the view in the window's reflection.

This is what the front porch looks out to.  A beautiful vineyard!
Although the house sits very close to the road, I imagined a picket fence and arbor with a lawn and boxwood!

Inside, the house looks like it hasn't been touched, ever.
All the moldings are original redwood.  The floor plan looks great and the possibilities are endless.

If only these walls could talk!
It's almost like the house is embarrassed by her condition, begging to be loved again.

The original kitchen.
Oh my....

 
The best part of the kitchen:  this wood burning stove.

Although we couldn't go inside, we could see that this is one heck of a project.
It would be a shame to tear the house down and build a new one though.

However, looking at the crumbling exterior, it would be a huge undertaking.

I thought about how many times I have read magazine articles about a house in such a bad state of repair, abandoned and neglected, only to be bought by someone with a vision, willing to restore it!

The ultimate before and after article that makes me want to buy a fixer-upper!

That's why I took so many photos.
If my "friend of a friend" actually buys this, I know he will lovingly restore it.

With all the surrounding property, barns and outbuildings, this could be his forever home.

I'm going to wait and see what happens to this wonderful old house and keep you posted.
Hopefully, someday I can show the "after" photos!

What do you think?
Is this a fixer-upper or a money pit?
Are you brave enough to take on a project like this if you had a chance?


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31 comments:

Sonia said...

I love the bones of this home. The wood and staircase are nice. The stove is fantastic and I can just imagine what it would look like with your touch! The view from the front over the vineyard is wonderful! We were just in Sonoma/Napa 3 weeks ago..I would so love to live there! Hope we get to see the "afters"!!
Miss Bloomers

Kathysue said...

wow this is a hard one for me. I would love to be that person that would say yes I would restore it, but my history shows that I don't even paint little tables that I buy to repaint, so I would have to pass, but my heart says a resounding YES!!! Love a Craftsman and a vineyard, sounds like a winning combination to me! xo

Cindy Deas said...

What a fantastic project that would be! So much potential to bring back the home's original Craftsman details. Would love to see it after the renovation!

Rebecca said...

Yes! I CanNOT wait to see the "after"! It would be worth it all for the view from the front porch!

Oh, DO find out the story. It's gotta be good.

Katherine said...

There is something to be said for the phrase 'these old bones'. I can see why Mr. A is considering this neglected diamond. That is a million dollar view and the interior has features that shouldn't be torn down.
In 3 weeks we get the keys to our new home and the current neighbour asked us 'why did you buy this house' {we will reno from the curb all the way back - inside and out}. Like the house you have shown - it has the most incredible vista that spoke out to us.
So yes - it's a lot of work and money but it will be worth every effort.

Brooke said...

This could turn out super cute! When it is all fixed up!


=)


Keep us posted!
Have a beautiful weekend!

=)


Brooke

Unknown said...

I think its a for sure a fixer-upper and forever home! Ideas were flashing through my head as I looked at your fabulous photos.
Rainey @ The Project Table

Helen said...

***### THIS ###*** is the ultimate fixer upper, I would buy it in a minute if I could!!

Town and Country Gals said...

The house is amazing, so worth fixing up and restoring! It's one of my favorite styles, simple and straight forward. It would be gorgeous when redone, definitely a forever home!
Rebecca

The Cranky said...

I LOVE old homes and hate seeing them abandoned and crumbling down into ruins. Yes, this house would take a lot of work but imagine how she would shine! Definitely a forever home.

mommyof3 said...

Oh my! I live in cloverdale and I have driven by this home many many times. I have always dreamed of buying it and fixing it up but it is out of my price range. Thank you for showing this! I hope your friend does restore it to all it deserves to be . It is truly one I my favorite homes.

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

I hope someone buys it and fixes it up. Like you, I'd hate to see it torn down. It really has a lot of potential. The stove was amazing to see! Thanks for the tour.

Myra said...

Potential for sure.The view is amazing. Do update.

Unknown said...

I think it would be fabulous restored. I don't know if I'd have the guts to do it but if I had the resources to have someone else do most of the work I certainly would. That view alone would be worth it!

Brenda Pruitt said...

With that phenomenal view, I'd say for someone handy, it is a charmer.
Brenda

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

The details are amazing! This place deserves to be restored. I hope your friend takes it on and I hope you follow the progress and share it with all of us. These photos have me dreaming! :)

Ricki Treleaven said...

Methinks I am not brave enough for this one! TOo many irons in the fire as it is....but if I were at a different stage in my life, perhaps.....

After seeing it, do you think it has potential given the asking price?

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Oh, if I had the money I would love to restore this or any house. What fun that would be. I will be anxious to see the afters! XO, Pinky

Pat@Life At Lydias House said...

Call me crazy but I would buy it in a minute if my husband wouldn't have a fit! It has great potential!

Tricia Rose Rough Linen said...

Just the sort of thing I love to do, although I promised myself that next time I would build from scratch - never done that...

Susan Freeman said...

That sweet cottage is just singing to me. It needs someone to love it! So much charm waiting to be restored and what a fabulous view!!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Leslie said...

Lots of time, money, and patience.. well worth it though :) This home DOES have good bones as they say and the property is amazing. You all live in such beautiful country!

leslie

Helen @ Blue Eyed Beauty Blog said...

That is a beautiful house! It has so much potential! It is cute.

Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog

Cyndia said...

I would absolutely jump on it! What an incredible house with incredible views. My experienced eye tells me yes there is a lot of work to be done but I think it would be worth it.
I do hope your friend or someone soon buys it and restores it to its glory. And I freaking LOVE that stove! There's a gem, right there!

Just Spiff It said...

I see a house with lots of potential and great location. Will it be a money pit - yes it will. It all will depend on that one person finding a diamond in the rough. We bought a fixer upper - and naturally it has taken more money than we thought. What else is new?? Please keep us posted - maybe the person that buys it will be a blogger also!!
Thanks for sharing with us.

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

I can dream with the best of them!! I just love to wander around old homes that still have some of their early charm to display. For someone who loves to decorate it's the ultimate in 'playing house'. I hope your friend buys it, so you can watch the transformation. And we can share in it.

Sarah said...

It would be a shame not to rescue this property. Hopefully the numbers will work in favor of restoring the property. Thanks for giving us a peek. Hope we get to see an after.

sugarcreek said...

This house had me at the front porch...there's a soul to this home that needs to be continued.

sugarcreek said...

Can I add to my comment? We have two homes: a 100 yr old four square that we renovated and a 3 yr old walk out ranch that is deemed our retirement home. I like the new home but I love the creaks, the original door handles, the image of the original owner (Mrs. Cope) pulling the curtains across the living room door to keep out the drafts in the old house. Maybe in 97 yrs the ranch will have some patina but right now it feels like a hotel room. Someone LOVED that home, here's hoping your friend will continue the love.

Melanie said...

That is a gorgeous house and with a LOT of work and love, I think this house would be outstanding. And that view?? WOW!

Barrett said...

A tent with that view would suit me just fine!

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