# Historic Restoration of a Haunted House

- Link: https://www.oldhouseguy.com/haunted-house/
- Published: 2013-03-12T16:19:00-04:00
- Author: Ken Roginski

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.

[⌊before historic restoration⌉⌊before historic restoration⌉[

Historic haunted house before restoration

[⌊Old House Restoration⌉⌊Old House 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 ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/blog/old-house-restoration-services).**
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.

[⌊deserted house brick veneer⌉⌊deserted house brick veneer⌉[

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.

[⌊deserted house side view⌉⌊deserted house side view⌉[

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 ](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B034'52.4%22N+75%C2%B012'03.8%22W/@40.5812114,-75.2013326,100m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d40.581208!4d-75.20106)
in Google Maps.

_Click to enlarge._

[⌊abandoned house restoration before and after⌉⌊abandoned house restoration before
and after⌉[

Compare the before and after side by side.

**If your home needs help realizing its full potential ****[contact us ](https://www.oldhouseguy.com/blog/old-house-restoration-services)****
and we can show you what your house can be.**