A New York couple hit the jackpot when they found this gorgeous 1887 Queen Anne for sale — only $46,000! It had amazing bones, including a completely octagonal room on each of its three stories. But there was a catch — it was condemed — and the bank loan would only work if the couple agreed to complete any major structural fixes and get the plumbing and electrical up to code within six months!
The couple's story is truly inspirational. They decided to devote the next six months of their life to renovating their dream house, and other than the help of a few required licensed professionals, they did the work all on their own.
Here are a few highlights from their adventure:
- They lived in the house during the renovation
- The house had no heat or running water so they joined a gym for the showers
- At purchase time, the house was split into a two-family residence; the couple merged it back to a single-family home without significantly changing the floor plan
- The front and rear porches were rebuilt in what is believed to be the original design
- 33 energy efficient windows were installed
- Insulation was installed throughout
Read More: Making a Rundown House Liveable in Just 6 Months at This Old House
(Images: Tria Giovan/This Old House)
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*audible gasp* It's STUNNING!
Freaking unbelievable. What a gorgeous house. Chris and Merle are so much braver than I would be in such a situation!
I have 2 octagonal rooms. I dream about renovating to make my kitchen lighter ad brighter, but giving up the octagonal dining room is too high a price to pay!
wow-- definitely the work of a pro!
OMG
Best renovation ever! (and I don't say this every week....)
way to go people! way to go!
love this and love them. A couple after my own heart: reviving an old home instead of putting a new one in. LOVE!
That is... wow... that is stunning. And six months ! Can you travel oversee and help with a tiny French house that has been undergoing renovations for two years, and still isn't half finished ?
When can we see the interior ?
Amazing!!!! What a beautiful home, it definitely seems as if it was worth the work.
What a payoff! My uncle has been renovating an old 1880's mansion for years now, and his girls (there's 4!) had to deal with no heat or water for many months, they were far braver than myself!
I LOVE it! It's like my dream home!
how wonderful!
would love to see the interior!
Truly impressive!
There's a link if you click This Old House. They did a great job on the inside too. Stuck to the roots of the Queen Anne style.
WOW. I am floored. They did an AMAZING job!
Amazing. Seriously.
I had had to hunt a little for this info, so I'll leave it here for anyone else interested:
"
Cost: $100,000 plus our labor.
Time frame: Six months to prepare plumbing, electrical, and structural repairs for inspection. Close to two years to complete the interior, front and back porches, and new siding.
"
$150,000 ish for home purchase and renovation = wow.