This deserted historic building looks haunted and is in danger of demolition. See how historic restoration can give our old Victorian homes for sale a chance at a new life.
Historic haunted house before restoration
Historic Restoration gives this Deserted House a New Life
This “haunted house” looks friendly after being restored.
As you can see, this house has been deserted and neglected for quite a few years. It’s run down condition makes it look like the perfect setting for a haunted house nestled out in the woods near the Delaware River in PA.
Whether it really is haunted or not I don’t know. I do know that this house is in DANGER and is a good victim for a developer to plow it down and build a McMansion.
Realtors are on the front line here and play a very important role. It is important for Realtors need to be able to see past the dilapidated appearance, and see the true potential of this building and other buildings like it. They then need to find a buyer who will do the same. For many people it is difficult to visualize what this house can be.
The image above is a historic restoration performed graphically . This image can be used by Realtors as a selling aid and as an incentive for prospective buyers. If you are a Realtor and have a similar situation for houses you are selling, let me know. If the true potential of a run down home is not realized, there could be a sad ending for this an many other old Victorian homes for sale.
About this historic house:
The original house is the clapboard section wing on the left and may date to the early 1800’s. The house was then added on to with the larger main section dating to around the 1870-80’s in Stick Style.
The main section was constructed of stone then at one time a brick veneer was applied over it. This was probably done as a way to avoid repointing. See the stone behind the brick in the photo.
Brick veneer covers stone.
Unfortunately the interior has been gutted with only half the millwork saved. It is a very interesting place with a well in the basement.
Historic Restoration:
- Aluminum siding on oldest section was removed and replaced with wood clapboard.
- New door was added.
- Brick veneer was removed to expose original stonework.
- New wood operable louvered shutters are added.
- Paint.
Here is a photo of the side view. Once the house was enlarged in the 1870’s, this became the new front of the house.
Side view. Currently the front entrance.
Save this historic house!
It would be a shame for this house and other old Victorian homes for sale like it to be demolished. A house does not have to be historically significant or a prime example of great architecture to be worth restoring. Historic restoration is merely repairing or duplicating original features – not making it into a museum. People just need to be able to see past the visible faults of a building and appreciate its historic character. Historic restoration is the answer, not a new shopping mall.
This house is currently deserted and for sale with many acres of property some being leased to a farmer. (the owner is willing to split the property to make it more affordable)– This house is in jeopardy of being demolished. It is located in Durham Township, PA. and can be found here click 40.581208,-75.20106 in Google Maps.
Click to enlarge.
Compare the before and after side by side.
If your home needs help realizing its full potential contact us and we can show you what your house can be.
I’ve driven by that house many times. Awhile ago people seemed to live in the stone part.
So sad but love what you came up with!
An amazing job! Now all that is needed is someone with the desire and means to do it!
Frequently brick veneers were applied to the underlying structure as part of the original construction. They gave the house the appearance of full brick construction, which would have been more expensive than the underlying stonework, probably sourced from the property or perhaps nearby. This construction method does not always age well, since there are few anchors to hold the veneer in place.
In this example, note how the brick and window lintels seem to be coordinated with each other. From the photographs, I believe this is a case where the brick veneers were original to the addition’s construction.
Greg Hubbard